The newly created Environmental and Street Services is seeking an innovative, highly qualified, service-oriented individual to lead the Operations division of the newly created Environmental & Streets Services (E&SS) Department.

E&SS was created during a recent city-wide reorganization, merging the former departments of Public Works, Solid Waste Management and a portion of Neighborhood Improvement Services into a new department that provides several public services. E&SS is tasked with providing - engineering and stormwater infrastructure services, street and sidewalk maintenance, solid waste operations (curbside residential solid waste and recycling collections, bulky item collections, waste and disposal center operations, and closed landfill management), GIS services, water quality management and stormwater billing operations.

The City of Durham’s E&SS Department is seeking a Deputy Director for the newly created Operations division within E&SS. The Operations division consists of: Street Maintenance, Stormwater Maintenance, Solid Waste Collections, Waste Disposal and Recycling Center management, and a rapid response team for various nuisance issues.

As part of the Executive Team of E&SS, this role provides strategic leadership of various operational services. Some of these services include – asphalt and concrete maintenance, stormwater system maintenance, project and contract management for various infrastructure projects, management of the City’s waste disposal and recycling center, management of the City’s closed landfill, street sweeping operations, solid waste services (curbside collections of - solid waste, recyclables, yard waste and bulky items), remediation of non-compliant code enforcement cases, removal of graffiti and clean-up of illegal dumpsites

The Deputy Director will navigate the demands and increasing expectations that have been placed on the E&SS Department and uphold high expectations and accountability of quality public service delivery. The department desires a visionary leader with the natural ability to anticipate and forecast the needs of their division, peers, and other stakeholders and be proactive in meeting those needs. The Deputy Director will demonstrate outstanding competencies in execution of daily public services, lead with a customer service focus, and effectively coordinate internally within the division/department, and with other City departments. Proactive asset management efforts and budget forecasting will be needed to ensure that various services, programs, and projects are managed and recommended for funding at appropriate levels

Overseeing a budget of approximately $42M+ and 200+ team members, the Deputy Director will be one of two Deputy Directors for the department. The Deputy Directors work collaboratively with the three Assistant Directors and Senior Technology Manager within E&SS to provide leadership, direction and support for all the services that the department provides. This position assists in the management and oversight of the daily operations and maintenance of City of Durham’s infrastructure (street, sidewalks, bridges and stormwater facilities) and is responsible for solid waste operations (residential collections, the waste disposal and recycling center, and closed landfill monitoring). This position is also the department’s liaison and representative for emergency management operations with Durham County government and serves as the department’s lead in developing and maintaining the department’s Continuity of Operations Plan.

Duties/Responsibilities
• Manages the implementation of internal operations for an assigned division; plans, coordinates, administers, and evaluates programs, projects, processes, procedures, systems, standards, and/or services; integrates operations and coordinates service areas, and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and/or standards.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates policies, procedures, strategies and goals; maintains, updates, and ensures procedural compliance; researches, analyzes, and makes recommendations for business process improvements and cost effectiveness; and designs, administers, and evaluates department programs and services.
• Manages and participates in the preparation of department operating and/or capital improvement budgets; monitors expenditure and revenues; researches and analyzes financial and operational data; prepares financial forecasts; and approves and makes budget and purchasing recommendations.
• Coordinates with, and serves as a liaison to the City Council, the public, various City departments, and/or external agencies; serves on internal and external committees; represents the department at meetings, proceedings, and conferences; provides consultation in areas of expertise, and responds to high-visibility and complex issues.
• Coordinates the preparation of, and prepares and reviews complex, technical, financial, and other reports, plans, and documents; coordinates operations data collection and analysis; develops, makes and/or approves recommendations; and reviews the work of others to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Support citywide goals: Promote equity, sustainability and resilience through the responsible care, planning and management of city infrastructure.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in civil, transportation, construction or environmental engineering.
• Nine (9) years of progressively responsible related experience.
• Nine (9) of management and supervisory experience.
• North Carolina Professional Engineer Registration.
• Valid unrestricted NC Class C Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of hire.

Additional Preferred Skills
• Ten (10) or more years of municipal operations experience within a Public Works, Engineering or Solid Waste Management Department.
• Demonstrated experience in the management of public works operations – street and stormwater maintenance, solid waste collections, transfer station management, bridge maintenance, infrastructure asset management and capital project delivery.
• Proficiency in budgeting, forecasting, and data-driven decision-making.
• Proven ability to lead during emergency preparedness and response scenarios.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• A demonstrated commitment to professional development and leadership growth.
• Experience leading major operational units that provide public services for transportation and/or stormwater infrastructure, as well as environmental services in a growing city/county.
• Technical knowledge of solid waste collections and closed landfill management.
• Experience managing front line staff (maintenance technicians, collection drivers, heavy equipment operators, etc.), business analysts, engineers, etc.
• Knowledge of stormwater and solid waste regulatory requirements for the City of Durham, the state of North Carolina, and the federal government.

Tentative Interview Schedule: Initial virtual interviews are scheduled for the week of April 13th. In-person interviews will be scheduled for a select group of candidates in late April/early May.

No relocation assistance is available for this position.