Deputy Commissioner

Lead with Vision and Drive Progress!
Step into a pivotal role as the Deputy Commissioner with the Department of Public Services & Utilities, where your leadership will shape the future of vital city operations. From managing complex public works projects to guiding teams through strategic initiatives, this is your chance to make a lasting impact on the community you serve. Join a dynamic department and bring your expertise to enhance service delivery and innovate solutions that keep our city running smoothly!

The Deputy Commissioner assists the Commissioner in managing the daily operations of the Public Services and Utilities Department (DPSU), overseeing key divisions such as water, wastewater, fleet maintenance, engineering, highway, parks, and traffic. The role ensures that operations align with city objectives and strategic goals while providing leadership, guidance, and support to staff. The Deputy Commissioner manages projects to ensure they are completed on time, within budget, and meet regulatory and quality standards. Additionally, the role coordinates emergency response efforts, safety programs, and grant applications. Serving as a liaison with the Mayor's office, City Council, and the public, they manage public relations, citizen concerns, and personnel matters, ensuring efficient service delivery.

We are an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to promoting a multicultural work force, excellence in public service, and on-going mutual respect in our working relationships. We strongly encourage people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people from other underrepresented groups to apply for our open positions - recognizing and respecting that diverse perspectives and experiences are valuable to our team and essential to our public service. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists the Commissioner in managing the daily operations of DPSU.
• Oversees the activities of various divisions, including water, wastewater, fleet maintenance, engineering, highway, parks maintenance, and traffic divisions ensuring alignment with the city’s overall objectives and strategic goals.
• Provides leadership, guidance, and support to department staff; directs DPSU division superintendents on policy, procedure, and standards for implementing projects and programs.
• Ensures daily activities and special projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Manages and oversees operational tasks to ensure compliance with regulations and standards.
• Develops and monitors goals, objectives, and performance measures.
• Assists the Commissioner in the development and execution of long-term strategic plans for the department.
• Coordinates with other departments, contractors, consultants, and stakeholders to ensure seamless and efficient department operations.
• Assists in the coordination and management of emergency response efforts; Provides leadership during natural disasters, infrastructure failures, and other emergencies; Develops and implements contingency plans to ensure continuity of services.
• Manages and oversees snow operations, including snow removal, de-icing, and ensuring safe road conditions during winter weather events.
• Implements and monitors the department’s safety and training programs.
• Researches and coordinates all managerial and staff professional development programs.
• Engages in various employee relation matters including performance management and evaluation process, grievances, recruitment, etc.
• Acts as hearings officer on behalf of the Commissioner: attends hearings, reports outcomes, and recommends appropriate action in personnel hearings and union grievances.
• Research availability of, and prepares applications for, grants for federal or state funding assistance for public works projects and programs.
• Coordinates communication planning: media statements, press releases, inter-departmental correspondence, and public relations duties for the department.
• Responds to requests from citizens, local officials, and other City staff for information in relation to specific issues or problems; initiates appropriate corrective action to resolve problems.
• May act as liaison for the Public Works Department with the office of the Mayor, City Council, and other municipal departments.
• Attends public meetings on behalf of the DPSU as needed or required.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree with specialization in public or business administration, engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in public works management with specific experience in personnel management and operational procedures, with a minimum of three (3) years in a supervisory position.
• Any equivalent combinations of education, training and experience which provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential function of the job shall be acceptable.
• Licenses/certifications: Valid class D driver’s license required
• Strong, effective management and leadership skills; skill in developing policies and procedures to accomplish goals and objectives; imagination, innovation and judgment relating to planning and achieving department goals.
• Ability to plan, assign and supervise the work of groups of employees engaged in a variety of public works construction and maintenance operations
• Establishes and maintains collaborative and harmonious working relationships with City officials and departments, state agencies and the general public; ability to deal with employees tactfully and effectively and maintain positive relations.
• Comprehensive technical and practical knowledge of the materials, methods and techniques relative to public works projects and construction contract administration and estimations; thorough knowledge of public works financing and civil engineering practices and techniques.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, regulations and policies which govern public works facilities, operations, projects and activities.
• Communicates effectively in written and oral form; ability to prepare in-depth reports and translate technical information into laymen’s terms.
• Proficient computer and internet skills, especially in Microsoft Office programs.

WORKING CONDITIONS (The characteristics described here are representative of those that the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations are considered to ensure individuals with disabilities can perform essential functions.)

Office work and field supervision required. For work outdoors, the incumbent is subject to variable weather conditions and the hazards associated with construction sites and public works projects. Occasional evening and weekend work may be necessary. Ability to respond to emergencies outside of regular working hours. While performing the duties of the Deputy Commissioner, the incumbent is required to interact and communicate frequently with the public, government officials, other staff members and boards, and/or third parties conducting business with the City.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (The physical demands listed here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations are considered to ensure individuals with disabilities can perform essential functions.)

Employee is regularly required to walk, stand, sit, talk, and hear; uses hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms as in picking up paper, files, and other common office objects. Must be able to traverse uneven terrain and access all areas of a construction site. May lift and/or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges. Communicates verbally and in writing.

DIRECT REPORTS

Division Superintendents and Managers

HOURS

Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week

7:30AM – 4:00PM

SALARY

$89,247-$116,021

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 

Thursday, October 31, 2024 @ 4:00PM or until position is filled

Company Description

Nestled in the heart of the Berkshires, the City of Pittsfield is a vibrant and welcoming community that blends rich history with a forward-thinking outlook. As the cultural and economic hub of the region, Pittsfield offers a dynamic environment where innovation and tradition coexist harmoniously. Our city government is committed to fostering a high quality of life for all residents by delivering essential services, promoting sustainable growth, and championing a diverse and inclusive community.

Working for the City of Pittsfield means being part of a team dedicated to public service and making a real difference in the lives of our citizens. We pride ourselves on our collaborative approach, where employees are encouraged to contribute ideas and take initiative. Whether it’s enhancing public safety, improving infrastructure, or supporting our vibrant arts scene, every role within our organization plays a vital part in shaping the future of our city.

We are an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to promoting a multicultural work force, excellence in public service, and on-going mutual respect in our working relationships. Minorities are encouraged to apply. We strongly encourage people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ community, and people from other underrepresented groups to apply for our open positions - recognizing and respecting that diverse perspectives and experiences are valuable to our team and essential to our public service.

Join us in our mission to build a stronger, more connected Pittsfield, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan
• Up to 14 paid Holidays
• Personal Days
• Vacation Time
• Earned Sick Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement