Public Works Director

Arapahoe County; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 139,000 - 277,000; Full time

Job summary

Arapahoe County in the Denver region seeks an experienced Public Works Director to lead a multi-division department that manages a multi-million operating budget and substantial capital programs. The role emphasizes strategic oversight, cross-team leadership, and effective public engagement to advance infrastructure goals.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive public-works leadership experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to translate Board priorities into a clear, long-term

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, infrastructure, transportation, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of supervisory/management experience.
• PE licensure preferred, especially with public-sector executive leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide departmental leadership and direction across four divisions.
• Oversee planning, oversight, and service delivery evaluation for public works.
• Coordinate budget, safety, and stakeholder engagement efforts.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration with elected and appointed directors.
• Drive continuous departmental improvement and customer service enhancements.

Skills

Leadership

Public works leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Public administration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Professional Engineer (PE)

Job description

THE OPPORTUNITY

Arapahoe County, Colorado seeks an experienced, strategic executive to serve as their Public
Works Director. 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. The ideal candidate for the Public Works Director in Arapahoe
County will possess certain traits and experiences that will lead to success:

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’
wellbeing 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.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

Wednesday, December 9, 2026

Ms. Julie Baca, Senior Consultant | [e-mail] | 970-209-0404