Director of Public Works, City of Canandaigua

The City Manager is seeking a demonstrated leader to serve as Director of Public Works. The person will have strong administrative and leadership skills and be a strategic planner, trustworthy, highly responsible, and committed to customer service, internally and externally.

The Native American translation for Canandaigua is the Chosen Spot and this designation holds true today. Located on the northern shores of Canandaigua Lake in the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York, the City of Canandaigua (pop. 10,500, 4.83 sq miles) is known for its scenic and historic charm with a vibrant downtown featuring a variety of locally-owned shops, galleries, restaurants and breweries. Not only is Canandaigua Lake beautiful, but it also provides rich recreational opportunities such as swimming, fishing and boating.

The City provides a full range of municipal services including water treatment, waste water treatment, solid waste collection, fourteen parks and safe & walkable streets and sidewalks. The Department of Public Works is the largest City Department with 57.84 FTEs. The City’s Department of Public Works is divided into five bureaus, each led by a Supervisor, which include Central Garage, Parks and Recreation, Streets & Solid Waste Collection, and Utilities (Water, Sewer, Street Lights). The Water Treatment Plant and Water Resource Recovery Facility are supervised and operated by Chief Operators.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director of Public works reports directly to the City Manager and is responsible for the management, maintenance and operation of public works which includes water treatment and distribution, sanitary sewer system and treatment plant, care and maintenance of streets, sidewalks, storm sewers, parks, municipal buildings and property, street lighting, collection of solid waste and maintenance of vehicles and equipment. The Director of Public Works is a vital part of the City’s management team.

Responsibilities include administration of the Department of Public Works including administration, operation, planning, policy formation, budgeting and financial management and inter-governmental relations for public works activities

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and five (5) years of experience in the construction, installation, maintenance and repair of either streets and parks or water transmission and distribution systems or sewer systems, two (2) years of which involved planning and supervising the work of subordinate employees; or
Associate’s degree in construction technology, engineering technology or closely related field and seven (7) years of experience as stated in (1) above, two (2) years of which involved planning, directing and controlling the work of subordinate employees; or
High school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and nine (9) years experience as stated in (1) above, two (2) years of which involved planning, directing and controlling the work of subordinate employees; or
An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of above.
*Possession of a Professional Engineering License is strongly preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES The Director must be knowledgeable, experienced and respected in the complexities and operations of public works, utilities, and capital projects. The Director must also know how to navigate through challenges, obstacles, controversy, constituent interests and legal matters to affect positive results. The position requires a combination education and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, experience, and abilities to perform the variety of tasks carried out by a Public Works Director.

Demonstrates an ability in performing strategic planning, solving complex problems, and addressing the public works activities of the City, Ability to prepare and present written and computer generated reports; Ability to communicate with City Staff and the public, both in writing and orally; Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, materials and equipment for street and parks construction, installation, maintenance, repair, cleaning and upkeep; thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, materials and equipment for water transmission and distribution system and wastewater system construction, installation, maintenance, repair and cleaning; thorough knowledge of Federal, State and local laws and regulations applicable to all city public works operations; good knowledge of the principles and practices of budget preparation; good knowledge of materials and equipment cost estimation, planning capital improvement projects; ability to read and work from blueprints, plans and technical drawings; Ability to supervise staff and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. The successful candidate will have exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to interact and socialize with the general public, staff and other related officials.

SALARY
The starting salary range is $105,000-120,000 depending upon qualifications and experience along with a highly competitive benefits package that includes participation in the New York State and Local Retirement System, health insurance, vacation and personal time, sick leave and other benefits.

HOW TO APPLY
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply by Monday, February 12th, but applications will be accepted until filled, please check the City website.

Interested applicants should submit a professional cover letter and resume to
John D. Goodwin, City Manager, 2 North Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424.
jdg@canandaiguanewyork.gov