Arapahoe County, CO - Public Works Director

Ymfphilly; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 139,000 - 277,000; Full time

Job summary

Arapahoe County, Colorado seeks an experienced Public Works Director to lead a department with Transportation, Engineering, Support Services and Operations, Construction Management and Capital Planning. The role requires strategic leadership, budget oversight, and strong communication with elected officials and the community.

The successful candidate will guide a multi-million-dollar operating budget and a billion-dollar infrastructure program, translating county priorities into a clear

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, public administration, business administration, construction management, or related field.
• At least 10 years of relevant and progressive experience in public works or related fields.
• At least 5 years supervisory/management experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide departmental leadership and direction across multiple divisions.
• Oversee budgeting, service delivery evaluation, and stakeholder coordination.
• Ensure safety management and continuous departmental improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Public works

Budget oversight

Stakeholder coordination

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, public administration, business administration, construction management, or related field

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in civil engineering and/or PE

Job description

THE OPPORTUNITY

Arapahoe County, Colorado seeks an experienced, strategic executive to serve as their Public Works Director. The Public Works Director provides professional leadership for the Public WorksDepartment which is comprised of Transportation, Engineering, Support Services and Operations (Road & Bridge), Construction Management, and the Capital Planning Divisions. This position plans, organizes and directs the operations and activities of a department responsible for a multi-million-dollar budget and a billion-dollar infrastructure system. The successful candidate does not necessarily need to be the technical expert or a Professional Engineer but must have sufficient technical judgment to effectively lead and support engineering and other technical professionals.

ABOUT ARAPAHOE COUNTY

Located in the heart of the Denver metropolitan region, Arapahoe County is one of Colorado’s most dynamic and diverse counties. Home to thriving businesses, vibrant neighborhoods, top-tier healthcare, and abundant recreational opportunities. Arapahoe County offers an exceptional quality of life for residents, entrepreneurs, and visitors alike. Arapahoe County sits at the center of Colorado’s economic engine, providing easy access to downtown Denver, major transportation corridors, and regional destinations. The county includes a mix of urban, suburban, and rural communities, creating opportunities for businesses and families at every stage of growth. From the vibrant urban energy of Aurora to the family-friendly neighborhoods of Centennial, Littleton, and Englewood, Arapahoe County offers a wide range of communities that reflect Colorado’s entrepreneurial spirit and welcoming culture. Residents enjoy hundreds of miles of trails, scenic open spaces, golf courses, and recreational facilities. Whether exploring the natural beauty of Cherry Creek State Park or enjoying community parks and local events, outdoor adventure is always close to home.

THE DEPARTMENT

The newly reconstituted department will house approximately 87 staff members within four divisions: operations, construction management, capital planning and support services. The Public Works Department manages a $34 million annual operating budget that covers staffing, services, supplies, materials, and road maintenance activities. There is an additional $12 million per year in roadway capital improvement funding for a total of $46 million per year. The County also manages a separate capital roadway fund balance that varies from year to year. The Department currently carries an approximate $40 million fund balance for in-progress and future capital roadway improvements.

THE POSITION

This position reports directly to the Board of County Commissioners. As a part of the Executive Team, it is critical to maintain relationships with all elected and appointed directors, particularly the Director of Fleet and Facilities Management and the Director of Community Development which were recently reorganized to streamline the efforts of each division while improving customer service to constituents in Arapahoe County. Key responsibilities include departmental leadership and direction; departmental planning and oversight; division support; service delivery evaluation; public communication and engagement; budget oversight; stakeholder coordination; safety management; and continuous departmental improvement.

The ideal candidate will be able to lead a large, complex public works organization beyond day-to-day operations; anticipate infrastructure, growth, development, and service needs; and translate the Board’s priorities into a clear long-term direction.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following are the minimum and preferred qualifications for the position of Public Works Director.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, public administration, business administration, construction management, or related field

At least 10 years of relevant and progressive experience, requiring the demonstration of leadership skills in public works, infrastructure, transportation, engineering, development, or a comparable complex organization.

At least 5 years of supervisory/management experience; or

Any equivalent combination of education and work experience that satisfy the requirements of the job will be considered.

Preferred Education and Experience

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in civil engineering and/or registration as a Professional Engineer (PE), particularly where accompanied by significant public-sector executive leadership experience.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The hiring range for the Public Works Director is dependent on qualifications and experience. Anticipated ranges are listed below:

2026 Range: Min $138,967 | Mid $180,712 | Max $222,456

2027 Range: Min $172,981| Mid $224,943| Max $276,904

2027 Anticipated Hiring Rate: $202,449 DOQ

Arapahoe County offers a comprehensive and flexible benefits program designed to support employees’ well‑being and meet the diverse needs of individuals and their families. For additional benefit information, interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure at www.mosaicpublic.com/careers.