Director of Public Works/ Town Engineer (20673111)

The Town of Woodside is seeking a Director of Public Works/Town Engineer to join the Public Works and Building Department under the direction of the Town Manager. The Town will select the candidate with the best combination of experience and education that aligns with the customer service values of Town Hall.

The Town of Woodside:
Woodside is a rural residential community of approximately 5,300 residents located on the San Francisco Peninsula in San Mateo County. The Town is bordered by Redwood City to the north, Atherton and Menlo Park to the east, Portola Valley to the south, and the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west. Residents of Woodside are highly educated and active in local government. The Town maintains an intricate equestrian trail system and many residents keep horses.

Woodside spans 14 square miles and is a largely affluent residential community in Silicon Valley. It has an intentionally small and rural historic business district and is home to the Village Pub, Firehouse Bistro, Buck’s of Woodside and Alice’s restaurants. The Town is currently updating its Town Center Area Plan and is seeking resident input for possible improvements to circulation, pedestrian safety, parking, development, open space, land uses and more.

The Opportunity:
The Director of Public Works/Town Engineer will provide seasoned leadership to advance progressive Town initiatives. Bringing extensive Public Works management experience with excellent communication skills, cultivates positive relationships, approachable, responsive, and innovative. The Town values transparency, accessibility and a forward-facing approach to customer service and resident engagement.

The Director of Public Works/Town Engineer will plan, organize, and provide administrative direction and oversight for all public works functions and activities, including infrastructure engineering, design and construction, streets and traffic control, engineering plan checking, permit approval, facility, parks and infrastructure maintenance.

The duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assume full management responsibility for all department services and activities including engineering, capital improvements, streets, sewer, storm drain systems, building permitting, and vehicle and equipment maintenance; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
• Manage the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, policies and priorities for each assigned service area.
• Establish, within Town policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocate resources accordingly.
• Plan, direct and coordinate the Public Works Department's work plan; assign projects and program areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; meet with key staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement; direct and implement changes.
• Provide for the selection, training, professional development, and work evaluation of department staff, authorize discipline as required; provide policy guidance and interpretation to staff.
• Oversee the development and ensure proper implementation and progress of capital improvement projects.
• Review, edit and sign off on reports to the Town Manager regarding capital improvement projects for submission to the Town Council.
• Develop and maintain familiarity with Federal, State, County and regional funding programs and maximize grant acquisition for capital projects.
• Supervise long-term and complex assignments with responsibility for project development, establishing priorities, developing timelines, evaluating work assigned to staff and assuring quality and accuracy of departmental output.
• Review and analyze claims and potential liability matters and provide professional assistance to the Town Manager, Town Attorney, Town Council and insurance claims adjusters.
• Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the department budget; approve the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; timely approval of expenditures; annual review of capital assets; implement budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
• Prepare and administer operating and capital improvements program budget.
• Explain, justify and defend department programs, policies and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.
• Represent the Public Works Department to other departments, Town Council and outside agencies; coordinate assigned activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
• Provide staff assistance to the Town Manager; participate on a variety of committees; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public works maintenance and capital improvement project administration.
• Review and advise on plans and permits for work in Town right-of-way.
• Direct the preparation of engineering plans and specifications, bidding, competence of contractors and vendors, and the selection criteria for public contracts.
• • Read and interpret architectural drawings and plans, maps, specifications and reports while managing the 3rd part building services contract.
• Perform the duties of the Town Engineer as prescribed by State Law and Town Ordinances.
• Direct projects for the construction of all municipal public works projects.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Implement, interpret and explain complex policies, procedures, codes and ordinances
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.