Employment Opportunities

The City of Cresco (pop. 3,888) is seeking qualified candidates for Public Works Director.
Duties include oversight of public works staff involving streets, storm sewers, waste water treatment, water, and various projects. Experience in public works, street maintenance, heavy equipment, supervisory, and administration responsibilities is required. Extensive public contact; excellent interpersonal skills required. Must have valid Iowa driver’s license w/ CDL and pass pre-employment physical and drug screen. Salary DOE. Benefits include vacation and sick time, longevity pay, life and health insurance, subsidized AFLAC coverage, and IPERS.
Return application and resume to cityhall@cityofcresco.com or 130 N Park Place Cresco, IA 52136 by November 6, 2023. EOE
General Summary. Responsible for assisting supervisors in all operations of the Public Works Department, including administration and supervision of all city activities for the operation, maintenance and repair of city streets, storm sewers, water system, and sanitary sewer system. Performs work, supervises other department employees, and administers all contracts for work performed under the supervision of the Public Works Department. Position works with private contractors and supervises vendors on City projects. Position has considerable direct contact with the public, and acts as Code Enforcement Officer for nuisance properties and vehicles. Position operates vehicles, machines and equipment used by the Public Works Department. This position will also coordinate with contractors performing projects conducted by private entities that affect functions under the Director’s responsibility. While the Public Works Superintendent will be consulted and advise on such projects, this position is not responsible for oversight or review of private projects such as subdivisions; or projects for which the City has hired an engineer, architect or similar consultant to inspect and oversee on behalf of the City.
Essential Functions with input from the department heads.
• Assist supervisors in the operations of the Water, Sewer, and Streets
• Conduct annual performance reviews of employees and supervisors.
• Assure reports are prepared accurately and submitted timely.
• Coordinate with private contractors for City projects.
• Review and issue building permits and other permits or licenses.
• Coordinate enforcement of the City’s nuisance property and vehicle ordinances.
• Public contact and problem resolution for all Public Works functions.
• Support of the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Adjustment. Prepare documents for P & Z and BOA meetings and public hearings.
• Review plats, zoning requests and similar items submitted to the P & Z Commission.
• Coordinate with City Clerk on the Capital Improvements Program and Budgeting Process.
• Coordinate with City Clerk on day-to-day City operations.
• Other duties as assigned by the Mayor, working with the City Council.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Entry Level Requirements
• High School Diploma, “GED” or equivalent.
• At least one year of experience in public works, contracting, or public works related field.
• Iowa Driver’s License with CDL
• May be required to obtain state certifications for water and sewer operations.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of the principles and practice of all public works functions performed by the department, including but not limited to: street construction, maintenance and repair, snow and ice removal, winter street maintenance, water treatment, water distribution, wastewater treatment, and wastewater collection. Knowledge of the processes and procedures related to these functions, and laws and regulations related to the public works functions. Knowledge of the effective and proper operation and maintenance of all vehicles, equipment, machines and tools used by the Public Works Department. Skill in the use of all tools, equipment and machines used by the Public Works department.
Effective written and oral communication skills. Interpersonal and problem-solving skills required for dealing with the public residents, businesses, contractors, fellow employees, and City Council. GIS mapping knowledge or ability to learn and administer is a requirement. Computer knowledge for writing letters and notices of violations, tracking work, and writing or responding to email.
Ability to manage self and public works department employees effectively. Ability to plan and complete a wide variety of projects, including but not limited to: construction and construction related projects, ongoing routine work, and snow removal; ability to work with contractors and outside agencies on an ongoing basis and a project basis. Ability to exercise sound judgment in decision making and setting work and project priorities. Ability to read, write and comprehend the English language as needed to communicate effectively with supervisor, elected officials and the public. Ability to interpret and enforce the Cresco Code of Ordinances.
Working Conditions
Physical Characteristics: Works in a typical office and construction field environment, subject to extended hours during the construction season and winter for snow removal; on-call during non-office hours to respond to emergency calls and for snow removal and to respond to occasional work-related inquiries from the public or City personnel. Must possess physical ability to inspect and monitor construction projects or activities. Must be able to move heavy objects such as manhole lids or inlet grates, climb and walk over uneven terrain. Work includes sitting in a set position to operate various types of equipment for prolonged periods of time, as well as walking over uneven terrain, bending, twisting and pushing at times. Ability to lift objects weighing up to 70 pounds to at least waist level and carry them up to 10 feet unassisted.
Environmental Characteristics: Work conditions include all variety of temperature and other weather-related conditions that may reasonably be expected out of doors in northern Iowa. The work environment may include unpleasant images and/or odors.
This job description is not intended to limit the responsibilities of any employee assigned to this position to those listed herein. The employee is expected to follow any other reasonable instructions and perform any other reasonable duties when requested by the employee’s supervisor and/or City management. The level of involvement may vary based on the City’s need and individual capabilities.