The City of Salisbury, North Carolina is seeking an experienced, creative and strategic leader to serve as our next Assistant Public Works Director.

The City of Salisbury is a dynamic place to work with 450 full-time positions available. We are an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to providing "Excellent Service Always" to our residents, visitors, and workers through a full range of municipal services including law enforcement, fire protection, zoning and code enforcement, public works services, and water and sewer systems.

We have a strong work culture that is built on the ability to handle critical and stressful events successfully, and we are committed to meeting the high expectations of our residents for engagement and service.

Our council-manager form of government is led by the Mayor and four at-large council members, who are responsible for setting policy, approving financing, and appointing officials and members of various boards and commissions. We have a strong financial foundation, a Standard & Poor's rating of AA-, and a Moody's rating of A3. We have received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) 31 years in a row.

If you are looking for a rewarding career in a city with a strong sense of community and high quality life, consider joining the team at the City of Salisbury. Our diverse and dedicated workforce is committed to making a positive difference in our community.

The City of Salisbury is located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, along several major economic routes including Interstate 85, 35 miles northeast of Charlotte and southeast of Winston-Salem. Salisbury being well-connected to many major cities is on trend for future development and growth.

It is also home to a diverse population of 37,000 community members that value arts and culture, with a rich tradition of civic volunteerism and support for arts education. In addition to a variety of entertainment options and four higher learning institutions, Salisbury is a place where residents can live, connect, learn and play. The city is dedicated to preserving its history while embracing technology, growth, and sustainability.

Salisbury is a welcoming community that values inclusivity and diversity. The city actively promotes a wide range of experiences for people of all cultures and ages:

Performance theaters
Golf courses
Restaurants
Symphony
Greenways & trails
Breweries
Art galleries
Yoga & fitness studios
Shops
Museums
Parks & sports complex
Parades
Four higher education schools
Yadkin river & High Rock lake
Festivals (Cheerwine)
OPPORTUNITIES

Recruitment and Retention - Assist with the recruitment, selection, and retention of department personnel.
Budget- Support the department with the development and administration of the Public Works operating and capital budgets.
Collaborative Leadership - Coordinate Public Works activities with other departments, vendors, and agencies.
Operations - Plan, collaborate, and monitor activities to meet the goals and objectives of the department.
Infrastructure - Aid the department staff in planning and implementing services in the construction and maintenance of city infrastructure and assets.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Public Works serves as the central source for the . management and administration of activities and operations related to 6 divisions: Cemeteries, Grounds Maintenance, Facilities Maintenance, Fleet, Solid Waste, and Street & Stormwater.

We maintain and improve city owned cemeteries, roadways, sidewalks, stormwater systems, public right of ways, and park and recreational areas. We are responsible for collecting yard waste, household waste, and recycling for the citizens of Salisbury. We also maintain the City’s fleet of vehicles and buildings and oversee inclement weather response.

This department has 77 budgeted positions and $11.7 million total budget for FY2022-2023.

IDEAL CANDIDATES

The ideal candidate should be an established leader in the public works field with comprehensive knowledge of the modern principles, practices, and techniques of Public Works administration and management, including recruitment, training, and operations related to the Public Works Divisions. The city desires an energetic leader with proven ability and passion to engage staff and shape the culture of an organization while integrating policy and best practices.

The ideal candidate should be a creative leader bringing innovation to the Public Works Department with the ability to solve problems, think strategically, identify alternative courses of action, provide recommendations, and leverage technology to improve services.

The new assistant director should have experience working collaboratively to enhance the values of customer service, inclusiveness and teamwork. Employee relations and communication is a priority and the ideal candidate should be approachable, open-minded and willing to be hands-on with employees and to create a positive atmosphere for employees within the department.

Capacity and interest to be an effective mentor and leader for staff to inspire excellence is also desired.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

· Reports to and advises the Public Works Director and officials on public works projects and activities.

· Manages and plans the activities of all Public Works Department staff; ensures coordination of activities with other departments.

· Ensures proper maintenance of City structures and equipment.

· Plans and monitors activities to meet the goals and objectives of the department.

· Researches and recommends operational changes to the Public Work Director.

· Performs or oversees selection, promotion, training, counseling, and disciplining of department personnel.

· Meets frequently with subordinate supervisors to solve more complex problems; sets priorities and deadlines and provides guidance and direction.

· Makes field inspections of public works projects to review progress and ensure completion.

· Engages with citizens concerning service request and complaints; investigates and decides or recommends actions;

· Attends various committee, council, community and inter-agency meetings to represent the Public Works Department.

· Assists with the development of the departmental operating and capital budgets; monitors and approves expenditures; researches and prepares specifications for purchase of equipment; estimates the cost of construction and other projects.

· Prepares and updates department policies and procedures.

· Performs technical engineering work and advice in support of departmental functions.

· Plans, organizes, and monitors a variety of contracted work.

· Coordinates governmental inter-agency and City inter-departmental activities and projects.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

· Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public works administration, planning, engineering, designing, and construction.

· Thorough knowledge of engineering principles and practices related to design and construction of infrastructure.

· Thorough knowledge of related City policies, state and federal laws and regulations.

· Thorough knowledge of the equipment and materials used in the construction, maintenance, and repair streets.

· Thorough knowledge of modern governmental budgeting, personnel, and purchasing practices.

· Thorough knowledge of safety practices and issues related to work supervised.

· Ability to supervise subordinate supervisors including effective communications, motivations, staffing, and coaching.

· Ability to interpret and prepare complex detailed records and reports.

· Ability maintains effective working relationships with City officials, other public officials, employees, contractors, and the general public.

· Ability to present ideas effectively in oral and written form.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, public or business administration, or related field, and extensive experience public works supervisory, administration, and/or capital projects experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

· Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.

· Prefer Registration as Professional Engineer in North Carolina.