Public Information Officer

Job Summary: Assists the Director of Public Works in the performance of a variety of complex administrative, technical, and supervisory duties in facilitation of the administrative operations of the Public Works Department, including the supervision of the rights-of-way, solid waste, and building and maintenance functions of the department.

Essential Responsibilities: Below are brief samples of common duties associated with this job title. Not all possible tasks are included. Other additional departmentalduties may be assigned by the Supervisor or Manager of the department.

· Under the direction of the Director, plans, organizes, and directs all public works activities to ensure proper maintenance and operation of the solid waste, and parish-owned buildings and lands functions of the Department

· Evaluates needs and recommends short- and long-range plans to address the identified needs in the areas of planning administration, emergency preparedness, solid waste, sewer construction, maintenance, and operation, drainage and flood control facilities, street lighting, and parish-owned buildings and facilities

· Implements departmental policies and procedures and computer application systems needed in maintaining required records in the facilitation of a systematic approach to providing needed public works services within assigned areas of responsibility

· Develops, analyzes, and interprets statistical and accounting information so as to appraise operating results in terms of cost effectiveness, performance against adopted budget(s), and other matters bearing on the fiscal soundness and operational effectiveness of the various assigned divisions of the Department

· Provides reports and interprets the results of operations to all levels of parish government management, including the preparation of financial and operational reports, as required

· Forecasts short-range and long-range budgetary requirements and obligations, as a basis for maintaining adequate funds needed to provide services in accordance with the directives of the Director

· Assists in the preparation of the annual departmental operations and maintenance budget and capital improvements budget within assigned areas

· Assists in the completions of the annual audit by maintaining and providing departmental finance records

· Assures that assigned areas of responsibility within the Department are performed within budget limitations and in accordance with cost control policies and procedures; ensures effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities, equipment and staff time

· Coordinates the application and subsequent program administration of federal and state grants for infrastructure improvements

· Assists in the selection of outside engineering and other consultants in the review of qualification statements and analysis of cost proposals to provide professional services in the design and construction management of public works capital projects

· Monitors the performance of outside engineers and other consultants to ensure compliance with departmental specifications, contract provisions, and applicable state laws in the compilation of construction plans and specifications, bid packets, and the receipt and award of construction bids; Monitors construction oversight activities to ensure that construction projects are completed in compliance with job specifications and the terms and conditions of contractual agreements

· Maintains regular contact with federal and state regulatory agencies to ensure parish infrastructure compliance with applicable and federal and state operational and maintenance regulations

· Receives and resolves citizen complaints, concerns, and questions regarding the operations of the Department

· Provides training and direction to immediate supervisors and managers to ensure that the duties, responsibilities, authority, and accountability of direct subordinates are clearly defined and fully understood; resolves grievances, reviews and conducts employee performance evaluations, reviews and recommends requests for promotions, layoffs, terminations, and wage increases; reviews recommendations and determines manpower shortages and facilitates the creation of new positions within assigned areas of responsibility

· Represents the Parish in its associations with outside agencies within assigned areas of responsibility

· Authorizes departmental expenditures as required by the Director of Public Works

· Attends Parish Council meetings, as needed, to present budgets, activity reports, and plans for future activities

· Responsible for the establishment and maintenance of all departmental records and reports within assigned areas of responsibility

· Performs the duties of the Director of Public Works within assigned areas of responsibility, in his/her absence

· Serves as a member of outside affiliated boards and commissions, as assigned

· Must have good knowledge of the methods, practices, and procedures in proper personnel administration; must possess basic abilities in the operation of personal computers, typewriters, calculators, copy machines, and fax machines; basic knowledge of computer word processing software, business English, spelling, punctuation, and basic methods and techniques in record keeping and filing systems.

· Ability to plan, evaluate, and prioritize work assignments to ensure accurate and timely implementation and completion.

· Ability to deal courteously and effectively with the public, governmental officials, and other employees of the Lafourche Parish Government.

Minimum Qualification: Bachelor’s degree or higher from four-year college or university

Substitution 1: Four (4) to six (6) years related experience and/or training

Substitution 2: Equivalent combination of education and experience in the technical and programmatic aspects of governmental public works management and planning. Substantial knowledge of local government responsibilities and programs associated with proper public works management required.

A valid driver’s license issued by a state other than Louisiana is acceptable for application; however, once an employment offer is extended for a position, an applicant will have thirty (30) days to obtain the required Louisiana license. Failure to obtain a Louisiana driver’s license will disqualify an applicant from permanent employment in any position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $39,624.00 - $78,416.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Relocate:

• Thibodaux, LA 70301: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person