DIRECTOR OF
PUBLIC WORKS
There is a lot to be excited about in the Public Works Department of the City of Chickasha! Momentum is the word being used to describe the direction of the City. The department is poised to add 10 employees and begin work on many needed projects. This will be a major relief to a talented staff that has been doing a lot with not enough assets. Moreover, the Council and other leaders in town are all pulling in the same direction to move the town forward. Over the last 10 years, the City of Chickasha has conducted multiple studies regarding the condition of our roads, clean water treatment, wastewater treatment, storm drainage, and distribution. Unfortunately, most of the recommendations have not been implemented. This is due to many factors including a lack of a
Capital Improvement Plan which prioritizes the projects, and a poor revenue model that hasn’t covered the cost of water production. Over the last 12 months, however, the City has acquired a new City Manager and Finance Director who have uncovered millions of dollars in lost revenue. Due to these discoveries, the Public Works department will be adding 10 positions to the department and start implementing the recommendations of these studies, which are sorely needed. The City is also undertaking two large planning projects, a Comprehensive City Plan and a Capital Improvement Plan. Together, these plans will establish proper lifecycle management of assets and move all departments of the City forward in a planned, systematic approach.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The City of Chickasha’s Public Works Director reports directly to the City Manager. This position is tasked with maintaining public infrastructure including roads, street lights, street signs, drainage, water treatment and distribution and wastewater collection and treatment. Purification of clean water and treatment of wastewater are both contracted out to U.S. Water Services Corporation (USW). Other responsibilities include two public cemeteries, maintenance for city-owned buildings, abatements as needed, and other various tasks. The Public Works Director oversees 20 to 30 full-time employees, with more on the way, and typically 5 or 6 temporary employees as needed. Currently, an Interim Public Works Director is leading the department until a fulltime Director is hired. Additionally, the City is actively working with engineering firms regarding the construction of a new water treatment facility! This City has a contracted city engineer that will be appointed as the project manager, but he will work very closely with the Public Works Director, City Manager, and Finance Director throughout the project.
LEADERSHIP & INNOVATION Key priorities for Chickasha’s new Public Works Director include:
• Ensuring the fee schedule for the department reflects true cost of services • Developing a long-term plan for capital improvements including infrastructure and equipment • Set and maintain high expectations for facility cleanliness • Stay current on and employ best practices in Public Works management through involvement in professional organizations and training opportunities
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The Public Works Director is a critical component in city leadership, as their department’s work is a reflection of the vision and direction of the City of Chickasha. The Director is a high-visibility position in the city, and articulating our priorities and needs effectively to the public is critical. High expectations for attention to detail customer service is a must. The commitment to running a Public Works department is not always a Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. position. While evenings and weekends are typically considered time-off, it is expected that the Director will respond to phone calls from the City Manager for emergencies as needed at any time. In addition to managing city infrastructure in its current state, the Public Works Director should have a vision for modernizing that infrastructure.
EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION
• Prior experience managing a department of at least 10 people required • Experience developing and maintaining a department budget as well as forecasting budgetary needs required • Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Certifications in Public Works, Water Treatment, or the ability to obtain certifications quickly is desired
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
This is a full-time, salaried position with an annual salary of $65,000 - $90,000. The City of Chickasha offers a full suite of benefits including medical insurance, dental insurance, paid time off, retirement plan and flexible spending plan. Optional voluntary coverage includes vision, life insurance, short term disability, long term disability, accident, cancer and critical illness. Paid time off includes: • 80 hours of vacation leave is banked at time of hire, with an additional 80 hours accrued during the first year of employment. In year two and after, 160 hours of vacation leave will be accrued. • Sick leave is accrued at 8 hours per month, with an initial bank of 80 hours of sick leave available • 10 paid holidays
QUESTIONS? Please contact:
• Cindy Rogers, Human Resources/Finance Director • (405) 222-6013 or cindy.rogers@chickasha.org • Tyler Brooks, City Manager • (405) 222-6045 or tyler.brooks@chickasha.org
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates can apply online at chickasha.org/jobs or scan the QR code below. Please upload your resume with application.