This series of courses is designed to train municipal and county public works personnel in the responsibility of supervising public works operations. The curriculum emphasizes pragmatic technical management and political skills necessary for professional success. The program focuses on New Jersey’s governmental practices that contribute to improved work performance of department administrators.

The nine included courses — in the areas of management, technical, and government — and other criteria are required for the state designation of Certified Public Works Manager.

The three-course 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.

The three-course 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 database that reflects departmental productivity. The technical presentations are compared to the municipal planning and development process.

Public works departments operate within the context of local government. In the three-course government unit, the processes of state and local government are examined from a historical perspective. Practices are then reviewed in relation to state regulations.