Director of Public Works

The Director of Public Works provides leadership and vision by developing and improving services to the citizens of the City of Commerce City. Provides strategic direction to align the department with the vision and goals of the City. Supervises department managers, develops department budgets, approves expenditures and establishes procedures.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Oversees and administers the daily operations of the building maintenance, fleet services, public works maintenance and engineering divisions in compliance with guidelines, requirements, and regulations; oversees the submittal of required reports

Supervises application process for funding

Collaborates with Grants Office for infrastructure and other CIP Projects

Manages the administration and review of contracts for services and construction, as well as rights-of-way acquisition

Reviews and researches policy, administrative and organizational issues; conducts studies, makes recommendations and implements approved changes

Motivates and influences people to facilitate organizational effectiveness and collaborative relationships to enable the implementation of the City’s mission, vision and goals

Understands and adjusts to changes in priorities, directions, operations, and industry trends and city needs

Assists in creating a positive and supportive work environment and establishes a culture of teamwork and communication that promotes workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion

Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in public works including the areas of building, fleet, parks and streets maintenance and CIP

Oversees and participates in providing customer service to internal and external customers; responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints

Listens to internal customer priorities, anticipates needs, and offers suggestions

Assigns, reviews and monitors staff resources and demands to meet the department’s goals and objectives

Develops, organizes and presents annual work program and department budget including Capital Improvement Program

Monitors and approves departmental expenditures to meet budget expectations

Confers with Assistant City Manager and other stakeholders as appropriate to foster open communication, trust, and collaborative working relationships

Writes reports, request for proposals, and department policies and procedures

Coordinates department’s personnel administration, including selection process, development of staff, performance appraisals, and disciplinary actions, and other related activities

Develops and implements the Public Works Strategic Plan and Annual Work Plan

Performs other duties as assigned

Essential Supervisory Duties

Supervises division managers, provides regular performance feedback, coaches and mentors, assigns work, and determines employment actions such as hiring, termination and salary changes

Creates an inclusive environment by acknowledging the differences, perspectives and ideas of others and an environment that is safe and inviting for communication and facilitates communication among colleagues and enhances communication in the department

Prepares timely performance evaluations that clearly define expectations and provides regular feedback to employees

Mentors staff and identifies training opportunities to maximize performance

Monitors training outcomes based on established training standards and requirements

Consistently directs department staff meetings

Manages department personnel including the selection process, training and development of the staff, performance appraisals, promotions, demotions, terminations and disciplinary actions

Establishes the department structure and processes including lines of authority, communication channels, and allocating staff and delegating duties as appropriate

Develops and implements department policies, procedures, and expectations

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Public Administration or related field. Five years of experience in Public Administration including two years of direct supervisory experience. An equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Ability To

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Communicate to a diverse variety of individuals including citizens, planning and construction professionals, and public officials

Communicates effectively, in verbal and written form

Prepare and deliver presentations to internal and external customers with a high degree of efficiency and professionalism

Plan and coordinate activities of diverse functions

Maintain a positive and supportive work environment and a culture of teamwork and communication that promotes workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion

Build relationships with colleagues for effective workflow

Apply basic principles and techniques of supervision

Quickly assimilate information and implement an appropriate course of action

Knowledge of financial and legal principles and practices at an advanced level

Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public with professionalism

Implement fair consistent decisions to internal and external customers

Knowledge Of

The policies, procedures, activities, mission and goals of the City at an advanced level

Principles and practices of public works projects and activities at an advanced level

And understanding of the workings of a Municipality including principles and practices of City administration at a higher level

Equipment Used, Work Environment and Physical Activities

Driving: Drives a city or personal vehicle in the normal course of business

Office Equipment: Daily use of computer, keyboard, copier, scanner, printer, calculator, phone (desk and cell). Daily use of software programs including Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Word, Excel.

Other Equipment: None

Physical Activities: Sits for long periods of time; light physical activity that may include walking, standing, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting and carrying

Lifting: Ability to lift, carry, and exert up to 25 pounds. Occasionally lifts, carries, and exerts up to 40 pounds

Vision and Hearing: Must have visual acuity to see and read paper and electronic documents. Must be able to answer telephones, communicate conversation and respond to verbal inquires

Exposure to Environmental Conditions: Position generally works in an office setting with overhead lighting and long periods of screen time. May be exposed to extreme heat, cold, dry, wet, odors, smoke, loud noises, vibrations, dust or intense light when doing field visits.

Schedule: Position generally scheduled Monday - Friday; occasionally weekend work. Will require attendance at evening meetings, council sessions or after-hour events and off-site meetings.

Additional Working Conditions: May be required to visit external, non-city work sites with the City having limited control over the work environment

Reasonable accommodation may be made to individuals with disabilities for the essential functions of the job.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications. Employees are accountable for all duties associated with this position.