Nature of Work
The Director of Public Works is a member of the City's Development Services and Infrastructure Leadership Team responsible for advancing the vision of the City's Comprehensive Plan by providing strategic leadership and direction for all activities that comprise the City's Public Works Department. Work includes, but is not limited to, the planning, budgeting, and oversight of employees engaged in the short and long term construction, operation and maintenance of the City's infrastructure assets and facilities within the Divisions of the Public Works Department.  This includes Administration, Engineering, Land Development, Infrastructure Maintenance, Fleet and Facilities, and Environmental Services. The Director provides leadership that develops, reviews, updates, and implements a strategic vision and plan for the Department employees and infrastructure assets. In addition, the Director is an active member of the City's Leadership Forum which is responsible to collaboratively advance the City Council's priorities, fosters the organizational Core Values, proactively engages the community, and furthers other organizational initiatives. The Director is also a member of the DSI Leadership Team helping to advance the goal of being America’s most innovative development services team.  
  
This position reports to the Deputy City Administrator for Development Services and Infrastructure and requires considerable independent judgment, discretion, and initiative in carrying out the responsibilities of the Department and organization's short- and long-term vision and goals, objectives and plans.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The items below are representative of the scope of work performed within this job classification.  
*Lead and implement a strategic vision and plan for the Department that is in alignment and supportive of the City's strategic goals and objectives.

• Lead the development of a strategic vision that enhances the community, motivates and inspires Department employees; create a strategic plan for the Department to address future service delivery needs.
• Apply organizational and management best practices to the periodic analysis and evaluation of work programs, procedures, policies, and operational needs of Department functions.
• Develop an annual action plan for the Department and create performance metrics to ensure each Division is achieving goals and objectives.
• Conduct Department leadership team meetings to facilitate information sharing, develop team goals and objectives, work through key decisions and/or issues affecting the Department, and focus on leadership development.
• Participate actively on the City's Leadership Forum and collaborate with them to fulfill the City's strategic plans and objectives.
• Communicate Department goals and objectives with Administration and elected officials, including bringing information to study sessions, communicating critical issues timely, responding to concerns and questions in a timely manner.  
• Serve as a catalyst for sustainable community growth through the investment and stewardship of the City’s infrastructure.  

*Exercise a leadership style that fosters teamwork, promotes team initiative, and provides professional growth opportunities for Department employees.

• Apply organizational and leadership practices to the periodic analysis and evaluation of work programs, procedures, policies, and operational needs of Department functions.
• Create key performance indicators to ensure the achievement of goals and tactics.• Conduct Departmental leadership team meetings to facilitate information sharing, development of team goals and objectives, work through key decisions and/or issues affecting the Department, and focus on employee development.
• Actively participate on the City's Leadership Team and collaborate with the Departmental employees in setting and fulfilling the City's strategic plans and objectives.
• Foster a collaborative leadership style that encourages inclusion, teamwork, promotes staff initiative, and provides professional growth opportunities for all departmental employees.
• Develop and implement effective employee coaching and performance management strategies to ensure the achievement of organizational priorities and to create an environment that encourages innovation, teamwork, employee engagement, fiscal responsibility, and high-quality work
• Oversee the recruitment, hiring, and orientation processes for new employees and ensure strategies are implemented to obtain and maintain a diverse workforce.
• Prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion in the recruitment, hiring and development of a diverse workforce.
• Champion a positive organizational culture, teammate inspiration, and teammate engagement.  

*Ensure compliance and facilitate negotiations with regulatory agencies on behalf of the City as needed.

• Manage the Department in accordance with policies, procedures and regulations of the Federal and State Departments of Transportation, US Environmental Protection Agency, State of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota DNR, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and any other relevant regulatory agencies.
• Confer with various regulatory authorities and City, County, State, and Federal officials, as necessary, to maintain regulatory compliance.
• Provide overall leadership and direction to the divisional leaders who facilitate the negotiation process during the NPDES Wastewater Permit and MS4 Storm Water Permit renewal process.

*Provide sound fiscal management of Department budgets and finances.

• Ensure fiscal responsibility is embraced and expected of all department employees.
• Oversee the preparation and management of annual Division operating capital improvement projects budgets to ensure they align with City priorities.
• Develop multi-year, long-range, operating and capital improvement project financial plans that are supported by sustainable funding sources.
• Work collaboratively with City Administration, Finance, and Development Services Team and department employees to prioritize capital expenditures over a multi-year period.
• Recommend innovative approaches to realistically address the City's unfunded liability for street and trail maintenance. 
• Oversee the Sidewalk Improve District program. 
• Ensure proper accounting, reporting of expenditures, and budget proposals.
• Work with consultants to periodically review and update the Wastewater Utility and Stormwater rate studies and resulting rates.
• Periodically review and develop the protocol(s) for hiring outside consultants and vendors.

*Lead the department in a manner that results in high customer service satisfaction levels, leveraging of resources, and continuous improvement.

• A comprehensive community engagement program is implemented that is intended to actively engage the community and seek proactive, constant input.
• Customer satisfaction is a department priority and is achieved through formal and informal customer feedback confirming the delivery of services meet customers' needs and wants.
• Forward thinking and customer focused operating policies, practices, and procedures are established and routinely evaluated for their effectiveness.
• Ongoing evaluation and service enhancements are a priority for all employees.
• Partnerships and regional service delivery opportunities are actively sought out and maintained to reduce duplication of services, enhance service levels, and improve efficiency. 
• Collaborate with State and Local entities on project prioritization and new initiatives.  
•  A comprehensive and strategic marketing and promotions plan increases community awareness, participation rates, and program revenues.

Perform other job-related responsibilities as evident or directed by the Deputy City Administrator and City Administrator.

*ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Education and Experience

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college in Business Management, Public Administration, Engineering, Urban Planning or closely related field and at least ten (10) years of experience in a senior-level administrative position providing leadership and direction to professional and support employees.
OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

Licenses and Certifications
Valid Minnesota driver's license or valid driving privileges within the State of Minnesota prior to starting employment with the City.

Desirable Qualifications
Master's Degree in Business Management or Public Administration
Project Management experience
Registration as a Professional Engineer

About City of Rochester, MN

Rochester is located in the southeast portion of Minnesota and is the state's third-largest city. Rochester is a growing city that has been consistently rated one of the best places to live in the United States. It is the home of the world renown Mayo Clinic.

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