Public Works Director

Public Works Director

The City of Aspen is seeking a Public Works Director to manage and oversee a comprehensive Public Works program. This position includes the maintenance and strategic direction of the City's infrastructure services, capital assets, and fleet. The role includes Streets & Fleet, City Engineering & Stormwater, and Parking and Transportation. The Public Works Director will serve on the City's agency director team, advising the City Manager and City Council on all City matters, consistent with the organization's values and mission statement.

Salary : $155,376 / annually - $233,126 / annually

Position Summary : This position is responsible for the executive level management and oversight of a comprehensive Public Works program, including the maintenance and strategic direction of the City's infrastructure services, capital assets, and fleet.

Supervision Exercised and Received : Position works under the direct supervision of the Deputy City Manager. Supervises the City Engineer, Streets Superintendent, Parking Director and Transportation Director.

Essential Job Functions :

Public Works Management and Oversight

Plans, assigns, controls and supervises the operations of the department; presents and explains new and revised programs to the City Council, Commissions, and professional / community groups; directs project development and implementation; oversees contract development and administration.

Organizes and directs public works activities to optimize the use of financial, physical and personnel resources. Prepares and oversees the Public Works budget process and planning. Develops annual and multi-year work plans and strategies to meet business needs. Develops and directs the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards to ensure success.

Oversees engineering functions; review and approve technical plans, drawings, papers, reports and specifications; interpret technical materials; direct construction, maintenance and project management efforts.

Oversees capital asset management. Provides executive level support on capital projects, City housing program and development activities, and oversight on maintenance of city owned facilities.

Oversees Streets department which includes the City's fleet. Provides strategic support to the maintenance of city streets and roads, working to coordinate maintenance efforts, development activities, emergency response, and other infrastructure projects.

Directs project development and implementation; oversees contract development and administration; establishes and maintains liaisons with other City departments, contractors and agencies regarding major projects and programs; develops and implements strategic plans for infrastructure development and maintenance; performs and delegates authority to Department Directors as required. Meet and negotiate agreements with attorneys, contractors, officials related to public works matters.

Prepares and reviews requests for council action, studies, contracts, and correspondence; encourages and delivers quality customer service; provides advice and technical assistance to the City Manager and Deputy City Manager as needed on Public Works matters.

Serves as an emergency worker which may require hours and duties beyond typical working conditions.

Department Management

Executes leadership and supervision responsibilities through sound judgment, focusing on quality improvement, managing and resolving conflict, fostering a culture of accountability, clearly defining responsibilities and expectations, setting goals, providing motivation and performance feedback, recognizing contributions and encouraging training and development. Selects, trains, develops, and evaluates the work of staff.

Ensure high quality customer service, including implementation and continuous improvement of service delivery models.

City Organizational Values

Supports and models the City of Aspen organizational values : Service, Partnership, Stewardship, and Innovation. Organizational values are shared principles that guide behavior across the organization. This position is responsible for upholding and applying these values while performing daily work functions. Other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies :

Service : Provides service with excellence, humility, integrity, and respect in daily work, builds trust by listening, treats people with respect, acknowledges opportunities for improvement, and follows through with commitments.

Partnership : Actively creates strong, supportive internal and external relationships to attain a common goal and achieve greater impact together.

Stewardship : Balances social, environmental, and financial responsibilities, evaluating the impact of decision making on a thriving future for all.

Innovation : Develops technical expertise to pursue new ideas and creative outcomes, grounded in Aspen's unique culture, opportunities, and challenges.

Communication : Knowledge of effective and appropriate communication. Ability to use knowledge effectively in various contexts which may require oral, written, visual and non-verbal communication.

Interpersonal : Works to develop strength in interpersonal skills. Has the ability to work well with diverse groups of people, both inside and outside the organization.

Technology : Demonstrates technology skills sufficient for the nature and level of position. Demonstrates a willingness to learn new technologies and transition job duties accordingly to support technological advances and innovation.

Team Building : Works to build and maintain high performing teams to includes appreciating differences and reinforcing a sense of belonging.

Accountability & Trust : Follows through on commitments, takes responsibility for outcomes, and values relationships.

Strategic Thinking : Works to bring a strategic focus to daily work, anticipates problems and considers solutions.

Business Acumen : Demonstrates understanding of business processes, objectives, and goals.

Attention to Detail : Ability to achieve accuracy, thoroughness, and focus when completing work tasks that require attention to detail.

Finance : Consistently demonstrates financial acumen; able to interpret and apply understanding of key financial indicators to make better business decisions. Ability to analyze fiscal management information to determine appropriate use of funds.

Fiscal Regulations : Knowledge of relevant laws, legal codes, court procedures, and state fiscal policies.

Problem Solving : Ability to recognize complex problems and effectively work independently or with others to reach a viable solution.

Project Management : Demonstrates effective project leadership and management; knowledgeable in the fundamental project management process, methodologies, tools, techniques, and ability to adapt them to the organization.

Minimum Requirements :

• Education : Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Public or Business Administration, Construction Management, or related field.
• Experience : Five years of progressively responsible, professional municipal government management, including four years of supervisor experience, and three years of contract administration and budget / policy experience. Leadership experience is also required. ICS 100 and 200 required within six months from date of hire.
• Technical Knowledge : Must be proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook (Email), and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software. Must have a basic understanding of computers and online computer-based technology applications, which includes accessing web-based platforms.
• Licenses & Certifications : Must possess a valid Colorado Driver's License or be able to obtain one within 30 days of start date.

Note : Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required abilities, knowledge, and skills as determined by the City of Aspen may be substituted for the requirements above.

Preferred Candidate : Master's in Business Administration (MBA) or Master's in Public Administration. Professional Engineering Certificate (PE).

Note : This position requires a Criminal Background Check upon hire. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a Criminal Background Check.

Position Type and Work Hours :

Work Environment :

Physical Demands :