Public Works Resources

Learning Objectives- Describe the primary resources available

to public works supervisors.- Recognize the basic life cycle of

resources.- Recognize the role the supervisor plays in

obtaining, maintaining and replacing resources.

- Be good stewards of resources.

Basic Supervisor Role

Manage or supervise others to make sure work gets done.

Communicate & Coordinate Be a good steward of resources

Primary Resource Agency Budget (Dollars that form

the budget) Taxes Fees Grant Funds Interest Income

What’s the Primary Resource for Public Works?

It’s Not Duct Tape!

Primary Public Works Resources People (Predominate Public Works

Resource) Equipment Commodities

Basic Life Cycle for all Resources

Obtain/Acquire Use/Maintain End of Useful Life

Succession Planning for Employees Replacement criteria for Equipment

& Commodities

People/Employees

Obtaining/Acquiring Employees Employees: Full Time or Part Time

Offers Greatest Flexibility for work Assignments Strong Commitment for Quality Work

Contract: Manpower Only Manpower and Equipment Full Scope of Project (manpower, equipment and

commodities) Good Option for one time Projects or Short duration

Projects.

Hiring Employees• Define the Job (Detailed Job Description)

• Specify job duties• Specify required qualifications

• Need Good Selection Process• Looking for someone who will be a good fit• Looking for a quality individual

“The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.”

Vince LombardyLegendary Green Bay Packers Coach

Use/Maintain• Provide Training and Development

• Employee Orientation • Specific Job Training• Safety Training• Career Development Training

• Empower Employees (Empowerment Principles)• Assign Duties (Assign to the Right People)• Grant People the Authority to Do the Job• Develop the confidence and skills to make good

decisions • Maximize their full potential.

• Hold Employees Accountable

Replace/Succession Planning• Be Prepared for Employee Turnover

• Employees leave for Many Reasons• Have a Plan to Quickly Fill Open Positions

Contracting• Hire Contractor• Give Notice to Proceed • Close Out Contract When Work is Completed

Equipment

Obtaining/Acquiring Equipment Agency Owns Equipment

Item is Used Often Specialized Equipment

Rent/Lease Equipment Contract for Needed Equipment

Purchasing Equipment Research What’s Available to meet job

requirements. “Test Drive” When Possible. Develop Specifications.

Use/Maintain

Replacement Service Life Technological Life

Commodities

Obtaining/Acquiring Commodities Develop Specifications Common Items

Keep in Inventory Just in Time Purchasing

Special Items Purchase as Needed May Require Long Lead Times

Use/Maintain Follow Best Practices for Use. Handle and Store Properly. Track Usage.

Replace Follow Agency Guidelines for

Material/Commodity Purchases.

Now that we have identified the available resources, What’s next?

As a Supervisor, you need to coordinate resources to get work done. To do this, a Supervisor: Plans Work Allocates Resources

Plans Work – Who, What, When and Where Who will do the work What needs to be done What are the priorities When will the work be done Where will we do the work?

Planning Requires: Gather and analyze information

about the work and available resources

Talk with your Team Decide on work details Communicate Plan to all Team

Members Implement the Plan – Do the work Allow flexibility for unforeseen

circumstances.

Allocates Resources

People Equipment Commodities

The Bottom Line Good Planning improves potential for

success. Planning is about efficiency and

effectiveness. Planning works because people make it

work.

What are Some Obstacles to Successful Sharing of Resources?

Lack of employee “buy-in” and commitment

Inability to trust others Pressure of time

SUMMARY, Q&A Practice good stewardship of all

resources. Focus on the critical factors for each

resource to achieve success. Have fun, enjoy the process, celebrate

your successes and learn from your mistakes.

Questions?