Superintendent of Operations - Department of Public Works
2 days ago
Pittsburgh
Job DescriptionSalary: POSITION SUMMARY The Superintendent of Operations is responsible for performing a wide range of complex administrative, technical, and supervisory duties in support of the efficient operation of the Department of Public Works. Working under the general direction of the Director of Public Works, this position provides day-to-day leadership and oversight of the unionized Public Works workforce to ensure effective service delivery and compliance with departmental policies and procedures. The role requires significant initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to make independent decisions within established guidelines. Work is reviewed periodically for results achieved and overall effectiveness. This position is classified as exempt under the provisions of the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act and may require work beyond regularly scheduled hours as operational needs dictate. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Works directly with the Director of Public Works in planning, coordinating, and overseeing all functions of the Public Works Department., • Directs and assigns daily work, projects, and special initiatives carried out by unionized Public Works staff., • Recruits, hires, trains, and supervises all seasonal and summer employees., • Prepares specifications, supervises maintenance, and coordinates purchasing for the entire Public Works and Administrative fleet of vehicles and equipment., • Supervises, maintains, and operates the Township fueling island, including fuel management programs and inventory control., • Plans, directs, and schedules all snow and ice removal operations., • Oversees the maintenance and care of Township parks, playing fields, golf course, recreation areas, traffic islands, and other Township-owned properties including various plantings., • Plans and manages turf maintenance programs, including fertilization, aeration, and revitalization of all athletic fields, golf course areas, and other turf properties., • Assists in the design, development, and construction of new parks, fields, and municipal facilities., • Operates and monitors all Township irrigation systems to ensure proper functionality and efficiency., • Supervises stormwater infrastructure repairs, installations, and maintenance performed by unionized staff., • Supervises sanitary sewer system repairs, installations, and maintenance performed by unionized staff., • Oversees and directs the installation and maintenance of Township playgrounds., • Conducts annual inspections of Township parks and recreation facilities., • Responds promptly and professionally to resident inquiries, requests, and complaints., • Oversees and facilitates the training and development of subordinate employees., • Assists the Director of Public Works in the recruitment and selection of new employees., • Attends meetings, conferences, and training sessions assigned by the Director of Public Works., • Prepares various reports, records, and documentation as required., • Rotational on-call responsibility, to respond to emergencies and operational needs., • Performs other related duties as assigned by the Director of Public Works. QUALIFICATIONS Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices, and operations of a municipal Public Works Department, including snow and ice removal methods, equipment, and materials., • Thorough understanding of irrigation systems, techniques, and supplies used in parks, athletic fields, and landscaped areas., • Strong knowledge of maintenance and repair practices for recreational facilities, equipment, and public grounds., • Working knowledge of stormwater and sanitary sewer systems, including maintenance and repair procedures., • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex tasks accurately and efficiently in a fast-paced environment., • Proven ability to effectively supervise, train, and motivate personnel to achieve departmental goals., • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and professionally., • Strong organizational skills with the ability to plan, prioritize, and complete work assignments in a timely manner., • Proficient in maintaining accurate records, files, and documentation related to departmental operations., • Ability to analyze operational data and prepare comprehensive technical or administrative reports., • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Township employees, supervisors, elected officials, contractors, residents, and other stakeholders., • Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and exercising sound judgment in sensitive matters., • High attention to detail and accuracy, particularly when ordering materials, managing inventories, or coordinating field operations., • Must be able to work on-site during scheduled hours, as this role requires in-person collaboration and access to office resources. Education and Experience • A combination of experience and education will be considered including a bachelors degree in Business Administration, Operations, or a related field with three to five (3-5) years of related experience, an associates degree in Business Administration, Operations, or a related field with five to seven years of related experience, or equivalent work experience. SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS • Must possess a valid and current Pennsylvania State Drivers License or have the ability to obtain one prior to employment., • Possession of NASSCO Pipeline Assessment Certification Program (PACP) certification is required or must be obtained within a timeframe established by the Township., • Must be proficient in the use of computers for daily tasks, including email communication, data entry, and document preparation., • Must be able to effectively navigate and utilize common software applications such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and have a basic working knowledge of ArcGIS or similar mapping software. EQUIPMENT USED • Personal computer with word processing software; telephone; calculator; motor vehicle and truck; surveying equipment; must be able to operate all Public Works tools and equipment for instructional purposes and in case of an emergency. PHYSICAL DEMANDS • The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions., • Work is performed both in an office setting and in the field. Outdoor work is required, including inspecting project sites and overseeing snow removal operations. Hand-eye coordination is necessary for the safe operation of various tools and equipment., • While performing job duties, the employee may occasionally be required to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, hear, or smell. The position also requires using hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, equipment, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms., • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds., • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT • The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions., • While performing job duties, the employee frequently works outdoors in varying weather conditions. The employee may occasionally work near moving mechanical parts, in precarious locations, and be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration., • The noise level in the work environment is generally quiet in the office and ranges from moderate to noisy in the field. SELECTION GUIDELINES • Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required., • The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position., • The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change. USC Job Grade 8 Updated/Revised October 2025