4.7 SR 10-21-2024The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community
engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Request for Action
To
City Council
Item Number
4.7
Meeting Date
October 21, 2024
Prepared By
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Item Description
Update Job Descriptions
Reviewed by
Lauren Wipper
Justin Femrite
Tina Allard
Action Requested
Approve, by motion, updated job descriptions for Public Works Foreman, Environmental Services and
Projects Specialist, and Public Works Supervisor.
Background/Discussion
With the retirement of the Environmental Services and Special Projects Director and the resignation of the
Parks and Streets Superintendent, staff evaluated existing staffing, workloads, service levels, and staffing needs.
This process is followed with nearly every vacancy to ensure public service needs are met, to evaluate the
growth and growth potential of existing staff, to seek efficiencies, and to lower operational costs.
Following this review, the Public Works Director presented a proposal for operational changes at the
Council's Regular Work Session on October 7. The Council expressed a unanimous consensus for the
organizational change.
The Foreman Job Description is updated to show the Public Works Director as the direct supervisor.
Upon approval of the positions, we will go to market to fill the positions, which will result in an annual budget
savings in 2025 and meet or exceed service level expectations.
Financial Impact
The former positions are in the 2025 preliminary budget which will be updated with the new salary/benefit
projections.
Mission/Policy/Goal
The Elk River Vision and Mission Statements
Attachments
1. 2024 Public Works Update
2. Foreman
3. Environmental Services and Projects Specalist
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4. Public Works Supervisor
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Public Works New
Public Works 2023
Public Works
Director/Chief
Engineer
Environmental
Services and
Projects Spclist
Public Works
Supervisor
Office Assistant
(2 PT)
Maintenance
Mechanics (3)
Waste Water
Chief Operator
Lead Operator
Plant Operators
(5)
Engineering
Project Manager
Facilities
Maintenance
Superintendent
Asst Facilities
Maintenance
Superintendant
Custodians (5)
Facilities
Maintenance
Technician (2)
Parks Forman
Parks
Maintenance (7)
Seasonal
Employees
Streets Forman
Maintenance
Operator (8)
Seasonal
Employees
Engineering
Consultants
Public Works
Director/Chief
Engineer
Engineer 1 Parks & Streets
Superintendent
Parks Foreman
Parks
Maintenance (7)
Seasonal
Employees
Streets Foreman
Maintenance
Operator II (8)
Seasonal
Employees
Maintenance
Mechanics (3)
Office Assistnat
(2 PT)
Waste Water
Chief Operator
Lead Operator
Plant Operators
(5)
Engineering
Project Manager
Facilities
Maintenance
Superintendent
Asst Facilities
Maintenance
Superintendant
Custodians (5)
Facilities
Maintenance
Technician (2)
Engineering
Consultants
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City of Elk River
Division Foreman
Position Description
Department/Division:
Public Works/Street and Park Maintenance
Immediate Supervisor:
Public Works Director
Pay Grade:
7E
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Last Updated: (date)
10/2024
Positions Supervised:
Street Maintenance Operators, Park Maintenance Workers, part-time and seasonal employees within division.
Position Summary
The Division Foreman manages, directs the work of, and supervises division employees in addition to
handling a variety of associated administrative duties. May also participate in field work as required and
operate light and heavy equipment.
Essential Functions
1. Performs division duties in addition to other assignments as directed by the Public Works Director.
A. Coordinates with Director to develop weekly job lists; delegates and oversees daily work order
assignments and equipment needs.
B. Works closely with administration and staff on division activities and special events.
C. Notifies Director of employee performance or safety issues.
D. Performs timely annual performance reviews of all employees supervised.
E. Develops and maintains division annual budget.
F. Develops specifications and gathers quotes for small contracts.
G. Oversees work performed by contractors and informs Director of status/issues.
H. Assists with division materials and equipment purchasing decisions.
I. Participates in the selection, oversight and maintains relationships with vendors and contractors.
J. Provides technical advice for the preparation of bid specifications.
K.Maintains accurate records (timekeeping, project costs, equipment lists, supply inventory, etc.)
L.Participates in developing and implementing improved work processes or procedures.
M.Serves as division representative in absence of the Director.
N. Ensures division employees maintain a neat, clean, and safe work environment.
2. Supervises division maintenance activities.
A. Provides daily supervision of division maintenance personnel and project activity.
a. Parks: Installation, construction and maintenance of beaches, grounds, trails, recreational and
athletic facilities; and other park facilities, lots, and equipment.
b. Streets: Pavement management, snow and ice removal; right of way maintenance, concrete surfaces,
inspect/maintain storm drain systems, compost site, street signs, and traffic control signage.
B. Ensures crews have the appropriate manpower and resources to successfully perform their tasks.
C. Conducts site inspections to ensure compliance with approved plans, codes, and ordinances.
D. Assists crews in the field as needed to successfully complete work assignments.
E. Enforces safety policies and procedures; coordinates the cross-training program.
F. Evaluates employee performance on a formal and informal basis. Performs timely annual
performance reviews.
3. Ensures the division maintains a positive image.
A. Works cooperatively with city departments and other governmental agencies (county, state, federal).
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Division Foreman
B. Receives, investigates, and responds to, or recommends corrective action to public complaints.
C. Supports the relationship between the City of Elk River and the public by demonstrating courteous
and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and city staff.
D. Promotes city goals and priorities and complies with all city policies and procedures.
4. Performs other essential job duties.
A. Regular and timely work attendance.
B. Follows all safety procedures and participates in safety training.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques in the construction, maintenance, and/or the
repair of parks, playfields, trails, beaches, irrigation systems and grounds; and in the maintenance
and repair of streets, retaining walls, concrete structures, and storm drains.
Knowledge of mechanical systems or turf management, horticulture, and forestry.
Remain knowledgeable in new developments and innovations specific to the division.
Skill to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to lift heavy objects (up to 50 pounds), walk and stand for long periods, and to perform
strenuous physical labor under adverse environmental conditions.
Ability to perform light mechanical repair.
Ability to prioritize workload and manage multiple activities simultaneously.
Ability to operate heavy and light motorized maintenance equipment.
Ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with a wide variety of park and
transportation related groups.
Ability to remain up to date on professional knowledge and skills.
Ability to effectively supervise, direct, and motivate employees.
Ability to effectively maintain data using UKG, GIS, Cartegraph and Precise.
Ability to effectively utilize Code Red Notification System.
Ability to manage inventory and order parts and supplies.
Ability to effectively use computers, electronic aids, and radios in daily communications.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent.
Three (3) years of work experience in street or park maintenance and two (2) years of related
education or five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in street or park maintenance.
Two (2) years of lead or supervisory experience.
MN Class A CDL driver’s license or ability to obtain within 6 months and good driving record.
Demonstrated ability to proficiently use computers (MS Office Suite), radios, etc.
Demonstrated ability to proficiently operate light and heavy equipment.
Ability to respond to after hour emergency calls.
Tree Inspector Certification or the ability to obtain within 6 months.
Park division only – Playground Safety Inspector or ability to obtain within 1 year.
Preferred Qualifications
Public Works Certification, Herbicide Applicators License, Certified Pool Operator License,
welding experience.
Possess an AB Operators License for Fuel Island Systems (MPCA).
This Position Description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is within the City of Elk River’s discretion
to assign additional duties and responsibilities or remove duties and responsibilities at any time.
This Position Description does not constitute a Contract of Employment.
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City of Elk River
Environmental Services and
Projects Specialist
Position Description
Department/Division:
Public Works
Immediate Supervisor:
Public Works Director
Pay Grade:
7E
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Last Updated: (date)
10/2024
Positions Supervised:
N/A
Position Summary
The Environmental Services and Projects Specialist assists and reports to the director on a wide variety of
environmental, water and project-related issues. The primary responsibility is to maintain and improve the
quality of the environment as it relates to the health, safety, and welfare of Elk River residents. This position
performs work to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, oversight of code violations, and
works to meet city sustainability goals.
Essential Functions
1. Performs construction inspection activities on improvement projects involving public infrastructure.
A. Ensures that construction is in accordance with plans and specifications.
B. Compiles and formulates necessary work progress reports.
C. Communicates effectively with affected residents.
D. Communicates city engineer’s directions to contractors.
E. Keeps records for payment and records drawings.
2. Assists with Municipal Separate Storm Sewer (MS4) Permit.
A. Partners with Engineering Project Manager on all reporting and data collection.
B. Conducts field inspection to assure compliance of projects with MS4 requirements.
3. Coordinates recycling and solid waste programs.
A. Manages the city’s recycling program and organizes solid waste collection including annual hauler
licenses, refuse franchise negotiations, and disposal contracts.
B. Maintains timely and accurate records of all program activities.
C. Responds to general inquiries and complaints regarding recycling and solid waste.
4. Responsible to oversee activity associated with ordinances including Shoreland, Floodplain, Wild and
Scenic River, Wetlands, Mineral Excavation, and others as directed.
A. Assists in the preparation of ordinances.
B. Provides technical assistance for city programs including drafting plans for tree and grass plantings,
lakeshore buffers, nutrient management planning, and erosion control.
C. Works cooperatively with state, federal and local agencies, boards and organizations to promote
environmental programs and accomplish division goals and objectives.
D. Assists with permits such as gravel mining licenses and Elk River Landfill.
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Environmental Services and Projects Specialist
This Position Description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is within the City of Elk River’s discretion
to assign additional duties and responsibilities or remove duties and responsibilities at any time.
This Position Description does not constitute a Contract of Employment.
5. Performs other general activities.
A. Assists in the initial investigation and enforcement of environmental violations such as illegal
dumping, spills, etc.
B. Serves as liaison to regulatory bodies and citizens on environmental issues as directed.
C. Coordinates water quality testing for Lake Orono.
D. Coordinates and communicates city-related activities with Orono Lake Improvement District
(OLID) Board of Directors.
E. Prepares or assists with preparation of various reports and plans.
6. Performs other essential job duties.
A. Regular and timely work attendance.
B. Follows all safety procedures.
C. Participates in technical and safety training as required.
D. Grant and partnership applications.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of local, state, and national environmental laws.
Ability to interpret plans and specifications.
Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate city policies and procedures to other public agencies and
the public both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city staff and the public.
Ability to prepare and manage multiple work programs in an efficient and productive manner.
Ability to effectively review and analyze various applications and permits.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and assume responsibilities with minimal direct supervision.
Ability to effectively interpret zoning ordinance requirements.
Ability to navigate project areas and natural terrain to complete essential duties.
Ability to efficiently process proposals and to ensure the completeness and accuracy of recommendations
made to the developers, the Planning Commission, and the City Council.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in an environmental or planning discipline and two (2) years governmental or
professional experience in an environmental or public works field; or
Five (5) years governmental or professional experience in an environmental or public works field.
Presentation and public speaking experience to varied audiences.
Certified Wetland Delineator and Solid Waste Landfill Type II Certification, or the ability to obtain both
within one (1) year of hire.
Valid Minnesota driver’s license and good driving record.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with an MS4 permit, the Wetland Conservation Act and/or Floodplain Management.
Additional experience and relevant certifications.
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City of Elk River
Public Works Supervisor
Position Description
Department:
Public Works
Immediate Supervisor:
Public Works Director
Pay Grade:
6E
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Last Updated: (date)
10/2024
Positions Supervised:
Maintenance Mechanic, Office Assistant
Position Summary
The Public Works Supervisor performs supervisory functions related to the overall management of the city fleet,
weather and emergency response, department administration, employee training, and volunteer oversight.
Essential Functions
1. Performs supervision and management activities.
A. Plans, assigns, and exercises supervision over employees engaged in a wide variety of maintenance and
operating tasks.
B. Evaluates employee performance on a formal and informal basis. Performs timely annual performance
reviews.
C. Studies and directs the development of long-range plans and budgets to ensure projects are managed for the
most efficient and economical utilization of resources.
D. Plans and recommends goals, policies, programs, and procedures related equipment services requirements.
E. Analyzes division budgets and adjusts as required to prepare final budget estimates; defines general rules,
regulations, and policies regulating budget administration.
F. Participates in the selection, placement, training and development, of department employees.
G. Conducts and attends meetings and conferences to discuss current work challenges, policy changes, safety
requirements, and other pertinent matters.
H. Evaluates effectiveness and recommends improvements to department programs.
I. Oversees activities undertaken by volunteers and ensures all safety requirements are followed.
J. Seeks, develops, implements, and manages grants for the development of facilities.
K. Completes various required reports and maintains records.
L. Establishes standards for maintenance based on adopted budgets and utilizes the most current methods,
including environmentally sensitive alternatives.
M. Coordinates snowplow events and directs efforts by all public works divisions. Responds to large scale
emergency events.
2. Supervises Equipment Services division.
A. Supervises the maintenance and inventory of city vehicles and equipment.
B. Monitors and controls expenditures for Equipment Services.
C. Supervises miscellaneous equipment and small engine repair as needed.
D. Serves on the Fleet Committee representing Parks, Streets, and Equipment Services.
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Public Works Supervisor
3. Performs public relations and communications activities.
A. Receives and responds to non-routine inquiries from the public.
B. Gives presentations to City Council and volunteer commissions.
4. Performs other essential job duties.
A. Regular and timely work attendance.
B. Follows all safety procedures.
C. Participates in safety training.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques in fleet management.
Demonstrated conflict resolution skills and the ability to manage department issues and inter-jurisdictional
matters.
Ability to manage several projects at one time and to organize personnel for high levels of productivity.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to operate light motorized maintenance equipment.
Ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with a wide variety of work units within
the department and overall organization.
Ability to remain up to date on professional knowledge and skills.
Ability to effectively use Microsoft Office software.
Ability to effectively supervise, direct, and motivate employees.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or the equivalent.
Five years of work experience in public works or a similar discipline.
Three years of supervisory experience.
Demonstrated fleet management experience.
Demonstrated employee management and development experience.
Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
Valid Class B Commercial Driver’s License or ability to obtain in six (6) months.
Preferred Qualifications
Municipal work experience.
Public Works Certification.
Bachelor’s Degree in a related field such as Environmental Science, Engineering, Biology, Management, etc.
Technical training in Public Works Administration.
Supervisory experience of a division or department with numerous employees and varied job tasks.
Experience working with volunteers, youth associations, or citizen groups.
This Position Description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is within the City of Elk River’s discretion
to assign additional duties and responsibilities or remove duties and responsibilities at any time.
This Position Description does not constitute a Contract of Employment.
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