Deputy Director of Public Works Operations presso Aurora City Government

JOB LOCATION

City of Aurora, Colorado

It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.
 
Why Work for Aurora?

• Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
• Diverse community
• Competitive total compensation package
• Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
• Light rail station minutes away
• On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
• Access to innovation workspaces

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Are you the kind of leader who sees a city not as a static map, but as a living organism needing a steady hand and a foundation of integrity to thrive? Do you view a snowstorm less as a challenge and more as a chance to conduct a symphony of plows and salt trucks? If you are prepared to be the operational maestro for the City of Aurora's Public Works Department, we invite you to take the conductor's podium.

As our next Deputy Director of Public Works Operations, you will be the strategic architect for our street and facilities maintenance divisions. Your role extends beyond simple management; you will orchestrate the daily rhythm of a department dedicated to the infrastructure services that are our community's lifeblood. This is your opportunity to step onto the executive leadership stage, cultivating positive relationships with respect and delivering the highest level of customer service to our city.

We are seeking a seasoned professional to direct our yearly street rehabilitation programs, take command of our Snow and Ice Plan, transforming emergency response into a masterclass of efficiency and direct the maintenance and repair of our City facilities. You will guide city leadership and Council on vital policies, from street paving to beautification, ensuring our city not only functions flawlessly but also shines. If you are ready to build a legacy of excellence and steer a dedicated team with true professionalism toward a brighter, smoother, and cleaner Aurora, we encourage you to apply.

Hiring Salary: $148,388 - $185,485

Salary to be commensurate with experience.

The deadline for submitting applications is Sunday, October 19, 2025. Please note, the City of Aurora will conduct ongoing screenings of applications on a first-come, first-served basis; as soon as we determine to have a qualified pool of applicants, this position may close quickly and without notice. 

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategically directs programs designed to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the street maintenance and facilities maintenance programs for the Public Works Department. Manages division functions by ensuring division responsibilities are carried out effectively, efficiently, and timely.
• Manages, administers, and strategically plans key Public Works Department programs and daily administrative duties across assigned divisions. Assists in developing and implementing department goals, objectives, processes, and procedures.
• Consults with and provides guidance and direction to managers concerning organizational and operational goals, objectives, and problems. Recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Negotiates and resolves sensitive, significant, and controversial issues.
• Develops and oversees the implementation of standard operating procedures, division policies
• Directs preparation of and recommends capital improvements program budget for the Public Works Department.
• Directs the implementation of annual street rehabilitation and routine maintenance activities.
• Develops and directs the implementation of the City’s annual Snow and Ice Plan and response to emergencies that impact the roadway system in collaboration with other City departments.
• Prepares comprehensive staff reports for department action and other necessary communications.
• Coordinates operational activities and projects with other departments, developers, outside agencies and jurisdictions as necessary.
• Provides assistance and guidance to city management and City Council on policy and programs related to snow and ice removal, street paving, street sweeping, city beautification, and facilities management and maintenance activities. Provides responses to inquiries from council and constituents
• Evaluates, recommends, and establishes appropriate service, equipment and staffing levels within City policy. Plans and allocates resources accordingly to support the successful delivery of services which includes equipment utilization, acquisition and replacement as well as inventory of materials.
• Develops and maintains a culture of performance and engagement focused on customer service, communication, accountability, proactive planning, and results.
• Makes recommendations to the Director regarding selection, hiring, training, evaluating and disciplining assigned employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be
considered.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Public Administration, or directly related field.

Experience:

• At least ten (10) years progressively responsible professional experience in public works operations in a large organization.
• Five (5) years of supervisory and administrative management of a related major division or organization.
• Colorado Driver’s License with a good driving record.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the principles, engineering practices and operating requirements of street maintenance, traffic operations, and/or
• facilities management.
• Public sector organizational practices including labor relations and public works contracting.
• Municipal management, budgeting, planning, and regulatory requirements
• Asset management principles and practices
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations affecting infrastructure.
• General knowledge of maintenance equipment and financial management principals

Abilities:

• Develop and maintain effective organizational structure, financial control, and management information systems.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, all levels of management including executive staff, residents, and elected officials.
• Convey an understanding of external as well as internal customer service needs and concerns.
• Demonstrated ability to creatively manage limited resources.
• Handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Provide performance management through feedback and coaching and address performance issues in a timely and responsible manner.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing and synthesize complex information into a more useful format for decisionmakers.
• Operate with honesty, integrity, and transparency.
• Demonstrate a commitment to building an agile workforce that responds and adapts quickly to a changing environment and demands.
• Develop positive team culture, strategic planning, staff development and engagement.
• Develop, implement, and monitor appropriate plans, schedules, and actions steps.
• Establish and administer budgets and capital improvement programs.

Skills:

• Results and solutions-oriented
• Highly effective team building and leadership skills
• Excellent strategic planning, organizing, and time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills for establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, department leadership, elected officials, other governmental agencies, and the public.
• Effective prioritization and delegation
• Strong problem analysis, adaptability, and stress tolerance
• Excellent communication, oral and written presentation skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Essential Personnel:

• When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the city, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as

essential personnel.

Physical Demands:

• Light work that involves moving no more than 20 pounds at a time
• Frequent walking and standing
• Infrequent carrying and lifting
• May seldom require pushing, pulling, bending and stooping
• Clear vision to read and interpret reports and other written documents
• Speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizens
• Hand/foot/eye coordination for operation of computer keyboard, office equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle

Work Environment:

• Works primarily indoors but may work outdoors attending field meetings or site visits

Equipment Used:

• Uses standard office equipment including personal computer and common office software such as email, internet, Word, Excel and menu driven databases.
• This position may require the incumbent to use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment.

For Veterans preference:  Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.
           
The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer.  We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants.  It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.
                                         
Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace.  A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.
 

Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:
As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check. 

Applicants selected for safety-sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety sensitive positions include Civil Service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others.  

Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.