This is highly responsible executive level work assisting in planning and directing the activities of the Consumer Services Department.

An employee in this class is responsible for assisting the Director, Consumer Services in planning and directing the daily operations of the department. Emphasis of the work is on developing departmental objectives, policies and procedures, assuring adequate staffing for departmental activities, supervising fiscal operations and preparing the departmental budget, and coordinating requirements for physical plant maintenance and inspecting facilities. The incumbent exercises a considerable degree of originality, independent judgment and professional managerial knowledge in developing departmental policies and procedures and resolving operational problems. Supervision is exercised over professional, administrative, technical and clerical employees with assigned responsibilities in various phases of operations and locations of the department. General direction is received from the Department Director who reviews work through personal conferences and written reports and holds the incumbent responsible for the efficient and effective management of departmental fiscal and operational activities.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Manages departmental operations providing protection and information to the consumer including cable television regulation, consumer protection, cooperative extension services, and passenger transportation regulation.

Manages the development of divisional and departmental objectives; develops plans, programs, policies, procedures and methods for efficient and effective departmental administration; prepares special studies and reports as required.

Plans, directs and coordinates the work of employees including development of work schedules and operational procedures; conducts inspections of facilities; conducts training programs and workshops for departmental employees.

Analyzes budgetary information and prepares consolidated department budget request with recommended funding priorities; assists in formulation of overall budget request submission; directs departmental fiscal activities including revenues and expenditures.

Prepares resolutions and reports for the Board of County Commissioners; coordinates the preparation of grant applications.

Assists in coordinating maintenance services for departmental facilities.

Makes recommendations for the purchase of equipment, materials and supplies; reviews and prepares bid specifications.

Initiates investigations of public complaints concerning departmental services; attends meetings with consumers and community groups.

Attends local, state and national professional meetings and conferences to keep abreast of current developments in the field of consumer services.

Makes recommendations regarding the hiring, discipline and promotion of subordinates; authorizes leave and overtime; reviews performance reports prepared by subordinates and rates employee performance.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

Thorough knowledge of the structure and functions, mission and objectives of the Consumer Services Department.

Thorough knowledge of the principles of management, business and public administration.

Thorough knowledge of local laws, ordinances and regulations pertaining to departmental operations.

Thorough knowledge of the methods and processes of budget preparation and justification.

Thorough knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.

Thorough knowledge of community needs for consumer services and information.

Considerable knowledge of the principles of accounting.

Considerable knowledge of public relations principles and techniques.

Considerable knowledge of County procurement policies, practices and procedures.

Ability to use advanced professional knowledge of the principles of management, business and public administration to assist in the direction of the Consumer Services Department.

Ability to supervise, direct and coordinate the work of subordinates in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with senior County management, elected officials and officials of other public and private organizations.

Ability to develop and install departmental rules, regulations and procedures.

Ability to prepare annual budgets and make effective recommendations concerning budget priorities.

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing, to groups and individuals.

Ability to investigate and resolve public complaints concerning departmental activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree. Nine years of progressively responsible managerial and/or administrative experience in the consumer protection/affairs field to include four years of supervisory experience are required.

NEW 10/01