Transportation & Drainage Director (Unclassified)

JOB CODE: 3080

PAY GRADE: 2360

SALARY RANGE: $85,474 - $142,346

LOCATION OF WORK
Department of Transportation & Drainage

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of the Mayor-President, this at-will position directs, manages, supervises, and coordinates the management and operations of City-Parish transportation related functions. Work involves responsibility for City-Parish traffic engineering, operations, and signal and sign installation and maintenance; construction improvement projects; inspection and compliance for new roadway construction; peer reviews of design and engineering plans; bridge inspections and repairs; contractor oversight of engineering studies and design engineering; road rehabilitation programs; flood control including levee permits and inspections; and capital improvement programs involving highways, bridges, drainage, and flood control. Duties include representation of the department in a variety of public forums (e.g. Metro Council meetings) and full management of the assigned services and related activities including financial and engineering planning, operation and maintenance, contract management, and customer service. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Directs design and construction engineering involving preparation of design plans, specifications, and review; directs various projects with private engineers, architects, federal, and state agencies; responsible for meeting operating budget and goals. Directs traffic engineering and operations involving signs, traffic signals, and the operation of the Advanced Traffic Management Center. Ensures staff understands and applies federal, state, and local codes and ordinances, which govern engineering design and construction and traffic engineering. Develops and implements goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the assigned service areas, programs, and operations. Recommends and administers policies and procedures. Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; plans, develops, and implements methods and procedures designed to improve operations, minimize operating costs, and promote the most efficient use of labor and material. Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plans of direct reporting managers and support staff; assigns responsibility for work activities, projects, and programs; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems. Negotiates contracts and coordinates at a high level with consultants regarding major projects and activities. Oversees and directs the development and administration of the annual budget including the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies. Oversees and participates in providing customer service to internal and external customers by responding to and resolving escalated sensitive inquiries and complaints; negotiates sensitive and controversial issues. Appears in a variety of public settings to represent the department, including Metro Council meetings, public hearings, public outreach programs, and before various boards and courts to testify in appeals and other legal actions. Plans, monitors, and evaluates the performance of assigned managers and staff; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets; provides feedback to recognize performance or coaching for performance improvement and development; takes disciplinary action, up to and including termination, to address performance deficiencies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the principles and practices of design and construction engineering and traffic engineering, particularly as applied to municipal public works. Knowledge of the modern developments, current literature, and sources of information regarding professional engineering. Knowledge of all types of constructions, materials, methods, and stages of construction. Knowledge of applicable state, federal, and local laws, ordinances, policies, and procedures. Knowledge of principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration. Knowledge in providing effective performance feedback and conducting performance appraisals. Ability to plan, schedule, and supervise a large group of professional, paraprofessional, skilled, and semiskilled employees in a variety of engineering and construction activities. Ability to negotiate agreements and contracts. Ability to read and accurately interpret plans, specifications, and blueprints. Ability to manage public works projects. Ability to prepare and administer program budgets, including capital budgets. Ability to analyze complex operational and administrative problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend and/or implement effective courses of action. Ability to lead the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and management controls. Ability to select, motivate, and evaluate staff and provide for their training and development. Ability to communicate effectively with staff and customers by building trust, establishing partnerships, and developing collaborative problem solving approaches. Ability to represent the City-Parish to the public. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to prepare clear and concise records, reports, correspondence, and other written materials. Ability to make decisions recognizing established precedents and practices, and to use resourcefulness and tact in meeting new problems. Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative within general policy guidelines. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City-Parish officials and managers, representatives from other government entities, engineers, architects, vendors, and contractors.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS