Posted: 10-Jul-25
Location: Durango, Colorado
Type: Full Time
Salary: from $160,000 to $190,000
Years of Experience:
Required Education:
THE OPPORTUNITY
Rugged. Beautiful. Historic. Thriving: Durango, Colorado offers an outstanding opportunity for an experienced public works leader to serve as its next Public Works Director.
ABOUT DURANGO
Durango is home to 19,500 residents and is located along the Animas River in southwestern Colorado at the foot of the San Juan Mountains and east of Mesa Verde National Park. Durango is in the four corners region of the United States; a region consisting of the southwestern corner of Colorado, northwestern corner of New Mexico, northeastern corner of Arizona, and southeastern corner of Utah. As the county seat for La Plata County and a regional hub for commerce, Durango is easily accessible by land and air. Durango offers modern city amenities with stunning natural surroundings, rugged geography, and world-class recreational opportunities. Durango is a cultural hotspot and offers ample opportunities to indulge in theatre or music venues, art galleries, museums, as well as dining at Durango’s many restaurants.
CITY GOVERNMENT
The City provides a full range of services to its residents, including general government, public safety, streets and highways, culture and recreation, transportation, sustainability, community development, public works and public utilities. The City’s recreation programs and facilities are heavily utilized by residents of La Plata County and Durango continues to be the largest provider of these services in the region. The City’s utilities include water treatment, wastewater treatment, solid waste disposal and recycling. The City also operates a transportation services enterprise, including parking and public transportation. City services are provided by 460 FTE employees and a FY 2025 general fund budget of $56.2 million and an all-funds budget of $229 million.
THE DEPARTMENT
The City of Durango’s Public Works Department is dedicated to enhancing the community’s quality of life by managing essential infrastructure and delivering exceptional services. The department’s responsibilities include maintaining and improving streets, ensuring reliable water and wastewater systems, efficient trash and recycling services, and overseeing city engineering and capital improvement projects. The Public Works Department is committed to providing safe, efficient, and sustainable services to residents and businesses, supporting the city’s economy and public safety.
Services are provided through 105 FTE positions, and a FY 2025 operating and capital budget totaling $75 million. Reporting directly to the Public Works Director are an Assistant Director (Utilities), an Assistant Director (Operations), the City Engineer, the Capital Improvement Program Manager, and a Public Works Administrative Services Manager.
THE POSITION
Appointed by the City Manager, the Public Works Director plans, directs, and oversees the activities and operations of the Public Works Department, which includes engineering, streets, trash/recycling, water, wastewater, and capital improvement divisions. The Director works collaboratively with other City departments and external agencies, providing complex administrative support to the City Manager’s office. Essential job duties include full management responsibility for all Public Works Department services and activities; developing and implementing department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; evaluating and forecasting the city's public works needs and identifying capital improvement project requirements; and managing and participating in the development and administration of the department budget.
The ideal candidate will have advanced knowledge of design and construction principles, municipal budget preparation, and personnel management; strong strategic planning abilities to align department goals with the City’s vision; proven experience in managing complex budgets and resource allocation; exceptional leadership and motivational skills to inspire and develop staff; and a commitment to building strong relationships with residents, businesses, and community organizations.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The anticipated salary range for the Public Works Director is $160,000 to $190,000, with placement in the range dependent on qualifications. In addition, retirement is provided through a 401(a) plan, with employee contributions set at 9%, with a City match of 11.2%. Employees are fully vested after five years. Additional benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance options for its employees, as well as life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment, and long-term disability insurance; PTO accruals vary from 23 days to 31 days per year, depending upon years of service; and the selected candidate will have use of a city-provided condominium for up to six months in order to provide time to secure housing.
For a complete listing of benefits please view the City’s 2025 Employee Benefits Guide.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
Interested candidates should apply immediately! A first review of résumés is scheduled for Monday, August 11, 2025, but the City may close the recruitment at any time once a suitably strong group of candidates has been established. Submit a comprehensive résumé and compelling cover letter online at:
Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:
Greg Nelson | greg@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 550-4100
QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of related education, experience, certifications, and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job is qualifying. The most attractive candidates will possess the following:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in public or business administration, organizational development/management, engineering, construction management, or a related field.
- Experience: Ten years of increasingly responsible experience in public works or city operations, including five years of administrative and supervisory responsibility.