WorkZone: Your Connection to Public Works Careers

interaction of the “engineering staff” and the “maintenance staff.” One perspective Bill shared at this meeting was regarding the Golden Rule—“Treat others as you want to be treated” should be slightly altered to “Treat others as they want to be treated.” By doing this, you will gain trust and respect as you demonstrate understanding and respect for others. I have always thought of myself as “young” thinking, but earlier this year I became a grandfather for the first time (talk about changing your perspective, that did it!). In reflecting on this change when I was preparing to write this article, I thought of how my perspective on everything is changing as my granddaughter is changing. This is another reason to revisit processes that have already been hashed out previously, because as we age our experience, knowledge and perspectives change resulting in potentially new ideas to improve our processes.

“All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Gary Strack can be reached at (913) 307-2503 or strack@skw-inc.com.

Street Maintenance Superintendent Olathe, KS

Street Maintenance Superintendent (Job ID:

201200100) – Public Works – The City of Olathe, Kansas is seeking a Street Maintenance Superintendent to plan direct, manage, supervise and oversee the activities and operations of the Streets Maintenance Section of the Public Works Department – Field Operations Division. Manage the Street Maintenance Section functions for the City of Olathe including development of policies and procedures and an annual budget in excess of $3.5 million, monitor and evaluate efficiency and effectiveness of the Street Division utilizing City provided tools. Will coach/lead, motivate, develop, and evaluate staff, represent the Street Maintenance Section to all internal and external stakeholders. Five to seven years of increasingly responsible experience in a heavy construction, maintenance or field operations setting, including two to four years administrative/supervisory responsibility. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university with major course work in Construction Science, Engineering or similar related field preferred. Ten or more years demonstrated proficiency in field operations management may be substituted for education requirement. Hours: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; M-F. Salary $63,292/yr. – $98,995/yr. DOQ. Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to pass a background investigation, pre-employment physical and drug screen. Apply online at www.olatheks.org or in Human Resources, 100 E. Santa Fe, Olathe, Kansas 66061. Application

Deadline: Open until filled

Director of Public Utilities Chesapeake, VA

Seeking strategic and collaborative leader to serve as Director of Public Utilities. Plans, organizes, and directs the programs and services related to water treatment and distribution, sewer collection, revenue management, inspections and evaluations, contingency planning, safety, processes, and/or programs. Requires bachelor’s degree in civil, chemical, or environmental engineering, or related field, with six years of progressively responsible professional experience and Professional Engineer Certification. City residency required. Master’s degree preferred. www.jobs. cityofchesapeake.net. Job closes October 15, 2012. EOE

Public Works Director Woodstock, IL

Woodstock, a charming historic community of just under 25,000 and far northwest suburb of Chicago, seeks candidates for Public Works Director. This position reports to the City Manager and is responsible for directing, developing, organizing, planning, and implementing all public works-related services and programs covering seven divisions: Administration/Engineering, Streets, Parks, Sewer & Water Maintenance, Water Treatment, Wastewater Treatment, and Fleet Maintenance. For more information about the Woodstock Public Works Director position including qualifications, starting salary, the position profile and how to obtain required application materials, please visit the employment opportunities section of the City of Woodstock website at www.woodstockil.gov. Application deadline: Tuesday, October 30, 2012, 7:00 PM. EOE

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