Assistant Public Works Director

Why Join the City of Idaho Falls Public Works Team?
At the City of Idaho Falls, Public Works plays an essential role in supporting a growing and vibrant community. As Assistant Public Works Director, you will help shape the future of the city through leadership, strategic planning, infrastructure development, and collaboration with community stakeholders. This position offers meaningful work that directly impacts the quality of life for residents through improvements to streets, water, wastewater, sanitation, and public infrastructure systems.

The City of Idaho Falls values innovation, professionalism, teamwork, and public service. You will work alongside experienced professionals who are committed to maintaining and improving essential city services while supporting responsible growth and long-term community development. This role provides the opportunity to contribute to major infrastructure projects, guide multiple operational divisions, and help lead initiatives that will influence the future of the community for years to come.

To learn more about the City of Idaho Falls, click here: City of Idaho Falls

Compensation & Benefits
The expected starting compensation range for this position is $51.48 to $57.87 per hour or approximately $107,000 to $120,000 annually depending on qualifications and experience.

The City of Idaho Falls offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, participation in the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI), paid vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, professional development opportunities, employee wellness programs, and long-term career growth within public service.

Application Instructions
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit both a resume and cover letter for consideration. Application materials should highlight relevant leadership experience, public works administration, engineering expertise, project management experience, and supervisory background.

Position Overview:

The Assistant Public Works Director assists in the leadership, administration, and strategic oversight of the City’s Public Works Department, including Engineering, Streets, Sanitation, Water, and Wastewater operations. This position works closely with the Public Works Director to support essential infrastructure services, oversee departmental initiatives, guide operational planning, and help ensure the efficient delivery of critical public services that support the continued growth and development of the City of Idaho Falls.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the broad guidance and direction of the Public Works Director. 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Assists the Public Works Director in providing general supervision to Superintendents and other employees of the Engineering, Streets, Sanitation, Water and Wastewater departments.

Prepares budgetary recommendations and assists in evaluating Public Works departmental efficiency and effectiveness.  Assists in evaluating personnel actions such as hiring, firing, discipline, promotion, transfers, etc.

Attends a variety of public meetings with local groups or agencies and with State and Federal agencies; gives presentations for various groups or agencies explaining proposed projects and developments including cost analysis, alternate designs, expected problems, and environmental impact; evaluates projects to ensure they contribute to community needs related to street, water, waste water, and drainage systems.

Receives and administers the reviews of City-prepared construction plans and Consultant-prepared subdivision plans.

Reviews annexation and development agreements to ensure and clarify the City’s and developer’s obligations; ensures agreements are acceptable as to terms, conditions, and deadlines so as to prevent possible controversy; ensures such agreements conform to City policies. Coordinates with the City Building Department for approval of permits in the Right of Way. Reviews and ensures that Development Agreement requirements are completed to coordinate building permit issuance and completion of Certificates of Occupancy.

Supervises the preparation, processing, and administration of Federal grants and transportation, water, and wastewater facility planning. Coordinates permit requirements and activities associated with the City’s Storm Drainage Permit (MS4) and wastewater permit requirements.

Serves on and makes presentations before various boards, council and commissions; explains project goals, objectives and impact and makes recommendations regarding developments and subdivisions.

Gives testimony in court representing City’s position.  Provides written depositions when required; addresses civic groups and responds to inquiries regarding engineering projects and developments.

Performs related duties as required.

1. Education and Experience:

A. Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college with a degree in Civil Engineering or Business Administration, or Business Administration, or some other related field;

AND
Eight (8) years of progressively responsible civil engineering experience or business experience; two (2) years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity;

OR
C. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Thorough knowledge of Public Works functions and administration; budget preparation methods and techniques; construction and maintenance activities; municipal rate and fee structures; governmental structure and municipal administration; general civil engineering principles and practices; legal environment associated with public works projects, construction and maintenance; current methods, principles and practices of waste water, road and street construction; equipment and materials used in construction and maintenance operations; safety practices and principles involved in public works; current codes, standards, safety practices and principles involved in public works;   principles of management and employee supervision. Considerable knowledge of political considerations and realities of a complex municipal environment.
Skill in the art of diplomacy and cooperative problem solving.

Ability to effectively implement and carry out complex goals related to City growth and development; ability to exercise good judgment in a variety of complex situations; ability to cope with pressures arising out of municipal liabilities; ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, ability to develop effective working relationships with elected officials; agency heads, fellow professionals, the public and subordinates; ability to exercise diplomacy in dealing with a variety of problems affecting the image of local government.

3. Special Qualifications:

Must possess a valid Idaho driver's license.

Incumbent of the position performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls. Tasks require variety of physical activities, not generally involving muscular strain, related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, and reaching. Essential functions require talking, hearing and seeing. Common eye, hand, and finger dexterity exist. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, discriminating thinking and creative problem solving. Periodic travel required in normal course of job performance while conducting field inspections.

Why This Role Is Attractive:
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to serve in a senior management role within a growing municipality. The Assistant Public Works Director will oversee a wide range of functions across Engineering, Streets, Water, Wastewater, and Sanitation operations while working closely with elected officials, consultants, developers, boards, commissions, and community members. The position offers the ability to make a lasting impact on city growth, infrastructure planning, and public service delivery while working in a collaborative and professional environment.

Located in Idaho Falls, this role also provides the opportunity to enjoy a strong sense of community, access to outdoor recreation, and an exceptional quality of life while building a rewarding public service career. 

Salary : $107,078 - $149,614