Job Overview

The Village of Olympia Fields, Cook County, Illinois, has an opening for a full-time Public Works Director in the Department of Public Works. Founded in 1927, Olympia Fields is approximately 40 minutes south of downtown Chicago along Interstate 57 and commuter rail lines. The Village, which is the home of the world-renowned Olympia Fields Country Club, serves a diverse, affluent population of 4,700, has a growing commercial sector and is governed by a President and Board of Trustees form of government. The Public Works Director is a key management-level position that directs all aspects of the Village’s Department of Public Works (DPW), which comprises water, sewer, and roads. The Director will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the DPW and will plan and administer all programs and functions of the DPW from an engineering, programmatic and fiscally responsible perspective. The Director will provide leadership that ensures the provision of high-quality core services and amenities to residents and visitors and will operate in alignment with the Village’s Three Guiding Principles: 1) preserving the beauty, charm, and nature of Olympia Fields; 2) improving the efficiency of government; and 3) protecting the Village’s property values. The successful candidate will be an analytical yet creative thinker and problem solver with a strong public works background and “fix-it” personality; he or she will be an energetic professional who is able to prioritize projects, manage service expectations, and craft solution-based approaches to meet the needs of stakeholders. Additionally, the Director will have demonstrated customer service, team-building, and communications skills. The position will report to the Village Administrator and is a member of the executive team.

Duties

· Plans and coordinates all programs and functions related to water, including the Village’s water treatment and distribution, sanitary sewer, and storm water management systems.

· Effectively manages emergency situations, particularly those affecting the Village’s water system and keeps Village administration apprised of status and resolution of said emergencies.

· Coordinates and manages all programs and functions related to infrastructure, street improvement and maintenance, including grading and repairs, snow and ice removal, swale repair, landscape services and street/traffic sign maintenance.

· In conjunction with the Village president, Board of Trustees, and executive team, the Director will be responsible for developing a DPW capital improvement strategy and annual departmental budget.

· Ensures the procurement of supplies, equipment and vehicles at the lowest responsible cost, consistent with the Village’s purchasing policy; effectively manages vendor relationships.

· Implements the bid process for DPW-related Village contracts and works with the Village’s engineer consistent with Village ordinance; complies with all governmental agency reporting requirements.

· Supervises DPW staff and is responsible for hiring, evaluations, and training; makes well-researched, analysis-based recommendations on DPW-related matters.

· Must be able to work daily hours of 8:00am–4:30pm, with a varying schedule that includes evenings and weekends, as needed.

Regularly attends and makes presentations at Board of Trustees meetings and staff meetings, and participates in other meetings (on- and off-site), as necessary.

Experience

· Bachelor’s degree in engineering (civil or chemical preferred) and/or public administration—MBA preferred. An equivalent combination of some post-secondary education and at least 5–7 years of relevant public works experience and training can be substituted for an undergraduate degree.

· Municipal public works experience and supervisory experience preferred.

· A Class C or higher water operator license/certification (ROIC) is preferable; must possess a valid driver’s license and CDL license.

Pay: $115,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person