DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is a chief administrative position responsible for the daily operations of Lewis County. The incumbent is responsible for coordinating the activities of the county departments and implementing the directives of the Legislature with the primary goal of improving the general efficiency of administration as consistent with all laws, rules, and regulations. Appointment will be made by the County Legislature and follow the term of office.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
• Plans, directs, reviews, and administers day-to-day operations of the County. Formulates general countywide policies in cooperation with the Legislature, and directs their implementation through department heads;
• Executes and enforces, as authorized by the Legislature, all local laws, legalizing acts, ordinances, resolutions, and directives of the Legislature and all other acts required by operation of law;
• Advises the Legislature on preparing and executing short and long-term capital plans, programs, policies and procedures, and promotes efficiency and economy in county government;
• Serves as an advisor or liaison to the Legislature in agreements with political subdivisions, state and federal agencies, and any boards and commissions;
• Attends regular meetings and conferences of the Legislature and such special meetings as directed and aids the Legislature in evaluating proposals presented to it and makes recommendations concerning the same;
• Provides support and leadership to department heads, facilitates department head meetings, and works to address complex or unusual issues and settles matters not covered by policy;
• Recommends appointments/removals of non-elected department heads to the Legislature, prepares and conducts non-elected department head performance evaluations, recommends and makes changes to salaries and benefits as consistent with the current salary plan;
• Participates, as authorized by the Legislature, in the conduct of collective bargaining negotiations with organized employee representatives;
• Transfers employees temporarily from one department or office to another with the approval of the appointing officer or board in accordance with Civil Service law;
• Serves as the Budget Officer and is responsible for the preparation and administration of the county budget, as well as developing and recommending long-range capital budgets and annual operating budgets under the direction of the Legislature;
• Establishes budgeting controls and monitors expenditures and authorizes expenditures and budget transfers. May authorize routine expenditures, budget transfers and modifications below a predetermined threshold;
• May execute contracts in the name of the County, authorize filling vacant funded positions, authorize routine expenditures, budget transfers and modifications below a predetermined threshold;
• Performs all other duties as the Board shall assign, consistent with Law.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thorough knowledge of the principles and procedures of public administration, governmental accounting, financing and budgetary procedures; Good knowledge of public relations practices and procedures; Good knowledge of report writing and statistical interpretation; Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate, follow, and issue effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to analyze problems and to make recommendations; ability to prepare and maintain written reports and records; Possess strong leadership skills, have a direct, team-oriented and collaborative approach; Enthusiasm for transparent, accountable and highly ethical government, including best-in-class customer and constituent services, noteworthy workplace culture and adept fiscal stewardship and financial management.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Either):
A. Graduation from a regionally accredited New York State registered college/university with a master’s degree in Public Administration or Business Administration or a related field AND four (4) years of full-time experience in the field of public or business administration, which shall include experience in budgeting and financial management; OR
B. Graduation from a regionally accredited New York State registered college/university with a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration or Business Administration or a related field AND six (6) years of full-time experience in the field of public or business management, which shall include experience in budgeting and financial management; OR
C. Graduation from a regionally accredited New York State registered college/university with an associates in Business Administration or a related field AND eight (8) years of full-time experience the field of public or business management, which shall include experience in budgeting and financial management.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
The appointee need not be a resident of Lewis County at the time of the appointment, but shall become so within 60 days of the appointment and remain a resident of the County during his/her term of office.