Deputy Director - Public Works Agency

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Deputy Director - Public Works Agency

Salary

$138,424.40 - $193,813.16 Annually

Location

Ventura and may require travel throughout Ventura County, CA

Job Type

Full-Time Regular

Job Number

0381PWA-24AA (KF)

Department

Public Works Agency

Opening Date

07/26/2024

Closing Date

10/31/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Description

WHAT WE OFFER

The County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package that includes:

• A General Salary Increase of 3.5% effective December 22, 2024.

• Educational Incentive: An educational incentive of 2.5% for completion of an associate's degree, 3.5% for completion of a bachelor's degree, OR 5% for completion of a graduate's degree.

• Bilingual Incentive: Proficiency levels by exam are $.69 per hour (Level I), $1.00 per hour (Level II), or $1.32 per hour (Level III).

• Flexible Workweek/Telework Schedule: We support work/life balance by offering compressed work (e.g., 9/80 or 4/10 workweek) and remote hybrid telework schedules for some positions subject to organizational needs and satisfactory performance.

• Annual Leave Accrual: New regular, full-time employees in this classification will earn 208 hours per year, increasing to 288 hours after 5 years of service.

• Annual Leave Redemption: An employee may elect to "cash in" or redeem up to 100 hours of vacation accrued in the same year after using 80 hours of vacation in the preceding 12 months.

• Deferred Compensation: Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3.00% match on your 401(k) contributions.

• Health Plans: Full time employees are afforded a flexible credit allowance for purchasing medical, dental, and/or vision insurance from a group of authorized plans: Tier one for employee only is $497 per biweekly pay period, tier two for employee plus one is $678 per biweekly pay period and tier three for employee plus family is $825 per biweekly pay period.

• Flexible Spending Accounts: Choice of participation in the Flexible Spending Accounts which increase spending power through reimbursement of pre-tax dollars for IRS approved dependent care and health care expenses.

• Pension Plan: Both the County and employees contribute to the County's Retirement Plan and to Social Security. If eligible, reciprocity may be established with other public retirement systems, such as PERS.

• Holidays: 12 paid days per year which includes a scheduled floating holiday.

• Miscellaneous Benefits: Incumbents are entitled to County-paid membership in professional organizations related to their position. Other benefits include: Disability Plans, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Benefit Reimbursement Program and a Wellness Program.

  The PUBLIC WORKS AGENCY employs Deputy Director - Public Works Agency in four (4) Departments:

• Engineering Services Department is responsible for a range of engineering services to clients in the County of Ventura organization and the public. The Department is comprised of three (3) sections, Engineering, Land Development and Survey. Services include capital program and project management, consultant services contracting, land development, grading, and land surveying.

• Roads & Transportation Department is responsible for planning, designing, funding, building, operating and maintaining the County Road System, approximately 542 centerline miles of roadway, 158 bridges, drainage and related transportation facilities and coordination of unincorporated area public transit needs.

• Water & Sanitation Department is responsible for providing high-quality water supply to meet the community’s needs in the Ventura County Waterworks District; and collects, treats and disposes of wastewater safely and efficiently, specifically for four (4) potable water systems, seven (7) sewer collection systems, three (3) wastewater treatment plants and one (1) recycled water system. The Department is also responsible for program management and administration of the County’s solid waste programs.

• Watershed Protection District operates and maintains 216 miles of improved channels, 55 dams, 4 coastal pump stations and 148 rain and stream gauges with a $2.7B current replacement value; and is responsible for planning, design (hydrology and hydraulic and structural), and construction of flood conveyance assets, and permitting authority for 950 miles of jurisdictional watercourses. The Department also provides staff to the Fox Canyon Groundwater Management Agency.

  There are currently two (2) Regular vacancies : one (1) Regular vacancy in the Roads & Transportation (R&T) Department, Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Division and one (1) Regular vacancy in the Water & Sanitation (W&S) Department.

THE POSITION

Under general direction, assists in the administration of the department; plans, organizes, integrates and directs the activities and work of a major division within the Public Works Agency; represents the Agency in matters relating to divisional responsibilities; and performs other related duties as required.

The Deputy Director - Public Works Agency (PWA) is part the PWA management team.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES

The successful candidates not only possess the minimum requirements of the positions but also possess experience working effectively with professional engineers, contractors, elected officials and others; have the proven ability to analyze complex situations, determine effective courses of action and successfully implement planned actions; have experience managing operations and organization of a large division/unit; and have excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing.

Deputy Director-Public Works Agency is a Management/Confidential position and is not eligible for overtime. Incumbents in this classification are eligible for benefits at the MB3 level.

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• In cooperation with the Director of assigned Public Works Department, assists in the administration and management of the department.

• Responsible for all activities of the division while planning, directing, and supervising division resources.

• Supervises, hires, trains, counsels, and recommends disciplinary action, and evaluates professional and technical staff; supervises subordinate staff in the assigned work unit including preparing major disciplinary actions.

• Oversees the progress of multiple active projects from initial conception to completion, including preparing standards and budget; determining feasibility; assessing environmental impact; negotiating with consultants; administering contracts; ensuring federal, state, and county standards and requirements are met.

• Oversees enforcement of a variety of County ordinances, permits, etc., including fines, fees, recording of legal notices, hearings, and educating the public to facilitate compliance.

• Develops plans, policies, standards, and procedures.

• Supervises the preparation of special written engineering reports, specialized studies, and contract documents; evaluates engineering and environmental plans.

• Coordinates activities with other divisions, departments, state, federal and local agencies, property owners/land developers, or private consultants.

• Represents the County in negotiations with resource agencies (Army Corps of Engineers, California Department of Fish and Game, etc.) for environmental or other permitting. Signs permits and agreements with resource agencies.

• Directs the preparation and administration of annual budgets; identifies needs and makes or approves purchases for necessary supplies, materials, and rentals to accomplish division assignments.

• Supervises the preparation of grant applications, securing revenue from all available resources, ensures compliance with regulations related to the expenditure of state and federal funds.

• Directs the review of work performed by private engineering firms under contract.

• Evaluates existing or proposed legislation as to its operational or financial effects on departmental activities.

• Directs the work during emergency responses of a natural or other disaster by planning, prioritizing and coordinating work with other partners, and directing the work of the Department.

• Coordinates legal issues with County Counsel, may supervise defense coordination for lawsuits against the Agency, and may appear in court as an expert witness regarding public works matters.

• Manages, designs, and implements special projects having a regional impact on the life and health of County residents.

• Supervises and directs the negotiations and preparation of joint powers agreements with other agencies; conducts negotiations with developers, contractors, consultants, and other service or product providers.

• May represent the Agency before the Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors, Regional Water Quality Control Board, or other governing or advisory bodies.

• May schedule and conduct citizen advisory committee meetings.

• May assume the responsibility of the Department Director in their absence for periods of two weeks or less.

• May visit sites and perform field review of subdivision, facilities and infrastructure construction and direct repairs subsequent to natural and man-made disasters.

• May conduct field investigations of complaints from the public and resolves issues and concerns.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications

These are the entrance requirements to the exam process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and progressively responsible experience related to the specific program assignment, which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge, skills and abilities. The required knowledge, skills and abilities are typically obtained by completion of a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering and three (3) years managing an engineering, environmental or related section at a level equivalent to an Engineering Manager II or III.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess and maintain a valid California driver's license;

• Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California: An incumbent possessing an out-of-state registration at the time of hire must obtain California registration as a condition of completing probation (i.e., within 12 months of employment);

• Experience managing a unit/team at least five (5) employees;

• Must be available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day for response during disasters and emergency repair of infrastructure/emergency events;

• Must be able and willing to walk on rough or uneven surfaces/slopes; and withstand exposure to dust, noise, chemicals, gas, fumes, and inclement weather or hazardous conditions requiring moderate to heavy physical activities; and

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Skills must be demonstrated in the completion of the employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

DESIRED

• Experience with public speaking and public contact;

• Experience with budgeting public works projects;

• Experience managing a unit/team at least five (5) employees in a Public Works agency/unionized environment;

• Experience with Road Right-of-Way;

• Experience making sound recommendations for improvements and strategic plans; and

• Experience collaborating with multiple levels of an organization and various departments or agencies to achieve objectives.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

Comprehensive knowledge of: the principles and practices in the applicable field of emphasis, either in of the branch of engineering appropriate to the assigned position or Public Works Administration; principles and practices of administration, personnel management, budgeting, supervision, safety and training; applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, regulations, ordinances including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Standard plans and specifications for Public Works construction; environmental laws and permitting relating to CEQA and NEPA; project management and techniques; and modern methods and techniques used in the design and construction of a wide variety of public works and capital improvement projects; and the principles, practices, methods and techniques used in public works disaster service and response.

Skill in : the use of computers and related software such as Microsoft Office and Geographic Information System (GIS) applications.

Thorough ability to: communicate effective orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with management and employees, government agencies/advisory bodies, private consultants, land developers, other firms and the general public; manage and provide leadership to effectively plan, direct and supervise the work of professional, skilled and semi-skilled employees in an engineering or related division; prepare & monitor budgets; effectively perform administrative responsibilities; prepare presentations and speak to governing or advisory bodies and the general public; conduct comprehensive engineering studies, prepare complex reports and make recommendations on major projects; analyze complex management and engineering problems and use sound judgment in their resolution and implementation; negotiate agreements effectively and persuasively; render decisions under controversial conditions and those involving considerable public interest based upon established policy, legal or engineering standards; and make decisions under emergency conditions such as earthquakes, during storms, and while flood fighting, based on Agency policies.

Ability to: respond to after-hours emergencies/events.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Work is performed primarily in an office environment and may include travel to and from construction and maintenance sites, which may involve working near equipment or machinery.

Recruitment Process

FINAL FILING DATE: Applications must be received by County of Ventura, Human Resources in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 31, 2024.

(Previously: T his is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time; therefore, apply as soon as possible if you are interested in it. Your application must be received by the County of Ventura, Human Resources no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.)

First review of applicants is anticipated to begin on or around August 16, 2024

To apply online, please refer to our web site at www.ventura.org/jobs. A paper application can be obtained by calling (805) 654-5129. Our address is County of Ventura Human Resources Division, 800 South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.

Applicants must provide sufficient information under the Education/Work experience portion of the application and supplemental questionnaire to thoroughly and accurately demonstrate your qualifications in order to determine eligibility. A resume may be attached to supplement your responses in the above-referenced sections; however, it may not be submitted in lieu of the application.

NOTE: If presently permanently employed in another "merit" or "civil service" public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a "merit" or "civil service" style examination, then appointment by "Lateral Transfer" may be possible. If interested, please click here (http://vcportal.ventura.org/CEO/HR/docs/Lateral_Transfer.pdf) (Download PDF reader) (https://get.adobe.com/reader/) (Download PDF reader) (https://get.adobe.com/reader/) for additional information.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE – qualifying: All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this exam at the time of filing. This questionnaire may be used throughout the examination process to assist in determining each applicant's qualifications and acceptability for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in removal of the application from further consideration.

APPLICATION EVALUATION – qualifying: All applications will be reviewed to determine whether the stated requirements are met. Applicants meeting the stated requirements will be invited to continue to the next step in the recruitment process.

TRAINING and EXPERIENCE EVALUATION: A Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) is a structured evaluation of the job application materials submitted by a candidate, including the written responses to the supplemental questionnaire. The T&E is NOT a determination of whether the candidate meets the stated requirements; rather, the T&E is one method for determining who are the better qualified among those who have shown that they meet the stated requirements. In a T&E, applications are either scored or rank ordered according to criteria that most closely meet the business needs of the department. Candidates are typically scored/ranked in relation to one another; consequently, when the pool of candidates is exceptionally strong, many qualified candidates may receive a score or rank which is moderate or even low resulting in them not being advanced in the process.

NOTE: The selection process will likely consist of an Oral Examination, which may be preceded by or replaced with a score from a Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E), contingent upon the size and quality of the candidate pool. In a typical T&E, your training and experience are evaluated in relation to the background, experience and factors identified for successful job performance during a job analysis. For this reason, it is recommended that your application materials clearly show your relevant background and specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is also highly recommended that the supplemental questions within the application are completed with care and diligence. Candidates must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.

ORAL EXAMINATION – 100%: A job-related oral examination may be conducted to evaluate and compare participating candidates' knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to those factors which job analysis has determined to be essential for successful performance of the job. Candidates must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.

If there are three (3) or fewer qualified applicants, an examination will not be conducted. Instead, a score of seventy percent (70%) will be assigned to each application, and each applicant will be placed on the eligible list.

ELIGIBLE LIST: Candidates successfully completing the examination process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of one (1) year. The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill present and future Regular (including Temporary, and Fixed-term), Extra Help and Intermittent vacancies. There are currently two (2) Regular vacancies.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: The selected candidate may be subjected to a thorough post-offer, pre-employment background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, criminal background information, and driving record.

For further information about this recruitment, please contact Kelli Fitzgerald by email at kelli.fitzgerald@ventura.org.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

YOUR BENEFITS AS A COUNTY OF VENTURA EMPLOYEE

MANAGEMENT

To learn more about Benefits, Retirement, and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), see links below.

• Benefits website (https://hr.ventura.org/benefits) or you may call (805) 654-2570.

• Retirement FAQ's (https://vcportal.ventura.org/CEO/benefits/docs/RETIREMENT%20-%20FAQs.pdf)

• Memorandum of Agreement

Union Codes: MB3, MB4, MS, MT, MCC, MU

01

The eligible list for this recruitment may be established by way of a Training & Experience (T&E) evaluation of your application; therefore, it is imperative that you provide full, complete responses to the supplemental questions below and provide detail in the Work Experience section to support your answers. Your final score will reflect any insufficient and/or missing, inconsistent information. Do you understand this statement?

• Yes

• No

  02

  Do you possess or have the ability to obtain and maintain a valid California driver's license?

• Yes

• No

  03

  The incumbents are required to be available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day for response during disasters and emergency repair of infrastructure. Are you able and willing to fulfill this requirement?

• Yes

• No

  04

  Please select the check box(es) to indicate which of the items below you possess, if any. You may check more than one.

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

• Registration as a Civil Engineer in California or out of state

• None of the above

  05

  Which option below best describes your full-time progressively responsible experience managing an engineering, environmental or related division/section of an engineering department or major engineering or surveying program?

  (NOTE: Full-time is considered 40 hours per week; anything less than that must be prorated.)

• No experience

• Some to less than 1 year

• 1 year to less than 2 years

• 2 years to less than 3 years

• 3 years to less than 4 years

• 4 years to less than 5 years

• 5 years to less than 6 years

• 6 years to less than 7 years

• 7 years to less than 8 years

• 8 years to less than 9 years

• 9 or more years

  06

  Describe your experience managing an engineering, environmental or related division/section of an engineering department or major engineering or surveying program. Include the following:

  A. Employer(s);

  B. Your job title(s);

  C. Division(s)/section(s)/program(s) you managed;

  D. Number of employees you managed;

  E. Time frame(s) (start and end dates in month/year format); AND

  F. Detailed description of your duties and responsibilities including administration, personnel management, supervision, safety and training, and budgeting.

  Respond "no experience" if you do not have this type of experience.

  07

  Describe your experience analyzing complex management and engineering issues. Be thorough and clear in your response and include the following:

  A. Your role(s)/position(s);

  B. The issue/problem/controversial condition;

  C. The engineering studies/complex reports you conducted, if any;

  D. Your recommendation; AND

  E. The results/outcome.

  Respond "no experience" if you do not have this type of experience.

  08

  Describe your project management experience relating to the design and construction of public works and capital improvement projects. Be thorough and clear in your response and include the following:

  A. Your role(s)/position(s);

  B. Types of public works and capital improvement projects; AND

  C. The results/outcome.

  Respond "no experience" if you do not have this type of experience.

  09

  Describe your public speaking experience including making presentations to regulatory and governmental officials, elected officials, engineers/consultants, private property owners, committees, etc. Provide an example that illustrates your breadth and depth of this experience; decisions you made under controversial conditions, if any; and its results/outcome.

  Respond "no experience" if you do not have this type of experience.

  10

  Describe your proficiency in the use of computer programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Geographic Information System (GIS) applications. For each item, include the following:

  A. Your proficiency level (beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert); AND

  B. Description of your use of the items to demonstrate your proficiency.

  Respond "no experience" if you do not have this type of experience.

  11

  These positions require the ability to walk on rough or uneven surfaces/slopes and work safely while exposed to construction equipment, noise, dust, chemicals, gas, fumes, inclement weather and/or hazardous conditions.

  Are you able and willing to perform these functions and work safely under these conditions?

• Yes

• No

  12

  Please select from the choices below, which position(s) you want to be considered for. You may select more than one.

• Deputy Director-R&T OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE ONLY

• Deputy Director-W&S ONLY

• BOTH Deputy Director-R&T & W&S positions

  Required Question

Agency

Ventura County

Address

800 S. Victoria Avenue LOC. #1970 Ventura, California, 93009

Phone

(805) 654-5129

Website

http://hr.ventura.org

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