All participants must:
1. Be a United States Citizen.
2. Be a high school graduate or holder of a high school equivalency certificate.
3. Have a minimum of three years experience in public works operations in a position requiring the exercise of management skills.
4. Demonstrate professional conduct in performance of responsibilities as affirmed by one's immediate supervisor.

A. Management Unit

The management unit addresses the human relations and personnel development needs of public works management. The intent of this segment is to acquire a better understanding of management, strengthen managerial and personnel skills, and to promote a professional public works image to the public.

Management Tasks, Responsibilities, and Practices - 30 hours

This introductory management seminar examines the role of a public works manager. The seminar is based on systematic approaches to individual, group, and organizational performance relative to planning, leadership, personnel performance, and decision-making skills development.

Managing and Developing Human Resources - 24 hours
Prerequisite: Management, Tasks, Responsibilities, and Practices

Public works environments affect human resource management because low pay, poor working conditions, and low social status inhibit worker performance. Human resources are vital to the quality of public works operation, yet little time or money is spent in this regard. Personnel work problems, effective supervision, labor relations, safety in the workplace, career development, and human resource planning will be presented in this course.

Public Relations Seminar in Public Works - 18 hours

The public works profession requires managers to act as public relations representatives. An awareness of public relations roles, effective means of implementing a public relations program will be addressed in this seminar.

B. Technical Unit

The technical unit examines the daily operation of a public works department. Public works departmental functions are reviewed to establish a standard of practice for use as a data base, which reflects departmental productivity. The technical presentations are also, compared to the municipal planning and development process.

Basics of Operations Resource Management - 42 hours
Prerequisite: Managing and Developing Human Resources

Public works performance is directly affected by the resources available to management. Operational procedures are discussed relative to increasing efficiency through effective planning, evaluation of performance objectives, and inventory development. The technology of public works operations will be addressed in the areas of road maintenance, snow removal, leaves/recycling, parks, buildings and grounds maintenance, sewers, water, and fleet maintenance.

Information Systems Workshop - 12 hours
Prerequisite: Managing and Developing Human Resources

The basic concepts of personal computers are presented with a hands-on computer demonstration and discussion of applications related to improving the public works operation. A detailed plan for developing a database field is featured in this workshop.

Municipal Planning and Urban Development - 12 hours
Prerequisite: Managing and Developing Human Resources

The New Municipal Land Use Law (40:44D-1 et seq.) is reviewed as part of the municipal planning process. Subdivisions, site plans, development ordinances, and the municipal master plans are discussed as applicable to the public works function.

C. Government Unit

Public works departments operate within the context of local government. The process of state and local government are examined from a historical perspective, practices are then reviewed in relation to state regulations.

Government in New Jersey - 12 hours
Prerequisite: Managing and Developing Human Resources

Public works managers function within the structure of both state and local government. This program describes the historical development of counties, municipalities, school districts, and special districts in New Jersey. Attention is devoted to local governmental functions, the realities of working in a political environment, and the relationships within a two-party system.

Municipal Budget Process for Public Works - 12 hours
Prerequisite: Managing and Developing Human Resources

This is a course on public works finance. A large portion of the municipal budget is devoted to public works. Municipal finance relates to the municipal budget process as well as the public works budgetary system. Participants will have a better understanding of the entire municipal budget process after completion of this program.

Purchasing Seminar - 12 hours
Prerequisite: Managing and Developing Human Resources

Public works purchasing involves large sums of taxpayers' dollars; therefore, purchasing practices must be effective within the public works department. Standardized procedures can promote effective communications between public works and purchasing departments. The public works purchasing function is reviewed relative to public contract laws, cooperative purchasing procedures, change order regulations, and the certification of funds.

CGS will refund the full course fee less a $25 processing charge to any student who notifies CGS in writing of his/her intent to withdraw. Notices of withdrawal must be submitted at least 48 hours before the course is scheduled to start. Withdrawal notices sent by fax (732/932-3586) will be accepted as well as notices sent by mail. Send withdrawal notice to:

Center for Government Services
Attn: Public Works Management
Rutgers, The State University
33 Livingston Avenue, Ste. 200
New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1979

See separate course announcement for specific course information. Please use the application form found here to pre-register via the U.S. Mail. Telephone registrations (732/932-3640 ext. 647) are accepted only immediately prior to the start date of the class and only if space is still available. The University reserves the right to cancel any course if there is insufficient enrollment. UPON RECEIPT OF YOUR COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM, AND CHECK OR VOUCHER, A CLASS SPACE WILL BE RESERVED FOR YOU; THEREFORE, NO CONFIRMATIONS WILL BE SENT.