Downers Grove, IL – Assistant Director of Public Works – Fleet and Building Services

Community/Organization Profile 

The Village of Downers Grove, Illinois is an established suburban community of 50,247 residents located in DuPage County, 22 miles west of Chicago.  Since its founding in 1832, the Village has taken great pride in balancing its long-standing traditions and rich history with advancement, innovation, and progress.

The Public Works Department is responsible for the maintenance of Downers Grove’s infrastructure. Our Fleet Division operates under our Public Works Department and is responsible for the maintenance of fleet vehicles and equipment used by the Public Works Department, Fire Department, Police Department, and other departments/pool vehicles. Our Facility Services Division also operates under our Public Works Department and is responsible for providing a safe and productive work environment for the Village’s major facilities and several ancillary facilities that support critical Village operations.

Position Details

The Village is accepting applications for an Assistant Director of Public Works – Fleet and Building Services. This position provides strategic and operational leadership for the development and implementation of integrated, organization-wide fleet and facility solutions. Responsible for analyzing trends in advanced vehicle technology and building systems, assessing the impact of emerging technology on the environment, and providing solutions to address infrastructure and equipment. A successful candidate will support the Public Works Director by providing leadership, technical expertise, and direct supervision of the Fleet and Building Services units, while serving as a member of the Public Works Department’s leadership team.

Major Duties and Functions:

• Directs the development and implementation of integrated fleet and facility initiatives to support asset management and strategy prioritization, design, transition, operation, and communication.
• Creates and implements a long-term strategic plan for the department to help guide operations to meet the Village’s long-term mission, vision and goals, as well as long-term financial sustainability of the department’s operations and assets.
• Creates and manages annual work plans for the Fleet and Facilities divisions to align operations with Village goals and capital plans, as well as setting and maintaining accurate budget functions.
• Anticipates needs for new or modified systems and proactively seeks facility and fleet solutions that will benefit the Village’s ability to safely provide services in the most efficient, cost effective, sustainable and responsive manner.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates fleet and facility personnel; provides and/or coordinates staff trainings; manages the skill and competency development of fleet and facility staff based on emerging technologies and/or business strategies needed to support all work initiatives; works with employees to correct deficiencies and improve performance.
• Advises departmental management of existing and emerging fleet and facility issues, trends, and needs, along with their implications for current and proposed departmental initiatives.
• Manages multiple project activities and budgets, including assuming major responsibility for planning and directing individual projects and supervising multi-disciplinary project teams, ensuring all work is high-quality, is completed on time, and within budget.
• Provides complex and responsible support to the Director of Public Works in areas of expertise; may act as the Director in the absence of the Public Works Director
• Works proactively with the Director of Public Works, senior management and other departments to meet Village objectives and implement long range plans
• Develops and administers the division budgets; monitors and approves expenditures
• Ability to evaluate facility needs and prioritize infrastructure projects
• Updates and manages the Village’s vehicle and equipment database
• Coordinates vehicle purchases and vehicle upfitting with other Village departments.
• May be required to attend evening meetings and off-site meetings, including being on-call for building or vehicle emergencies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Knowledge of the methods, materials, tools and equipment used in facilities construction & maintenance and building operations & controls systems
• Extensive knowledge and experience with contracting for services and materials procurement
• Extensive knowledge of architectural and engineering practices related to building construction & maintenance systems
• Knowledge of principles, practices and procedures of fleet maintenance and repair
• Knowledge of various federal, state and local building & fire codes including Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans and specifications, complex technical instructions and operating manuals
• Strong knowledge of management and supervisory principles and practices, with the ability to resolve conflicts and negotiate solutions
• Exhibit skills in project management and contract negotiation
• Operate in a collaborative decision-making environment and work effectively with multidisciplinary teams to achieve common goals
• Ability to prepare and present technical information and reports to various groups
• Demonstrate exceptional presentation, writing and other communication skills
• Ability to prioritize, schedule, organize and supervise assigned operations to assure timely and cost effective completion
• Ability to set work priorities and direct, guide and evaluate the work of subordinates
• Ability to use independent judgment and discretion in determining & implementing procedures for areas of responsibility
• Strong interpersonal relationship skills and the ability to develop trust, respect and credibility with Village staff, contractual partners, and members of the community

Education and Experience: 

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Facilities Management, or related field, preferred.  Four to five years of progressively responsible experience in Fleet or Facilities Management or a closely related field, with at least three years in a supervisory/management position, or any combination of education and experience which produces the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Licenses and Certifications:  Valid Illinois Driver’s License

Salary Range:  The full salary range for this position is $110,565 – 152,027. The starting salary is dependent on experience and qualifications. The Village provides an excellent benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, and participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).

APPLY NOW! Interested applicants may apply online by following the “Apply for Job” link below. Only online applications will be accepted, except for providing reasonable accommodations. Position open until filled.

The Village of Downers Grove is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, or for assistance, please contact the Human Resources department at (630) 434-5500.