Assistant Public Services Director-Public Utilities

For doers and makers seeking a well-rounded community, Hickory is a bridge between Asheville and Charlotte at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains along Interstate 40, where a collective spirit of craftsmanship strengthens any endeavor with detail, artistry and quality.

Hickory, North Carolina, is a three-time All-America City on the Catawba River approximately one hour east of Asheville and one hour north of Charlotte. More than 40,000 residents call Hickory their home and Hickory is the hub of a 350,000 metropolitan area. Hickory has outstanding school systems, seven recreation facilities, two libraries, several golf courses, theaters, art museums, and eighteen gorgeous parks. Beautiful Lake Hickory is over 4,000 acres and has many public access areas. Please check out Hickory at www.hickorync.gov/employment or www.hickorywellcrafted.com for a web portal all about Hickory and the surrounding areas and what makes Hickory a “Well Crafted” City.

Qualified applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetics, or the presence of a non-job related medical condition or disability. U.S. Law requires all applicants to furnish proof of identity and right to work in the U.S.
Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent and must possess a valid Class “C” driver’s license from NC.

This position is responsible for the management and operation of all Public Utilities functions.

MAJOR DUTIES:

Provide leadership in operations and management of a Utility System.

Plans, reviews, approves, and oversees major projects involving the construction of a variety of utilities facilities.

Represent City in outside organizations and meetings.

Oversees the preparation, review, and approval of professional services and construction contracts.

Oversees the designs of water & wastewater infrastructure, as well as related items.

Oversees the development and administration of the Public Utilities budget.

Tracks and measures Public Utility System revenues.

Develops guidelines and procedures; supervises the work of Public Utilities personnel.

Respond to emergency situations for management and technical direction.

Manages the maintenance of records; prepares required reports.

Manages contractual agreements with Business Partners.

Inspects the work of personnel and outside contractors engaged in city projects; arbitrates contractual disputes with contractors, developers, and consultants.

Provides information regarding functions of the department to the news media.

Oversees the development, approval, and implementation of water and sewer rate schedules, including updating of Rate Model.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of the principles and practices of utility operation, construction, repair, and maintenance.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of Strategic Planning.

Knowledge of the city code of ordinances and other regulations, policies, and

procedures.

Knowledge of contract development and administration.

Knowledge of local government budgeting, financial management and purchasing practices.

Knowledge of principles of effective Utility Management.

Knowledge of relevant federal and state environmental regulations and standards.

Skill in management and supervision.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of Engineering.

Skill in analyzing data and making decisions.

Skill in establishing priorities and organizing work.

Skill in developing short- and long-range plans.

Skill in the use of general office equipment, including a computer, calculator, facsimile machine, and copier.

Skill in mathematical computations.

Skill in public and interpersonal relations.

Skill in leading large groups of professional and technical Staff.

Skill in oral and written communication.

Skill in development of personnel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.

Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the subunits in the division/department in order to direct and coordinate work within the division/department, usually interpreted to require three to five years of related experience.

Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of

North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

Certification as a Professional Engineer, preferred.

Possession of or ability to obtain apprentice level Distribution and/or Collection Operations Certification.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is typically performed while intermittently stooping, sitting, or standing. The employee frequently lifts light and occasionally heavy objects, climbs ladders, and uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.

SAFETY SENSITIVE: This position has been identified as safety-sensitive. The employee in this position will be part of a random drug testing pool. The methodology for choosing the random test subjects is handled by an outside, impartial, third party vendor.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is typically performed in an office and in the field. The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, and occasional inclement weather.