The Director of Public Works shall have general supervision over the operation of all offices responsible for the following town functions and services:
Streets, highways, sidewalks, bridges, culverts, and storm drainage.
Administrative oversight of Highway, Water and Sewer infrastructure, as managed by the respective Water and Highway Superintendents.
Administrative oversight of Engineer and Assistant Engineer.
The construction, maintenance, repair, and operations of all public buildings and other properties, other than those of the School Department, belonging to or used by the Town of Cumberland.
Building, electrical, and plumbing inspection and for the issuance of building, electrical and plumbing permits.
Management of trash and recycling services, and disposal at the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation.
Any other functions as the Town Council may prescribe.
In addition, the Director of Public works:
Supervises direct reporting administrators and other employees directly, through others and through established departmental policy, general and specific orders; supervises and is responsible for the supervision and performance of all people and contractors of the operating units under his/her direction and control.
Performs highly responsible duties requiring independent judgment and initiative in planning, organizing and directing the work of the utilities, solid waste and other services and in enforcing state and local laws.
Cooperates with other departments, offices or agencies of the Town by furnishing labor, materials, and equipment provided that the cost of such cooperative effort be charged to the appropriation of the agencies thus served. Operations of divisions, staff supervision and coordination of projects including cost estimates and bid specifications on a daily basis are integral to the successful functioning of this integral department.
Performs work primarily in office and meeting room conditions which are general accessible to the physically challenged; is required to inspect facilities and related operating conditions; is occasionally exposed to weather conditions.
Inspects facilities, job sites, operations, equipment, testing procedures, technical and other reports as necessary to provide appropriate direction, instruction and verify infrastructures are consistently operating to meet or exceed regulatory and other performance standards.
Serves as Town liaison for the State and Federal Agencies.
Interacts verbally and in writing regarding technical matters with other managers, committees, professionals external to Town government, subordinates and office staff; periodically communicates with the Town's customers, vendors and others; most information is subject to public disclosure, but must be appropriately stated to factually communicate circumstances but not cause undue alarm; communicates in person, over the telephone, in written form and makes public presentations.
Errors in judgment and in managing the Town's public works department, including sewer, highway, employees and contractors can result in significant financial loss, the disruption and/or poor quality of related environmental services, and impose undue and substantial expense recovering from errors.
Supervision of engineering responsibilities for subdivision and town projects.
QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum qualifications are a four (4) year Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited university.
The Director of Public Works shall be a registered professional engineer licensed in the State of Rhode Island with experience in public works.
Ten (10) to fifteen (15) years of progressive responsibility in the areas of civil, sanitary, or water supply, public works construction, and public facility maintenance.
Knowledge of Federal, State and Town regulations related to streets, roads and public construction is mandatory.
Ability to interpret technical specifications and plans; proven experience in establishing and managing budgets; dedication to providing quality public service and solving citizen complaints; excellent verbal, written and computer skills. Willingness and ability to endure physical exertion and exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions related to emergency repair/maintenance of public infrastructure.