County Judge Public Works & Grant Director
Job Description
Exempt: Yes
Department: County Judge
Reports To: County Judge
Location: Courthouse
Safety Sensitive: This position is designated as safety/security sensitive and is subject to pre-employment, reasonable suspicion and random drug and alcohol screening.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION
This position is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating and improving services and infrastructure associated with Saline County by improving policies, practices and procedures applicable to public works projects; plan and assist in managing and researching for long term programs that would develop the growth of Saline County; perform professional and technical work for the development and administration of grants to support Saline County projects and priorities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Reviews all current county policies, practices and procedures applicable to public works operations and make recommendations for changes which would enhance productivity or quality of services. Recommends major changes in programs to the County Judge and Quorum Court.
- Develop and maintain close relationships with community partners, other public agencies, elected officials and department heads.
- Provides direction and assistance to all in matters regarding planning, development of subdivisions, infrastructure with the County, extra-territorial jurisdiction and the affects to the growth corridors and areas of concern within the Office of Emergency Management, Road and all divisions under the County Judge's Office.
- Serves as the liaison between the general public and divisions, including outside government agencies and organization interacting with County government.
- Prepares correspondence on the more technical aspects of work being performed by the various divisions related to operations, policies and procedures, construction projects for the County Judge's signature.
- Conducts and assists in special projects assigned by the County Judge and prepares detailed reports based on results.
- Develops, implements policies and procedures for the smooth operation of public works and infrastructure of County owned property.
- Develops, implements policies and procedures for long-range planning for enhancing services for the County to ensure the public well-being, health, and safety.
- Assists in negotiations and ensures compliance with consulting engineers and organizations engaged in major construction projects; reviews, approves and sends to the County Judge for approval of appropriate change orders, pay estimates modifications and extension of contracts.
- Assists in research for new programs or technological improvement in the public works area; reviews proposed new programs and equipment to determine the need for further review or authorize implementation.
- Review proposed changes in planning rules and regulations to ensure compliance with legal requirements and Quorum Court policies; provided information and answers to questions related to for members of the public and any affected organizations.
- Review requests for services and complaints related to public works projects or programs; responds to requests and complaints by correspondence or in person or direct the question to the appropriate department.
- Provides technical information to the County Judge regarding public works projects; responds to the County Judge's request by providing information or investigates problem situations.
- Serves as liaison with County departments, federal, state and city agencies and intergovernmental agencies planning and implementing public works projects involving other agencies or involving funding from outside sources including grant research and funding applications, including reporting requirements throughout the grant cycle.
- Reviews grant applications or funding of public works projects to ensure that all information is complete and in compliance with policy. Works with finance to ensure grants are appropriately accounted for in the annual budget.
- Established procedures and internal monitoring and reporting systems to assure effective grant program administration and compliance with local, state and federal reporting requirements. Maintain an up-to-date database of grant information, including a calendar of grant deadlines to be shared with the County Judge's office and Financial Office.
- Follows grants process and ensures County feedback and required reporting are completed in a timely manner.
- Attends monthly staff meetings, Metroplan and Central Arkansas Planning and Development District meetings as a representative of the County Judge and other meetings as assigned.
- Other duties as assigned by the County Judge.
- Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty mentioned satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Broad knowledge of such fields as business or public administration, community development or engineering or a closely related field equivalent to a four-year college degree, plus 7 years related experience and/or training, and 4 years related management experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze, and understand common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents; ability to respond to complex or difficult inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community; ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format; ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
- Five (5) years' progressive experience in planning and development from previous municipal or public sector planning.
- Considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations;
- Considerable knowledge of the budget process;
- Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing;
PREFERRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
- Preferred certification or ability to obtain AICP certification (American Institute of Certified Planners).
- Registered Professional Planner completed within two (2) years of employment.
- Project management experience preferred.
- Knowledge of basic engineering principles/practices/methods.
- Certification or training in grant writing and/or administration.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS
Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities may include but not limited to interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Coordinates, consults and may provide directions for any/all divisions under the County Judge. At times may exercise direct or indirect supervision of contractors or a moderate number of employees utilizing semi-technical work requiring direction and assistance.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position is scheduled to work Monday/Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM with paid holidays off. This position may involve heavy travel and/or work maybe extended into the evening/night hours.
While performing the functions of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to work near moving mechanical parts, outdoor weather conditions; frequently exposed to work in high, precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, vibration; and occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals, wet or humid conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.
Highly repetitive, moderately physical. Highly repetitive type of work which requires somewhat diversified physical demands of the employee.
While performing the functions of this job, the employee is continuously required to talk or hear; regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms; and frequently required to stand, walk; occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision; distance vision; color vision; peripheral vision; depth perception; and ability to adjust focus.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The duties listed above are intended only to show the various types of duties that will be performed. The omission of specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the positions. All positions within the County Judge' s Departments are assigned by the County Judge or his representative and are subject to change when deemed in the best interest of the department.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between Saline County and the employee and is subject to change by the employer if the need of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Group health, dental, life insurance and retirement are provided for the employee and are paid by the County for the employee's coverage. Retirement is provided through the Arkansas Public Employee's Retirement System.
SALINE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
