COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
CITY OF WORCESTER
The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Commissioner of Public Works for the Department of Public Works. Under the direction of the City Manager, the position is responsible for the direction, coordination, development and supervision of the Department of Public Works (DPW). This position monitors and manages the work of over 400 employees that make up the following divisions: Streets, Sanitation, Central Garage, Sewer, Water, Engineering and Administration and Finance. The Commissioner of Public Works will develop and implement department policies, programs, plans and procedures to ensure the continued growth and success of each division. This position may perform other duties as required or as dictated by job responsibilities.
The City of Worcester, located 45 miles west of Boston, is the second largest city in New England. With a population of more than 200,000 and more than 35,000 college students, Worcester is a city that offers the best of both large and small cities with its affordable housing, quality public schools, access to diverse culture, sports, restaurants and entertainment and reliable local and regional transportation. The Department of Public Works provides high quality, cost effective, efficient, safe services involving public infrastructure and facilities that enhance the quality of life and support the growth in the City of Worcester.
Bilingual and multilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.
ESSENTIAL TASKS:
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:
- Responsible for the supervision, direction and administration of all public works programs and functions.
- Determine the administrative and management needs of the department and prepare the necessary plans and programs to meet those needs.
- Plan, organize, direct and coordinate the activities of the Public Works Department.
- Confer with City officials in determining plans and policies to be observed in the conduct of public works operations.
- Direct the maintenance and upkeep of all buildings, property, materials, apparatus and/or equipment used by or designated to be under the control of the department.
- Maintain contact and work with the City Manager in planning extensions, alterations, modifications to water, sewerage, and street systems.
- Oversee new or revised work projects and needs.
- Develop annual budget and long-term capital improvement programs for the City.
- Prepare and administer departmental budget and review the allocation of manpower and equipment assignments indicated by budget or work priority considerations.
- Direct the departmental purchasing activities, including the preparation of technical specifications for equipment, materials and other items for purchasing.
- Responsible for participating the management of responding to natural and/or man-made emergencies as they arise on a 24/7, 365 days per year basis.
- Attend and participate in staff, department or other meetings, conferences, on committees, and task forces.
- Maintain contacts to keep abreast of developments in field or areas of interest or expertise.
- Oversee and participate in public outreach efforts to meet with community-based organizations as well as with area non-profit, state and federal agencies; attend meetings of the City Council as required and serve as a cabinet member of the City Manager.
- Direct, instruct, assist, check and train subordinates, directly or through subordinate supervision, as to schedules, methods and procedures, standards of performance, department or government rules, regulations, policies, activities or other matters affecting their work.
- Ensure that City of Worcester personnel rules and regulations are being upheld with all DPW personnel.
SECONDARY ELEMENTS:
- Confer with citizens, contractors, suppliers and City officials.
- Direct the investigation and disposition of complaints relative to public works services and facilities.
- See that all required records, reports, documents and other data are prepared.
- Perform other duties as necessary to accomplish job objectives in an effective manner.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Extensive knowledge of modern design, construction and maintenance methods and techniques as applied to public works management.
- Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of civil engineering with special reference to municipal engineering.
- Extensive knowledge of refuse collection, water disposal, street cleaning, snow removal methods, flood control procedures, equipment needs and building and road maintenance.
- Extensive knowledge of local, state and federal regulations and laws related to the department.
- Ability to plan, coordinate and direct large scale labor operations and to lay out and supervise the activities involved in the operation of a modem department of public works.
- Ability to do technical research, compile records and reports, develop and prepare budget requests and make practicable application of findings.
- Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, city officials and the public.
- Skilled in public speaking.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Business, Public Administration or related field of study
- Ten (10) years of related work experience in civil engineering or other public works areas
- Five (5) years of supervisory experience
- Excellent communication skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Business, Public Administration or related field of study
- Fifteen (15) years of work experience in civil engineering or other public works areas
- Seven (7) years of supervisory experience
- P.E. License in the state of Massachusetts
- Five (5) years of experience developing and preparing budget requests for a department or similar
SALARY RANGE: $113,411 - $256,385 annually, full-time, exempt, with an excellent benefits package
To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. This position is open until filled, preference given to applicants who applied on or before October 25, 2024. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, HR@worcesterma.gov.
