Road and Bridge Operations Manager

Jefferson County; United States; On-site; USD 111,000 - 178,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Retirement matching

Wellness programs

Tuition reimbursement

Flexible schedules

Job summary

Jefferson County is seeking an experienced Road and Bridge Operations Manager to lead the division responsible for roads, sidewalks, stormwater, and related infrastructure. The role includes strategic planning, budgeting, and ensuring safe, reliable transportation services for the community.

The position requires strong leadership, regulatory knowledge, and a track record of delivering public works programs while coordinating with contractors and public agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in road construction, roadway maintenance, public works, transportation operations, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of supervisory or management experience.
• Preferred: 5+ years of leadership in public works, roadway maintenance, or related field.
• Experience leading multiple teams and managing budgets and contracts.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Road and Bridge Division by developing plans, policies, and procedures.
• Oversee daily operations and maintenance of roads, sidewalks, stormwater, drainage, fleet, and facilities.
• Ensure construction, capital improvement, pavement management, safety, and inspection programs meet standards.
• Lead and develop supervisory staff, manage hiring, training, and performance evaluations.
• Develop and manage division budgets and monitor expenditures.

Skills

Road construction

Roadway maintenance

Public works

Transportation operations

Leadership experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

Cartegraph/OpenGov

Workday

Job description

Description

Jefferson County is seeking an experienced leader to oversee the Road and Bridge operations and ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient maintenance of the County’s transportation infrastructure.

The Road and Bridge Operations Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for roadway maintenance, sidewalks, stormwater and drainage systems, snow and ice operations, signs and pavement markings, fleet, facilities, and related infrastructure programs. This position leads supervisors and operational teams, oversees construction and capital improvement activities, manages division resources and budgets, and drives continuous improvement while maintaining a strong culture of safety, accountability, and collaboration.

The ideal candidate brings significant experience in public works, roadway maintenance, transportation operations, or a related field, along with a demonstrated ability to lead through others. They are a strategic and practical problem solver who can manage complex operations, project and budgets; develop strong teams; build productive relationships with contractors, partners and the community; and deliver dependable, high-quality public services.

SCHEDULE

This full-time position generally follows a seasonal schedule:

• April–November: Monday–Thursday, 6:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• December–March: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

The position may require a variable schedule based on operational needs, including emergency response and snow and ice operations. The Road and Bridge Operations Manager is also required to respond to certain emergency situations and report to an assigned shop within one hour when called. This position reports on-site to Road & Bridge Central Shop (21401 Golden Gate Rd, Golden, CO 80403).

COMPENSATION

Hiring Range: $144,713.29 - $159,185.30 annually

Hiring Bonus: This position is eligible for a $10,000 hiring bonus following six months of successful employment.

Full Salary Range: $111,317.92 - $144,713.29 - $178,108.67 annually

Starting salary will be determined based on the candidate’s relevant education, experience, skills, and qualifications.

BENEFITS

Benefit Eligibility: This position is eligible for Standard Benefits which includes dental, medical, and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays, including a starting bank of 40 hours of PTO for new hires
• Retirement matching
• Wellness programs
• Tuition reimbursement
• Flexible schedules
• And more

Jefferson County offers a generous benefits package that supports your personal and professional life. For more information, click here for our Total Rewards summary.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provide strategic leadership for the Road and Bridge Division by developing and implementing plans, policies, and procedures that support division goals and priorities.
• Oversee the daily operations and maintenance of roads, sidewalks, stormwater and drainage systems, street sweeping, landscaping, fleet, and facilities.
• Ensure construction, capital improvement, pavement management, safety, and inspection programs are completed effectively and in compliance with applicable standards.
• Lead and develop supervisory staff by assigning and prioritizing work, conducting performance evaluations, supporting hiring and disciplinary actions, coordinating training, and fostering employee growth.
• Continuously improve operational efficiency by standardizing processes, evaluating programs, recommending improvements, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements, and advising staff on construction and maintenance best practices.
• Assist in developing and managing the division budget by monitoring expenditures, approving purchases, reviewing contracts, and ensuring projects and operational needs remain within budget.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with contractors, engineers, developers, architects, public agencies, and community members to coordinate projects and provide guidance on County requirements.
• Respond to emergency situations, including snow removal operations, and report to an assigned shop within one hour when called, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Supervise assigned staff by managing recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, leave, performance management, coaching, corrective actions, and communication of County policies and organizational goals.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business Management, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in road construction, roadway maintenance, public works, transportation operations, or a closely related field.
• Three (3) years of supervisory or management experience.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain a Colorado driver’s license within 30 days of hire, if applicable. NOTE: We accept an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Preferred Qualifications: Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in public works, roadway maintenance, transportation operations, construction, or a related field.
• Experience leading multiple operational teams and supervisors, developing staff, and successfully leading organizational or operational change.
• Advanced knowledge of roadway maintenance, stormwater systems, pavement management, snow and ice operations, and construction practices.
• Experience managing operating and capital budgets, contracts, and capital improvement projects.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations related to public works operations and workplace safety.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships with employees, contractors, engineers, government agencies, and the public.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively in emergency situations.
• Experience with asset management systems such as Cartegraph / OpenGov.
• Experience with Workday or similar enterprise human resource systems.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

• Foster trust and open communication by creating an inclusive, respectful, and supportive work environment where employees feel empowered to share ideas, ask questions, and raise concerns.
• Communicate clearly and transparently by sharing information in a timely and honest manner, setting clear expectations, explaining decisions, and adapting communication styles to meet the needs of different audiences.
• Act with integrity and accountability by making ethical decisions, following through on commitments, applying expectations consistently, and taking responsibility for actions and outcomes.
• Engage in collaborative problem-solving by building strong working relationships, seeking input from others, managing conflict professionally, and working across teams to achieve shared goals.
• Develop and coach others by providing constructive feedback, supporting employee growth and learning, recognizing individual strengths, and helping team members build skills for current and future opportunities.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

Offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of criminal history, motor vehicle report, education verification, and/or references for all positions.

ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT

We encourage people with disabilities to apply and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout our hiring process. For assistance with applications, interviews, or other hiring-related accommodations, contact [e-mail]. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot provide application status updates.

EEO STATEMENT

Jefferson County is an equal opportunity employer, providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons. The County affirms the rights of all employees and applicants for employment to be protected from discrimination, intimidation, physical harm and harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, hairstyle associated with racial identity or any other status protected by Federal or State law.