CHIEF OF ROAD OPERATIONS AND FLEET MANAGEMENT $77,952 - $104,460 Plus Excellent Benefits Apply by September 10, 2017 (First Review, Open Until Filled)
WHY APPLY? Nestled at the base of the Blue Mountains, located 5 miles north of the Oregon border in southeastern Washington, the County seat of Walla Walla is a place where scenic beauty, internationally recognized wineries, renowned restaurants, cultural inspiration, outdoor adventures and small town friendliness come together to create an experience that has landed the region on many lists, including the 10 Most Beautiful Towns in Washington in 2015, the 15 Most Underrated Cities in the US in 2015, and 10 Best Worldwide Wine Travel Destinations in 2014. If you are an experienced road operations and fleet management professional looking to lead a team of dedicated staff to provide excellent services to a close-knit small town in an area abundant with amenities, this is the right position for you! The City of Walla Walla is home to an all- American downtown corridor and 20 public parks, which offer miles of recreational trails. The City is known to be the "hub city" for medical, professional and business services for Southeastern Washington and Northeastern Oregon. Major employers include food-processors, machinery and irrigation manufacturers, and schools and colleges, including Whitman College, and Walla Walla University. The area boasts three 18-hole golf courses, over 100 world class wineries, recreational trails, swimming pool, and local rivers allow for residents of all ages to enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities, including picnicking, recreational sports, cycling, fishing, hunting, golf, and winter sports in the Blue Mountains. The City also has outstanding public and private schools, including Whitman College, a four year liberal arts college and the oldest college in the state, Walla Walla Community College and Walla Walla University, a private four year institution in College Place. The second largest city within Walla Walla County, the City of College Place, was given its name in 1891, after Seventh-day Adventists in Washington and Oregon decided to establish a college in the area adjacent to Walla Walla's southwest border. Today the area is home to just over 9,000 residents, and is primarily residential. Home to the majority of Walla Walla University s students, the College Place campus is located about three miles west of Walla Walla. THE COUNTY THE COMMUNITY With a population of roughly 61,000, Walla Walla County covers an area of just under 1,300 square miles, and is the perfect place to experience all four seasons with its warm sunny summers, crisp yet moderate winters and spectacular springs and falls that fill the area with color. Walla Walla has long been known as one of the most fertile agricultural areas in the nation, producing such crops as wheat, asparagus, strawberries and the famous Walla Walla Sweet Onions. The city of Walla Walla is the county seat and is the largest city in the county with a population of 31,132. The County was formed on April 25, 1854 and is named after an Indian name meaning many waters. Walla Walla County is a full-service county, with 275 full-time equivalent employees spread over more than 22 departments, and has a 2017 operating budget of $84.4 million. The organization is led by a three member full-time Board of Commissioners elected on a partisan basis to staggered four-year terms. The County provides services including licensing, recording, elections, property assessments, passports, planning, building permits, road maintenance, district and superior courts, public safety, community health, coroner, juvenile justice center, emergency management, 4-H programs, master gardeners and a fairground with a great annual fair over Labor Day weekend. In 2016 Walla Walla celebrated their 150th year fair. 2 P a g e
THE DEPARTMENT The Walla Walla County Department of Public Works consists of a diverse staff of 59 engineers, surveyors, construction and GIS specialists, equipment operators, road maintenance crews, mechanics and professional support staff operating across all of Walla Walla County. The Public Works Department is responsible for the planning, engineering, design, construction, operation and maintenance of approximately 1000 miles of county roadways, 200 bridges and over 6 miles of flood control channel. Department staff also coordinates design and construction of new development transportation infrastructure, provides county-wide GIS support, oversees the County stormwater management program and manages the County s vehicle and equipment fleet. The Department s overall 2017 budget is nearly $25 million broken out across four separate funds including $20.4 million for County Road Fund Operations, $3.5 million for Equipment Rental & Revolving Fund Operations, $400,000 for Mill Creek Flood Control District Operations, and $650,000 for Stormwater Maintenance Utility District Operations. THE POSITION Under the direction of the Director of Public Works, the Chief of Road Operations and Fleet Management provides oversight, direction and daily management of three road maintenance districts and a vehicle maintenance shop comprised of approximately 38 employees operating across a 1300 square mile county with close to 1000 miles of road. The position is responsible for developing the $5.5 million road maintenance portion of the annual county road budget and is responsible for and day-to-day management of the same. The Chief of Road Operations and Fleet Management is also responsible for the maintenance of six miles of the Mill Creek Flood Control Zone District (MCFCZD) channel and develops the MCFCZD budget accordingly. The position oversees the integrated vegetation management program, signing/traffic control operations, and procurement of road maintenance supplies and materials. The position also serves as the County Fleet Manager, which includes planning, managing and directing the annual work program for the Fleet Services (ER&R) Division with more than 250 vehicles and other pieces of heavy construction equipment. This position requires professional work in county road operations and maintenance using extensive knowledge of general and specific road and bridge maintenance procedures and methodology. The Chief Road Operations and Fleet Manager supervises 38 employees including the Assistant Chief, three road foremen, one maintenance shop supervisor and associated road crews and mechanics, and serves as one of two primary advisors to the Director of Public Works. Other responsibilities include: Develops and executes annual road maintenance budget, MCFCZD budget and the Equipment Rental & Revolving Fund. Plans, coordinates, and prioritizes major road maintenance projects and activities. Oversees daily road maintenance operations county-wide, providing foremen guidance and assistance to ensure use of best maintenance management practices. Develops, implements and manages a comprehensive fleet management program including purchase, replacement, maintenance and rental of the county-wide fleet. Plans, coordinates, and prioritizes the annual maintenance for MCFCZD. Procures equipment, supplies, services and materials in accordance with federal, state and local acquisition regulations. Investigates road related complaints, claims, accidents and other incidents and develops recommendations for resolution. Personnel management of road maintenance and fleet personnel to include hiring, firing, performance counseling and evaluations, employee recognition and discipline. Facilitates labor-management relations to include collective bargaining contract negotiations. 3 P a g e
OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES Budget The current road maintenance budget is stable and adequate to provide an acceptable level of service to the citizens of Walla Walla County. If future costs of maintenance activities and associated materials increase faster than supporting revenue, the Department will need to further improve efficiencies by tweaking operational processes and procedures so crews can do more with less. Better, faster, cheaper is the way of the future. Modern Fleet The current Public Works fleet is arguably one of the best in the region. Major crew equipment includes Mack Tandem Axel dump trucks, CAT 140M and 160M graders, CAT 980H loaders and CAT 430E backhoes. All equipment is new and replaced at regular intervals to ensure crews enjoy the best equipment available to get the job done. Equipment maintenance costs remain low with mechanics primarily focused on preventive maintenance activities. Carefully managing rental rates will be essential in maintaining a modern, quality fleet. Aging Workforce 50% of the current workforce will retire over the next five years. Many employees have worked for the Department more than 25 years. Although Department leadership will lose some level of experience and institutional knowledge with each retirement, such turnover presents a tremendous opportunity in shaping the future workforce to meet the challenges of tomorrow. This position will play a critical role in future recruiting of quality employees. IDEAL CANDIDATE Education and Experience: A Bachelor s degree in engineering, public administration, business or a related field, and five (5) years of progressive experience in the administration, performance, and supervision of road maintenance/construction, and at least two (2) years of supervisory experience in fleet operations and budget management is required. Candidates must have a valid driver's license. A Professional Engineer License, Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) or Certified Public Fleet Professional (CPFP) is preferred. Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Ability to comprehend and use complex budgeting software and fleet management programs. Ability to operate county vehicles, traffic measuring devices, and assorted instruments and equipment necessary to perform the job duties. Knowledge of supervisory techniques, methods and policy, and the ability to manage and direct activities of professionals and sub professionals. Knowledge of road and bridge maintenance and construction practices, engineering principles and procedures. Knowledge of road maintenance and construction equipment and operation. Knowledge of traffic control signing, construction zone signing and pavement marking. Knowledge of environmental regulations and requirements, and the ability to administer personnel laws, regulations and policies. Knowledge of union contracts and related actions. Knowledge of accident investigation and documentation for liability protection. Knowledge of public sector budget preparation, implementation and management. Knowledge of county contracting and purchasing procedures. Knowledge of permitting processes involving driveways, private roads, road cuts, franchises and special events. Familiarity with vegetation control techniques and procedures. Familiarity with equipment maintenance and repair. 4 P a g e
Familiar with emergency operations and incident command system. Ability to interpret basic engineering plans and specifications with respect to maintenance and construction projects. Ability to understand and execute oral and written instructions. Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relations with supervisors, coworkers, other departments, other agencies and the public. Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing. Ability to interpret federal, state and local government codes and laws. Ability to operate equipment associated with the position in a proper, safe and skillful manner. Ability to work independently with minimum supervision. Ability to obtain a valid vehicle operator s license as required by the position. Knowledge of both maintenance management and fleet management principles and practices. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS $77,952 - $104,460 DOQ Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Life Insurance Employee Assistance Program 10 Paid Holidays & 2 Floating Holidays 12 Days Sick Leave 10 Days Vacation Washington PERS Retirement Plan Please visit: www.co.walla-walla.wa.us Walla Walla County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by September 10, 2017 (first review, open until filled). Applications, supplemental questions, resumes and cover letters will only be accepted electronically. To apply online, go to www.prothman.com and click on "submit your application" and follow the directions provided. Resumes, cover letters and supplemental questions can be uploaded once you have logged in. www.prothman.com 371 NE Gilman Blvd., Ste 310 Issaquah, WA 98027 206.368.0050 2017 Prothman. All Rights Reserved. 5 P a g e