Program Requirements

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 are presented in this course.

Public Relations Seminar in Public Works

18 hours
Prerequisite: Managing and Developing Human Resources
The public works profession requires managers to act as public relations representatives. An awareness of public relations roles, and effective means of implementing public relations programs are addressed in this seminar.

Operations Resource Management 

42 hours
Public works performance is directly affected by the resources available to management. In this course, 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.

Management Accountability (formerly Information Systems)

6 hours
Public works departments must maintain accountability within their operations and community. Topics include monitoring and recording daily work activities, establishing performance standards, and reviewing important formulas and calculations to document performance.

Municipal Planning and Urban Development 

12 hours
The Municipal Land Use Law (N.J.S.A. 40:44d-1 et seq.) is reviewed in this course as part of the municipal planning process. Subdivisions, site plans, development ordinances, and municipal master plans are discussed as applicable to the public works function.

Local Government in New Jersey 

12 hours
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

12 hours
This course focuses 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 gain a better understanding of the entire municipal budget process through this program.

Public Works Purchasing

12 hours
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. In this course, the public works purchasing function is reviewed relative to public contract laws, cooperative purchasing procedures, change order regulations, and the certification of funds.

Public Works review

Continuing Education

The Center for Government Services co-sponsors an annual Public Works Continuing Education Conference with the Public Works Association of New Jersey. Sessions are reviewed by the Department of Community Affairs for CPWM credits, the New Jersey Water Environmental Association for TCH credits, and the New Jersey Recycling Certification Advisory Committee for CRP credits.