POSITION: Assistant Director of Public Works

Management (Exempt) Position
40-hour workweek

SALARY RANGE: Salary Commensurate with Experience and Qualifications
(Salary is negotiable $100,000 - $105,000 range)
Plus a Competitive Benefits Package

SUMMARY:

This is highly responsible supervisory and administrative work involving the day-to-day operations of
the Public Works Department, varied involvement with the Capital Improvement Plan and various land
development projects. The day-to-day operations of the Public Works Department includes the
maintenance and servicing of Township facilities, public streets, sewers, providing refuse and
recycling collection and other Public Works services.

Work involves responsibility for supervising the safe, timely and effective maintenance of Township
streets and roads, sewer systems, shade trees, traffic signals, streetlights, facilities maintenance,
Township fleet and the provision of refuse collection services and recycling operations. Duties include
assisting the Director of Public Works in the planning and supervising of Public Works division
supervisors and coordinating operations with other departments. This position also has the
responsibility for making difficult Public Works operations and service delivery decisions. Work
requires that the employee have considerable knowledge, skill and ability in all Public Works
operations.

Duties also include assisting the Director of Public Works in the administration of the Township wide
Capital Improvement Plan and the associated coordination with both the Township Engineer and other
Township Departments. Work also includes representing Public Works throughout the land
development process to review applications for input and direction related to Public Works related
facilities.

Provides assistance to the Public Works Director in the development and implementation of policies,
programs, practices and procedures required to lead and manage the Public Works Department.



SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the direction of the Director of Public Works.

PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
POSTED 10/11/22

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Assists the Director in planning and directing all public works activities. Provides daily oversight of
approximately 15 Public Works supervisory staff and coordinates activities among Public Works
divisions and with other departments and agencies. Acts for the Director of Public Works in his or her
absence or as assigned.

Gathers and analyzes information; conducts research into operations and procedures; recommends
operating procedures, policies and improvements and prepares reports.

Conducts onsite inspections of work in progress for both Public Works’ staff and Capital Improvement
Plan efforts.

Oversees the requisition of supplies and materials and supervises the department's purchasing
operations.

Assists in the preparation of the department's budget and in controlling expenditures within fund
allocations.

Works with the Building and Planning Department on various projects associated with land
development to review improvements within the Right of Way.

Assists with preparation and submission of applications to FEMA/PEMA for federal and state
reimbursement of costs incurred as a result of severe weather events.

Confers with the public, consultants, contractors and vendors relative to Public Works or Capital
Improvement projects.

Provides project management service and inspection for projects undertaken by private contractors to
ensure compliance with municipal contracts and approved plans and specifications.

Advises approximately 149 public works employees and supervises training. Administers union
contract provisions. Issues oral and written warnings and recommends higher level discipline.
Interviews job candidates and recommends selection. Reviews employee performance evaluations and
reclassification requests and makes recommendations. Promotes safe work practices.

Assists the Director in crisis situations such as flooding/high intensity rainfall, major snowstorms,
major windstorm events or loss of power.

Required to be on call outside of normal working hours.

Coordinates department operations and personnel, materials and equipment necessary for projects and
objects.

Responds to citizen groups or individuals through conferences, correspondence, electronic
communication or telephone to resolve problems and supply information.

PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
POSTED 10/11/22

Investigates resident inquiries or complaints to determine if Public Works involvement in warranted.
Coordinates any measures required by staff to address said inquiries.

Coordinates with the Township Engineer’s Office related to multiple matters including, but not
limiting to, resident inquiries, land development and the Capital Improvement Plan.

Prepares reports, letters or memos as requested by the Manager’s Office or Director’s Office.

Assists in preparing agendas, reports and presentations for the Public Works Committee and Board of
Commissioners and attends meetings, some evening meetings, as assigned.

Assists in the development and preparation of the Township’s Capital Improvement Program six-year
budget plan.

Assists the Director of Public Works as liaison between the Public Works Department and the
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in matters relating to PennDOT. Further liaison efforts
exist between utility companies such as Aqua and PECO.

Provides technical input to other departments of the Township as directed by the Director of Public
Works.

Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures;
assesses and monitors workload; identifies opportunities for improvement and reviews with the
Director of Public Works.

Reads and interprets engineered drawings and schematics of Public Works projects such as, but not
limited to, building and lighting schematics, stormwater and erosion plans, street design and layout.

Makes minor field modifications of line and grade as necessary to match existing topographic features,
achieve positive drainage, and ensure compliance with established federal, state and Township
standards, including American Disability Act (ADA) compliance. Performs mathematical calculations
through geometry, algebra and trigonometry (e.g., proportions, percentages, area circumference,
volume) for percent of grade, invert elevations, cross slopes, super elevations, volume and area.

Maintains a working knowledge of all applicable ordinances, codes or policies.

Effectively communicates decisions made by the Public Works Department to the public.

Deals with public works vendors and suppliers, partners and other agencies to purchase assets and
ensure the efficient running of the Public Works infrastructure.

Keeps informed about the latest Public Works sector developments and industry best practices through
reading and by attending public works conferences and seminars.

Performs related work or duties as required.



QUALIFICATIONS:

PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
POSTED 10/11/22

A bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Civil Engineering, or related degree from a recognized
college or university, plus eight to ten years of progressively responsible Public Works administration
experience including at least four years in a supervisory capacity, or an equivalent combination of
education and qualifying experience.

Degreed or licensed professional engineer (civil) a helpful additional qualification.

Substantial knowledge of functions, services and established principals of municipal Public Works and
civil engineering principles and practices as applied to Public Works construction, pavement, traffic,
environmental, stormwater and wastewater activities.

Ability to read and interpret engineered drawings and schematics of Public Works projects such as, but
not limited to, building and lighting schematics, stormwater and erosion plans, street design and layout.

Strong verbal, written, analytical, communication and presentation skills.

Thorough ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management,
supervisors, associates, subordinates, union representatives, contractors, elected officials and the
general public.

Ability to plan, develop and assist in the implementation of programs for the department and to
supervise the activities of many employees through key supervisors.

Skilled with Microsoft Office software.

Ability to be on call outside of normal working hours and respond to emergencies.

Considerable ability to administer policies and procedures and to perform planning, scheduling,
budgeting, decision making and report development and writing.

Good knowledge of the state/federal regulations and requirements for Public Works and public safety.

Ability to review and implement local ordinances and state stormwater and erosion control policies.

Considerable knowledge of State Codes, Township ordinances and technical specifications relating to
Township right of way and ADA requirements.

Ability to analyze, prioritize, organize and problem solve.

Demonstrated ability to lead people and get results through others.

Valid class C driver's license.



PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
POSTED 10/11/22

Ability to sit for a minimum of 1 up to 8 hours, stand for a minimum of 2 up to 4 hours and walk and
drive for a minimum of 1 up to 2 hours per workday.

Ability to bend/stoop, squat, reach above shoulder level, crouch, kneel, lift and push/pull in
performance of job functions for up to 35% of the workday.

Ability to lift and carry up to 24 pounds of tools, equipment and materials for up to 68% of the
workday.

Ability to drive an automobile.

Ability to use both hands for simple grasping and fine manipulation of tools, objects and equipment.

Ability to perform job functions using safety precautions around moving machinery, including
construction equipment.

Ability to perform job functions in all types of weather and temperatures.

Ability to perform job functions using safety precautions where loud noises may be present.

Ability to work extended hours to supervise Public Works operations up to 18 hours during Township
weather events or other emergencies.

Ability to perform job functions using safety precautions where environmental conditions may be
challenging.



SELECTION:

Based on merit, experience, training, education, writing samples, test scores and pre-employment
background checks.



HOW TO APPLY: Submit cover letter, resume and application to:

Department of Human Resources
Township of Lower Merion, Second Floor
75 E. Lancaster Avenue
Ardmore, PA 19003

or

humanresources@lowermerion.org

PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
POSTED 10/11/22