The City of Durango is seeking an Assistant Public Works Director - Utilities with the skills and experience to guide the future of its Utilities Division by directing daily operations, strategic improvements, and long-term planning.
Nestled in southwest Colorado's San Juan Mountains, at the crossroads of the Four Corners (where Colorado's border meets Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico), Durango is a charming mountain town where the sun shines more than 300 days each year. The city encompasses 17.01 square miles and has an altitude of 6,512 feet. With a population of 19,500, Durango acts as the county seat for La Plata County, which boasts 56,600 residents.
Durango is a home-rule city operating under the council-manager form of government. The City Council is comprised of five members elected at-large and serving four-year terms with no limits. In addition to appointing advisory and commission members and hiring the city manager, city attorney, and municipal judge, the City Council also elects a mayor from among its members to one-year terms of office.
The Durango Public Works Department manages streets, water and wastewater infrastructure and operations, trash and recycling services, city engineering projects, and capital improvements construction management, all while remaining committed to public safety, customer service, and asset management.
Under the direction of the Public Works Director, the new Assistant Public Works Director - Utilities will plan, guide, and direct operations and improvements focused on the department's Utilities Division.
The position is responsible for the Division's budget development and implementation, annual CIP recommendations, and 10-year asset management planning, as well as the supervision, training, direction, and evaluation of Division staff - including operational managers - with water, sewer, and collection/distribution operations specialties.
Policy development experience, knowledge of water and wastewater systems operations, and strong communication skills will be essential to the success of this new leadership role. In-depth understanding and awareness of current trends, technology, and projects in the water industries - and familiarity with relevant federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations affecting water and wastewater operations, particularly Colorado Water Rights - will also be beneficial.
This position requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, public administration, urban planning, environmental science, or a closely related field, with graduate-level coursework or a master's degree in public administration or a related field preferred.
Candidates should also have five (5) years of responsible supervisory and policy development experience in a municipal government, water/wastewater utility, or public works department, including supervisory experience managing a staff of over 20 in addition to contractors and consultants.
The City of Durango is offering a competitive salary range of $91,299 to $136,948 for this position, depending on qualifications and experience.