JOB DESCRIPTION:
Under the general guidance of the Public Works Director, this position is responsible for assisting in the overall management, administration, and leadership of the Water System Operation and Maintenance Program, Sewer System Operation and Maintenance Program, and Sewer System Construction Program; and will be responsible for developing and administering plans, systems, and activities to support and promote the mission, values, vision, and strategies of the Public Works Department.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Note: All City of Fort Smith positions require the employee to provide good customer service to both internal and external customers, maintain positive and effective working relationships with other City employees, and have regular and reliable attendance that is non-disruptive. Must show cooperation and respect to fellow employees and supervisors at all times.

• Assist in developing departmental direction, priorities, goals, objectives, and initiatives to fulfill the mission of the City and Public Works Department.
• Work through program managers of the assigned programs to efficiently and effectively perform functions and achieve goals and objectives of the Public Works Department.
• Ensure that water distribution and sanitary sewer collection systems are effective and meet requirements of regulatory agencies and the Consent Decree, fulfill the need for municipal water and sewer services in the greater Fort Smith region, and successfully address any violations or inadequacies.
• Effectively respond to questions and complaints from regulatory agencies, City departments and officials, public officials, civic groups, customers, and the public; and conduct presentations to a wide variety of groups.
• Develop staff, resources, budgets, plans, and processes that promote organizational behaviors for an engaged, empowered, effective, and efficient department.
• Develop, implement, coordinate, and manage goals and objectives, operating and capital improvement budgets, and projects, water transmission and distribution systems and sewer collection systems construction and rehabilitation projects, water and sewer system condition and capacity assessments, and short-term and long-term infrastructure plans.
• Comprehensive knowledge of water distribution and sewer collection processes, facilities, operations, engineering, construction, and technologies related to water and sewer systems.
• Thorough understanding and ability to provide leadership, motivation, supervision, training, and evaluation of the workforce through program managers.
• Knowledge of the principles and processes for providing excellent customer service, interdepartmental and intradepartmental support, and public service.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements for water and sewer systems.
• Prepare Board resolutions and support documentation.
• Excellent ability to effectively communicate complex ideas verbally and in writing and to handle sensitive and confidential matters with tact and diplomacy.
• Regular attendance and timeliness is required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Directly supervises one Administrative Coordinator, one Water Systems Operation and Maintenance Program Manager, one Sewer Systems Operation and Maintenance Program Manager, and will also supervise the various personnel within the Water and Sewer Systems Operation and Maintenance Programs. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the city’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; and addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Grade 4 Arkansas Water Distribution Operator License or obtain the license within one (1) year of employment.
• Ten (10) years experience in public water and sewer systems operation and maintenance.
• Five (5) years supervisory experience including three (3) years administrative or managerial experience.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:
The incumbent should possess knowledge of financial requirements for water distribution and sewer collection systems and experience with spreadsheet software. The incumbent must have excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate complex ideas, interpersonal skills, report writing skills, as well as good organizational skills. Problem solving and analytical ability are required to perform the duties of this position. The incumbent should have the ability to develop, coordinate, and manage goals and objectives, operating and project budgets, engineering technology projects, short-term and long-term infrastructure plans, customer support processes, emergency plans, and human resources. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are also required. The incumbent should have knowledge of modern office practices, procedures and equipment. Must be proficient in the use of computer keyboarding and have a varied knowledge in accounting principles and procedures. The incumbent must be skilled in customer service and public relations. The incumbent should have the ability to develop, coordinate, and manage goals and objectives, operating and project budgets, short-term and long-term infrastructure plans, customer support processes, emergency plans, and human resources.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must frequently stand, walk, talk and hear. Occasionally sit, use hands to handle objects and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance and color vision. The ability to adjust focus and depth perception is also required.

The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 10 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Notice of Consent Decree Posting
The City of Fort Smith, Arkansas (“City”) has entered into a Consent Decree with the United States of America and the State of Arkansas (“Consent Decree”). The Consent Decree has been lodged in civil action 14-cv-02266-PKH, pending in the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas Fort Smith Division. After notice and public comment, it is anticipated that the Consent Decree will be approved by the Court. The Consent Decree is available for review or copying on the City’s website where it may be found at www.FortSmithWater.org.

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