Listing Summary

Job Summary

The County Administrator is employed at the pleasure of the Board of Commissioners to serve as the chief administrative officer of the county and is thus the liaison between the Board of Commissioners and the department heads, constitutional officers, municipalities, local boards and authorities, federal and state agencies, and other offices responsible for local government services within the guidelines of the Meriwether County Ordinances, policies, and procedures, and applicable local, State, and Federal laws.

The work consists of varied administrative and managerial duties in the management of the county government. The unique and varied set of responsibilities contributes to the complexity of the position. The purpose of this position is to manage the overall operation of the county government. Successful performance in this position facilitates the work of all county departments, ensures that county services are delivered, ensures that county records are properly maintained, ensures that all departments adhere to approved budgets, and enhances the image of the county.

Essential Functions

• Provides administrative and management support to the County Commission; serves as liaison between the Commission, other elected officials, Federal and State agencies, local boards and authorities, cities, county employees, and county residents. Participates in development of the agenda for Board of Commissioners and attends Board of Commissioners meetings and makes reports concerning activities for which responsible and provides follow-up after meetings to assure tasks are assigned and completed.
• Provides general guidance and direction for the activities and oversees the work of the administrative and operational staffs; directs and facilitates inter-departmental activities by providing leadership and direction to department heads in order to assure the efficiency and effectiveness of county operations; counsels, disciplines, and completes evaluations for Department Heads; provides guidance and support as needed for employee issues, concerns, and disciplinary action; non-routine disciplinary action shall require the approval of the County Administrator.
• Works with Department Heads and employees of the County to plan, organize, and implement programs on matters affecting assigned areas of responsibility; reviews results of major studies and coordinates the preparation of reports and recommendations; briefs the Board of Commissioners on matters of concern and presents program proposals for approval and submission to the Board of Commissioners.
• Assists the Finance Director in preparation and monitoring of the annual operating and capital budgets in coordination with Department Directors; reviews departmental budget requests, reports, studies and recommends action to the Board of Commissions. Assist with calculation and recommendation on annual milage rate.  Facilitates and guides the Commission's review process in preparation for final budget adoption. Reviews and assists with the purchase of large cost items and determining funding sources for these items; reviews and approves invoices as needed; and signs checks.
• Directs large and/or special projects of broad scope, particularly those involving multiple departments, agencies, and other governmental jurisdictions. Assists with developing project strategies, working procedures and programs; provides professional support in planning, coordinating, communicating, facilitating, and producing final results; assists in all phases of planning as necessary, provides assistance to various departments, and prepares goals and objectives, which have long term effects on County citizens.
• Conducts project and organizational studies that may require coordination with external organizations and agencies; organizes, facilitates or participates with County departments and external organizations to identify needs, evaluate services and establish objectives; analyzes a variety of administrative, operational, fiscal, and social issues and makes sound recommendations for solutions; demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service; compiles statistical data and management information for use by County officials.
• Confers with officials of City, County, State, and Federal agencies regarding plans and priorities for existing and planned programs; serves as project manager for major building/construction and road projects, as necessary.
• Interacts with various individuals to provide information and assistance with problem resolution including County Commissioners, citizens, department heads and employees.
• Undertakes and performs special public education projects; meets and corresponds with various citizens, professional, business, and other groups to answer questions and secure their help in carrying out various programs.
• Drafts informational reports and news releases for dissemination to the public and the media; assists all departments in the dissemination of information to the public, news media, and other governmental entities. Performs public relations functions by responding to inquiries from citizens and the media; addresses     community meetings and forums to provide communication between the County Commission and citizens.
• Works with boards and authorities, including the Airport Authority, the Development Authority, the Water & Sewer Authority, and the Board of Elections.
• Directs the preparation of resolutions and ordinances related to policy matters, including human resources, information technology, purchasing, etc.
• Develops long-range county goals and plans by identifying opportunities for improving services, preparing annual work plans, establishing goals and objectives, and preparing a periodic progress report.
• Assists the County Commission with the coordination of activities between elected officials, such        as the Coroner and Magistrate Judge and constitutionally elected officers such as Tax Commissioner, Sheriff, Clerk of Superior Court, and Probate Judge.
• Manages numerous construction projects.
• Ensures clear communications with the Commission; prepares Executive Summary Reports to inform the            Commission and assists in their understanding of the nature and background of items.
• Performs organizational design and operational oversight of county operations.

• Coordinates the sale and acquisition of property.
• Participates and directs long-range plans to guide future development.

 

• The County Commission assigns work in terms of county goals and objectives. The Commission reviews work through conferences, reports, and observation of county activities.
• Guidelines include the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the Meriwether County Code of Ordinances, FAA regulations, Georgia Department of Transportation regulations, Governmental Accounting Standards Board guidelines, relevant federal regulations, and county policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application. This position develops overall county guidelines.
• Contacts are typically with co-workers, employees in all county departments, elected and appointed officials, contractors, vendors, representatives of state agencies, business leaders, and members of the general public. Contacts typically involve exchanging information, resolving problems, providing services, supervising department heads, and   negotiating and resolving issues.
• This position has direct supervision over the following Administrative Staff positions: Finance Director, Human Resources Director, Public Works Director, Animal Control Director, 911 Director, Fire Chief, IT Director, Building & Zoning Director, and County Consultants.

 

Additional Responsibilities

Coordinates special projects that may arise. Performs other related duties as required. Responds and assists when a state of emergency exists or is imminent.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for Job Performance

• Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration (or related) required (Masters preferred) with a minimum of five years local government management experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.
• Requires the ability to effectively communicate verbally and to interact with employees, Department Heads, Constitutional Officers, members of the general public and all other groups involved in the activities of the County.
• Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice.

• Requires proficiency with computers and the Microsoft Office Product Suite.
• Requires experience with creation, projections, and management of a budget for multiple departments, securing and administering loans and grants, and the ability to understand and interpret financial reports and related materials.
• Requires mathematical ability to handle required calculations including calculating annual milage rate, collection amount, and project revenue and expenses.
• Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; determine percentages; determine time and weight; and analyze statistical data.
• Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Has the skill to relate to people in situations involving more than giving or receiving instructions such as in interpreting financial, technical, and purchasing reports and policies and in directing and managing staff. Must be adaptable to performing under minimal stress when confronted with an emergency.
• Requires a strong work ethic with an emphasis on organizational, time management, and multi-tasking skills.
• Requires good organizational, management, human relations, and technical skills.
• Is able to use independent judgment and discretion while interacting with others including handling emergency situations, determining, and deciding upon procedures to be implemented, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems.
• Has extensive knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the County and practices related to the position of County Administrator.
• Has extensive knowledge of the functions and departments necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities.
• Knowledge and ability to develop and administer operations and staff plans and objectives. Is able to develop and implement long-term goals for the department, as necessary.
• Has the ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information.
• Has comprehensive knowledge of the terminology, principles, and methods utilized within the County.
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle. Must possess a valid Georgia driver’s license.

 

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

This work is usually done in an office setting. This work may require sitting, standing, computer utilization, communication with the public, other County workers, and County citizens. This work may require irregular work schedules to accommodate evening meetings or special situations during administrative planning periods. This work may require lifting objects up to 30 pounds without accommodation. This position requires visiting construction sites, code violation locations, and performing other field-related duties, as necessary.