Transportation Services Director

Job Summary

Performs responsible leadership, administrative, managerial and professional planning, and engineering work directing the operations, systems, and staff of the Transportation Services division. With a long-term vision for the county's infrastructure needs related transportation planning for highways and transit, program delivery (traffic, design and construction engineering and administration), transit, shop and fleet, the incumbent develops short term and long term plans to achieve the vision of the County Board. Collaboratively with internal and external professionals, the incumbent develops strategic initiatives to implement this vision and provides ongoing guidance and analysis to others on technical issues and operational needs. Provides leadership that promotes effective, efficient, and professional operations that are responsive to the public's interests and needs related to transportation, mobility, economic development, and public safety. Coordinates activities with other divisions and performs administrative activities to achieve efficient and effective operations in accordance with county policy, union agreements, and applicable law.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Leads, directs, administers, and reviews the operation of division programs. Directs process changes and improvements as necessary to accomplish strategic objectives of the county. Integrates the various functional areas of the division in developing and implementing enhancements to existing programs and services as well as new programs and services.
• Assures services and programs provided are consistent with laws, rules, and accepted standards of practice through direct involvement in program development, coordination, and problem solving.
• Supervises/oversees the operations, activities, and staff (hiring, directing, assigning, setting work priorities, developing, conducting performance evaluations, disciplining) of the division.
• Develops and manages the division's annual business plan and budget (operating and capital) to address county and division needs. Identifies and allocates resources to departments to ensure division goals are attained in a cost-effective manner.
• In coordination with the Community Services division staff, assesses county needs, prepares plans and strategies for the delivery of division programs and services to address those needs, and provides leadership through the implementation plan.
• Within the division, leads implementation of the county's employee and organizational development policies and programs.
• Promotes and supports safety and loss control programs to ensure a safe and healthy working environment that will minimize hazards or risks that could result in personal injury or illness and/or property damage.
• Functions as a liaison to groups and individuals within the community and acts as a legislative liaison between state legislature and county administration.
• Keeps abreast of new legislation on policies as it would affect the division; works with county administration to coordinate legislative communication, information gathering, and testimony at the legislature as appropriate.
• Directs the preparation of required regional, state, and federal reports on program activity and effectiveness.
• Provides department managers, County Administration, and elected officials with technical information, status reports, and policy options related to division programs and operations.
• Leads and implements large-scale project plans (e.g., County Transportation Plan, annual Transportation Improvement Plan, and the Comprehensive Plan).
• Collaborates and negotiates with a wide variety of stakeholders, including elected officials; federal, state, and local agencies; contractors; business leaders, consultants; professional and technical staff on project funding, timelines, timeframes, budgets, plans, policy, right-of-way acquisition, and agreements.
• Negotiates on behalf of the county when complex project issues arise; meets and confers with a variety of professionals to ensure resolutions are reached that maintain standards of policy, law, and plan document goals.
• Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.
• Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires a Bachelor's Degree and eight years of related experience, including two years of supervision and management of professional staff.. A valid driver's license and a reliable form of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities are required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S)

Licensure as a Professional Engineer or AICP certification is highly preferred

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under broad policy guidance and direction from the County Administrator and the County Board and is responsible for the operation of multiple departments in the county. While policies and general plans are developed in conference with the County Administrator, the employee has extensive latitude for administrative decision making in accomplishing long range objectives and addressing immediate problems, particularly in areas delegated by the County Administrator as ongoing responsibilities. Work is reviewed through conferences, written reports, and objectives achieved.

The incumbent directs and oversees the work of others; including, program/service planning and delivery, personnel selection, evaluation of work performance, training, and disciplinary activities. Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.

The incumbent promotes employee professional development and provides coaching and mentoring to others.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge of federal laws and state statutes and policies pertaining to county highway systems, transit, and fleet.

Knowledge of governmental functions and organizations impacting county government.

Knowledge of computers and the use of computers for analysis.Knowledge of computer aided design and drafting systems.

Knowledge of county policies, procedures, and labor contracts.

Abilities – Ability to lead committees and achieve desired results through team concepts. 

Ability to work in arenas of conflict and bring diverse opinions to a resolution or consensus.

Ability to develop cooperative working relationships with staff from local, state, and regional agencies.

Ability to fulfill the core competencies for managers in Scott County. The core competencies are leadership, communication, innovation and creativity, and personal relationships.

Ability to analyze project needs and prepare long-range and strategic responses to meet these needs.

Ability to analyze, prepare, and manage comprehensive department budgets.

Ability to coordinate and negotiate county plans with outside agencies, municipalities, and other interest groups regarding division projects.

Ability and skill to organize, direct, and coordinate the activities of professional, technical, and administrative support staff.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Convey clearly and present concisely complex and controversial issues to decision-makers and the general public.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, other governmental agencies, and the general public.

Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.

Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires field work, typically in a construction oriented setting; and inside work, typically in an office setting. One may be exposed to construction site hazards such as falling debris, moving equipment, chemical/dust exposure, treacherous surfaces, etc. when traversing inspection sites.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.  

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.