Deputy Public Works Director

The Position

The City of Lafayette is seeking a Deputy Public Works Director to lead its newly expanded Engineering and Capital Projects Division, and directly oversee the department’s engineering, capital planning, and capital improvements functions.

Reporting to and in collaboration with the Public Works Director, the Deputy Public Works Director develops the overall strategy and direction for the division including:

• actively supporting project identification and prioritization,
• overseeing and supporting infrastructure assessment and planning efforts,
• developing and implementing the capital improvements program,
• developing and overseeing the recommended division budget and coordinating with financial staff on funding strategies to fund capital projects, and
• supporting the development of rates and fees for the City’s utility enterprise funds

As a member of the Public Works leadership team, the Deputy Director:

• creates and supports a culture of continuous improvement, monitoring projects and keeping the Director apprised of emerging trends and issues,
• leads, supports, and develops a team of senior level engineers with specialties in water and wastewater, transportation and traffic, stormwater and flood management, and development review and project management,
• coordinates and collaborates with other divisions and departments on engineering and technical matters, and
• represents the City and department in coordination with regulatory and governmental agencies including Boulder County, Colorado Department of Transportation, Mile High Flood District, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Denver Regional Council of Governments, and other local governments.

The Priorities

• Collaborate with the Public Works Director to modernize the department and drive operational excellence by streamlining processes, optimizing efficiency, leveraging technology, simplifying decision-making, and creating consistency in operations, systems, policies, and procedures.

• Lead efforts across engineering disciplines and funding sources to advance development and implementation of an integrated, multi-year capital improvements program and asset management system.
• Team with staff to support objectives and outcomes of the City’s first comprehensive transportation plan, the Multimodal Transportation Plan.
• Develop long-term stormwater and flood management programs in partnership with Mile High Flood District.

• Support an inclusive work environment, champion equity in City services, and embrace the growing diversity throughout the community.

The Ideal Candidate

The Deputy Public Works Director is an integral part of the Public Works leadership team, serving as a strong leader for the Engineering and Capital Projects Division, and setting key strategic priorities and initiatives impacting the larger organization and entire community. The ideal candidate will set an example by demonstrating the following traits:

• is energized by the opportunity to drive ongoing change and transformation within the department,
• is excited by Lafayette’s numerous projects and initiatives,
• understands the importance of maintaining existing infrastructure, designing and building necessary improvements, and planning for future growth,
• brings a modern perspective and implements best practices, with an eye on process improvement and innovation,
• multi-tasks agilely, quickly shifting gears to prioritize and balance workloads and resource needs,
• has a strong background in strategic planning, project management, and the understanding of project lifecycles,
• possesses strong communication skills and the ability to connect with staff, elected officials, and the community in the advancement of departmental goals and organizational objectives, and
• is known for actively supporting staff and removing barriers to their success, and exhibits a leadership style reflective of City core values of Accountability, Community Focus, Innovation, Integrity, and Respect.

The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable of Public Works operations and infrastructure, and will be an adept project manager with the ability to successfully juggle competing interests, manage crossover between initiatives, delegate effectively, and deliver projects to completion. Importantly, they will value communication, organizational development, process improvement, and collaboration in a dynamic environment populated with talented professionals.

Qualifications

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience, including at least three years leading engineering and project management teams is required. Experience in municipal government including engineering, planning, development review, permitting, and financial functions is ideal. Demonstrated leadership qualities including the ability to lead, manage, and organize work teams is essential, as is the ability to manage multiple competing priorities. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to interact with the public and other staff tactfully and effectively, and make effective presentations is required. Bilingual Spanish is beneficial.

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or directly related field required; master’s degree in public administration or related field preferred. Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Colorado, or the ability to acquire through reciprocity desired. A valid driver’s license, acceptable motor vehicle record, and satisfactory criminal history record are required.

Public Works Department

The Public Works Department is a full-service department dedicated to providing quality water, water reclamation, stormwater, and mobility services to the community, with a commitment to superior customer service response that instills trust in the department’s abilities.

With a talented and dedicated team of 54 and a 2023 budget of $33 million, the Public Works Department:

• protects public health and the environment through treatment and distribution of water, collection and treatment of wastewater, and effective management of stormwater runoff,
• performs engineering, technical, and administrative functions associated with the planning, design, review, construction, and inspection of public works infrastructure and facilities,
• maintains and replaces vehicles and equipment for Public Works and other City departments, and
• supports multimodal transportation infrastructure and services including streets, sidewalks, snow removal, and traffic signals, including regional transportation coordination and partnerships.

Inside the City of Lafayette

The City of Lafayette operates within a council-administrator form of government. The City Council serves as the community’s legislative body, enacting ordinances, appropriating funds to conduct city business, and providing policy direction for city governance through the City Administrator. The City Administrator is the chief executive officer of the City responsible for the overall management of City operations.

The 257 full-time and 350+ seasonal and part-time employees are the City’s most valuable resource and together provide services across eleven departments: Administration, Arts & Cultural Resources; City Clerk; Communications; Finance; Fire; Human Resources; Library; Parks, Recreation & Open Space; Planning & Building; Police; and Public Works. City Attorney services are handled by an outside law firm.

The City’s 2023 budget totals $100.2 million across all funds. The budget represents a strategic and measured approach to investing in the high-quality City services residents and visitors have come to expect, while simultaneously advancing important City Council priorities.

The Community

Lafayette is a thriving, diverse community of over 30,000 residents, encompassing 9.54 square miles at the foothills of the Rockies. Situated along U.S. Highway 287 just over 22 miles north of Denver and 11 miles east of Boulder, the community offers a small-town atmosphere with the convenience of easy access to a major metropolitan area. Lafayette has appeared on numerous national lists of top places to live and raise a family, including #31 on Money Magazine’s 2022 list of the 50 Best Places to Live.

Lafayette has grown into a unique community with a vibrant arts and entertainment scene and unparalleled recreation opportunities. Old Town is filled with local dining, small craft breweries, coffee shops, shopping, entertainment, and many community events. The City boasts an exemplary parks system and has carefully set aside greenbelts, bikeways, parks, and open lands to preserve the natural atmosphere.. The Great Outdoors Waterpark, Waneka Lake Park and Boathouse, NRPA Gold Medal Award-winning Bob L. Burger Recreation Center, Lafayette Public Library, and other facilities are valued amenities.

Lafayette is an environmentally conscious city with managed growth plans for residential, commercial, and industrial developments. The City is a strong supporter of economic development and is home to a variety of small and large businesses, commercial enterprises, and industrial and technology firms. Lafayette’s public schools are part of Boulder Valley School District, a leader in academic excellence.

Compensation and Benefits

The annual salary range for the Deputy Public Works Director is $123,000 – $185,000, with an anticipated hiring range of $145,000 – $165,000 depending on the qualifications of the successful candidate. The City provides a comprehensive and generous benefits package including:

• 100% City-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 401A Retirement Plan (10.2% City, 8% Employee, 100% vested upon hire)
• Life Insurance (one year’s salary up to $150,000. AD&D coverage in equal amount)
• 100% City-paid Short-term and Long-term Disability coverage
• Tuition Assistance (up to $5,000 per year for approved expenses)
• Generous Paid Leave
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Employee Assistance Program
• Bilingual Pay
• Deferred Compensation and Roth Retirement Savings Options
• Voluntary Life Insurance/AD&D
• Identity Theft Program
• City/Employee Voluntarily Funded Hardship Fund
• Recreation Center Pass
• Wellness Punch Card (100 punches per year for employee & family use at golf course, waterpark, etc.)

Full details and additional information can be found here.

How to Apply

The City of Lafayette is committed to maintaining a highly qualified workforce that delivers essential services to our residents. Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis.  Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position is open until filled with a first review of applications beginning April 3, 2023.

Questions

For more information or questions regarding the City of Lafayette or the Deputy Public Works Director position, please contact Heather Gantz hgantz@raftelis.com and Alexa Worrell at aworrell@raftelis.com.