Deputy Public Works Director in Telluride, Colorado at Town of Telluride

Department: Public Works
Reports to: Public Works Director
FLSA: Exempt
Grade: 85
The application period for this position closes at 8am MT Monday July 6th, 2026

SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Public Works Director, the Deputy Public Works Director performs complex professional, managerial, and technical work in assisting with planning, organizing, directing, and overseeing the activities, projects, and operations of the Public Works Department to maintain the quality and safety of the Town’s infrastructure. This position serves as second-in-command and supports the Director in leadership of departmental operations including engineering, streets, water and wastewater treatment, collections and distribution, stormwater, transit, fleet, and development review. The Deputy Director provides oversight of daily operations, capital projects, budgeting, and staff supervision, and may assume full departmental responsibility in the Director’s absence.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Public Works Department Management
Assist in developing, planning, and implementing Department goals and objectives
Assist in developing, recommending, and administering Department policies and procedures
Oversee daily operations of assigned divisions including engineering, streets, transit, water/wastewater treatment, collections and distribution, stormwater, fleet, and development
Participate in asset management and long-range planning
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
Oversee development review, permitting, and infrastructure requirements
Respond to emergencies and critical infrastructure issues
Serve as Acting Director in the Director’s absence
Other tasks and special projects as assigned

Capital Project Management
Participate in planning, design, bidding, and management of municipal public works projects
Manage and monitor capital improvement projects, contracts, and funding sources

Supervision
Recruit, train, supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff
Work with Division Managers on employee performance, training, and development
Foster an atmosphere of teamwork, cooperation, and accountability

Administrative
Assist in preparation and administration of the department’s annual budget
Analyze fiscal data, monitor expenditures, and forecast resource needs
Prepare reports, correspondence, and presentations for Town Council and stakeholders
Represent the department in meetings with Town Council, boards, agencies, developers, and the public

Safety
Work safely to prevent accidents
Ensure staff are trained on necessary safety requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education/Experience/Licenses/Certifications):
Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, public administration, construction management, or related field and five (5) years of experience in public works, engineering, or related field, including three (3) years of supervisory experience required; valid Colorado driver’s license; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Knowledge of: Municipal public works operations, infrastructure systems, and maintenance programs; applicable regulations including environmental, zoning, and safety standards; engineering principles, construction practices, and asset management; budgeting, financial management, and contract administration

Skill in: Leadership, team building, and staff development; project management and strategic planning; budgeting and financial analysis; effective written, verbal, and public communication; collaboration and relationship building; analytical thinking and problem-solving; conflict resolution and decision-making; customer service and public relations; technology proficiency and adaptability

Environmental Factors:
Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment and in and around the Town’s buildings and facilities.

Physical Factors:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to sit for extended periods of time; may occasionally be required to lift and/or move items weighing up to 20 pounds.