City Of Freeport - Public Works Director Position Opening
The City of Freeport is seeking qualified applicants to fill the Public Works Director full-time position.
Download the employment application (PDF)
Responsibilities of this position include: The operation and maintenance of the municipal water and wastewater systems, snow removal, maintaining streets, City buildings and parks, operation and maintenance of City vehicles and all other related equipment, physically demanding labor, frequently lifting up to 70 pounds unassisted following all safety precautions, performing duties in inclement weather, and any other duties assigned.
The ideal candidate must possess good public relations skills. Must have a flexible schedule and be willing to be on call to work some evenings, early mornings, and weekends within a 15 minute response time.
Requirements include: A high school diploma, a valid Commercial Drivers License, a Class “D” Water Operator’s license, and a Class “D” Wastewater Operator’s License. Applicant must agree to and successfully pass a background check, a physical, and drug testing. Competitive salary dependent upon qualifications. An excellent benefit package is provided with this position.
A job description and job application can be obtained by contacting the City of Freeport at 320-836- 2112, E-mailing cityfrpt@albanytel.com, or through www.freeportmn.org.
In you are interested in the position, please send a cover letter, resume, and completed job application to Paul Hetland; Freeport City Hall; 125 E. Main St; P.O. Box 301; Freeport, MN 56331. Application materials must be received no later than 12:00 P.M., May 30, 2008.
The City of Freeport is an Equal Opportunity Provider
Position Description
Public Works Director
Department:
Public Works
Reports To:
City Clerk
Street & Utility Commissioners
City Council
Directly Supervises:
PT Maintenance Worker
Position Objective
Responsible for general maintenance/utility/public works activities. Duties include maintenance of water lines, sewer lines, lift stations, buildings, streets, and the city park. Is responsible under supervision for the operation of the water and sewer systems.
Duties & Areas Of Accountability
Water/Waste Water
Check pumps and lift station daily. Test fluoride and chlorine levels weekly. Obtain water and wastewater bacteria, fluoride and 04C samples quarterly and take for testing. Obtain required lead, copper and nitrite samples. Check ponds weekly and discharge in the spring and fall. Rod wastewater lines in the spring. Pull lift station pumps annually and service. Perform well drawdowns and calculate specific capacity. Flush water main dead ends monthly. Flush entire system annually, turn all valves and service hydrants. Fix water main breaks. Turn water on at city park and ball field in the spring and shut off and blow out in the fall. Prepare end of month and annual water and wastewater reports. Attend water and wastewater schools. Respond in a positive manner to citizen complaints, determine cause and correct problem.
General Maintenance/Repair
Perform meter maintenance or rebuild meters as necessary. Repair water line breaks. Pull and service lift station pumps annually. Perform main/service repairs as needed. Inspect and repair storm sewer and repair manholes as necessary. Service equipment and tools as necessary and annually. Change engine oil and filters on all equipment and vehicles as needed. Perform repairs in Council Room and Pump House as necessary. Plow snow and sand streets during winter months. Grade roads, fill cracks, gravel and repair streets and roads as necessary. When snow is predicted check if it snowed at 4:00 am. Remove snow from streets and sand streets. Run all small engines and generators if not used during the month. Flush all dead end hydrants monthly. Perform Gopher locates. Grease siren annually. Perform weed and grass inspection. Clean and service water system including flushing, oiling, cleaning, exercising and painting hydrants as needed. Perform necessary repairs and general maintenance to city facilities including shelters, posts, parking lot chains, etc. Respond in a positive manner to citizen complaints, determine cause and correct problem.
General Custodial
Sweep city streets monthly during spring, summer and fall months and as necessary before events. Sweep Main Street every week. Paint cross walks and curbs in the spring. Paint Council room walls and ceiling and pump house when needed. Pick up garbage around town and empty barrels on Main Street daily/weekly. Sort recyclables. Clean and organize maintenance shop as necessary. Trim trees along streets annually. Pump water out of all fire hydrant barrels. Cut and trim grass on all city property weekly, road ditches as needed and pond dikes three-four times during summer months. Fertilize lawns annually. Open frozen storm sewers as necessary Trim all shrubbery and clean rock beds in the spring. Re-install portable curb stops in parking lot in the spring. Put up and take down banners as necessary. Re-seed grass areas as needed and clean up in spring. Clean washroom including sinks, stools, walls and floor. Clean Council room floor, walls, windows and water dispenser. Clean water tower annually. Clean exterior of City Hall/Fire Hall annually. Put up and take down City Christmas decorations. Clean all equipment after each use. Clean and service all city facilities including shelters, posts and parking lot chains as necessary. Pick up dogs and care for as needed. Set up, take down, clean and fix voting booths annually. Respond in a positive manner to citizen complaints, determine cause and correct problem.
Administrative/Office
Pick up mail daily. Maintain daily log of tasks completed. Read water meters monthly. Prepare water bills for mailing. Order new inventory and re-stock as needed. Take inventory annually. Keep abreast of new procedures, practices and methods. Attend City Council meetings as requested. Respond in a positive manner to citizen complaints, determine cause and correct problem. Maintain positive image for the city.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
- Limited self-supervision is required on a daily basis. Self-prioritizing, scheduling and work accomplishment are required.
- Considerable knowledge of the safe use of department equipment.
- Considerable knowledge of tools, methods, operations and materials used in the department
- Considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary to perform all position duties.
- Knowledge of MN Department of Health, MCPA, and Stearns County requirements and considerable knowledge of safe water laws as pertain to utility operations.
- Knowledge of city ordinances and state laws as they pertain to position duties.
- Considerable skill in operating equipment for general maintenance work on water and waste water systems and street and road projects.
- Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
- Ability to perform mathematical calculations, to analyze data and prepare reports.
- Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and to determine solutions to a variety of utility maintenance and repair problems.
- Considerable ability to perform water system maintenance and repair.
- Considerable ability to perform wastewater system maintenance and repair.
- Ability to read, write and understand English and follow oral and written instructions.
- Considerable ability to climb ladders, and manipulate tools and objects requiring manual dexterity.
- Attend conferences and seminars as directed.
Physical Abilities/Attributes
- Must have ability to climb a ladder to access wastewater manholes.
- Must be able to work in areas with exposure to chemicals and various environmental conditions such as dust, dirt, disagreeable odors, and humidity.
- Considerable ability to perform heavy manual labor for long periods, (in excess of 8 hours a day) sometimes under adverse conditions. Examples would be snow plowing water main break repairs etc.
Minimum Requirements
- High School graduate or equivalent. One-year vocational-technical coursework preferred.
- Possession of a valid Minnesota Class B Commercial Driver’s License.
- Minnesota Class D water and wastewater operators and Type IV Bio Solids licenses.
- One-year previous experience in water/waste water systems, general maintenance, and repair work desirable.
- Previous experience with equipment operation required.
- General mechanical aptitude.
- Ability to perform physical requirements of position.
This description describes the general nature and work expected of an individual assigned to this position. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.
City of Freeport - Mandatory Tasks Requiring Physical Exertion
Department: Public Works
- Remove and install chlorine tanks at pump houses. These tanks weigh around 235 pounds.
- Read water meters monthly. Almost all of the outside reader’s heads are less than four feet above the ground level and require bending, or stooping.
- Flush dead end water mains monthly and complete system once per year. Requires opening and closing all fire hydrants with 18 to 20 turns with an 18” spanner wrench and remove hydrant caps.
- Repair fire hydrants due to frost or other damage. Requires lifting from 27 to 150 pounds.
- Repair or replace sections of water mains that break. Requires descending from excavated area that is 12 feet deep, and working in water and mud making the necessary repairs.
- Clear snow from fire hydrants with front-end loaders and scoop shovel.
- Remove covers in the wastewater collection system. Descend and ascend 5 foot to 20-foot manholes for repairs and inspection as needed.
- Clean wastewater collection system annually. Requires 8 to 10 days per year lowering and raising cleaning equipment from manholes.
- Handle 55 gallon garbage/refuse barrels.
- Operate trucks and tractors to haul and plow snow, sand streets.
- Rig trucks for snow plowing and regular use. Requires installation and removal of the snowplow, wing and sander from dump truck. This operation occurs several times per winter season.
- Mix sand and salt for street sanding. Requires handling of 80 lb. Salt bags and some hand shoveling. Install and remove street decorations.
- Street repair requiring hand shoveling of hot bituminous mix, and operating a jackhammer.
- All OSHA standards must be complied with.
W/PAY.EQUITY/JOB.DESCRIPT.MAINT.WORKER
Current City of Freeport Employment Benefits
Health Insurance – 100% employer-paid family coverage (Health Partners)
Life Insurance – $10,000 policy (Minnesota Life)
Holidays – 10 paid holidays: New Years Day, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, noon on Christmas Eve Day, and Christmas Day.
Vacation – 5 days paid vacation the first year, 10 days the second year, accrued per pay period. Additional vacation time provided based on longevity of employment.
Payment for certification and licensure maintenance required by the city.
Payment of membership dues for professional organizations within budgeted amounts.
PERA – 6% Retirement Contribution