Deputy Public Works Director

The Deputy Director serves as a member the department's leadership team. This position consists of professional and managerial duties relating to the planning, directing, organizing, implementing, and coordinating all programs and activities of the Divisions of the Public Works Department. This position plays a key role in the development of strategic vision, and the successful attainment of the goals and objectives for the department and the City of Littleton.

With a focus on customer service, innovation and enhancement of the operations of Public Works this position recommends and facilitates changes in departmental methods and procedures for improved, effective workflow and service to the public. The diversity of public works functions requires a broad base of knowledge and experience in operations, grounds, streets, engineering, open space, fleet, facilities, solid waste, sustainability, public engagement, council communications, transportation, development review, and emergency operations are all essential. The incumbent in this position will be expected to develop acumen in all these areas over the course of their time with the city of Littleton.

The position will be leading the Operations Department within the Public Works Department. This will include Streets, Utilities (sanitary and storm), Facilities and Fleet. In addition, the position will oversee special projects as assigned by the Direct. This will include Project Downtown, redevelopment of the Bellview Service Center, coordination with sanitary sewer connector districts, act as a liaison between departments, address resident inquires and represent the city at various meetings and events.

The ideal candidate:

• Have excellent communications skills both verbal and written.

• Is highly organized with the ability to prioritize tasks and exercise sound judgement.

• A passion for leadership and a commitment to serving the community.

• Is knowledgeable in the principles and practices of Public Works Operations

• Ability to collaborate with Division Managers and provide an environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The City of Littleton is a vibrant community south of Denver and is consistently voted as one of America’s Best Small Cities, and a top place to raise a family. Learn more about everything Littleton has to offer at VisitLittleton.org. Home to a vibrant and historic downtown, and a variety of shopping venues, restaurants, parks and trails, there is a lot to offer to the wonderful people who live and work here. The City of Littleton offers outstanding benefits and perks to our employees. For more information, please see the 2024 Benefit Guide.

The City of Littleton believes in attracting and retaining the best talent and our strategies include hiring in at market pay and creating career development opportunities. In addition to your application, please submit a cover letter that describes why you are the best candidate for this position with the City of Littleton.

Hiring pay range $145,445 - $160,755 per year

This full-time position is exempt per FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified or the position is filled, but preference will be given to complete applications received by October 28, 2024. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs professional work in support of the department, its mission, vision and departmental values.

• Works in partnership with other employees, departments/divisions, external entities, and the public in delivering effective and innovative services.  Provide holistic services to internal and external customers by seeking ways to integrate programs or services provided by other departments, divisions, and external entities.

• Determines work procedures, prepares work schedules, and expedites workflow; studies and standardizes procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations.  Develops and implements policies, procedures and standards for efficient and effective operation and maintenance of operations.

• Ensures compliance with established policies, procedures, and governing laws and regulations.  Issues written and oral instructions; assigns duties and examine work for exactness, neatness, and conformance to policies and procedures.

• Coordinates and balances activities of divisions with other city divisions/departments, consultants, developers, contractors, governmental agencies, community organizations, and the public.

• Provides professional advice on issues to the Director, City Manager, and City Council; makes presentations to supervisors, boards, commissions, civic groups and the general public.

• Communicates official plans, policies and procedures to staff and the general public.  Maintains liaison with other departments as well as state, local, and other public officials.  Answers letters of inquiry and talks with citizens and businesses; addresses public and civic organizations, which inform the public of policies, procedures and Public Works operations.

• Prepares routine and complex/detailed reports, projects, and recommendations (including city Council reports, letters, and memoranda) as requested by the Director.  Prepares or reviews ordinances and resolutions related to public works activities.  Addresses inquiries and complaints from the public or other city divisions or departments concerning department's programs and activities.

• Assumes duties of the Director of Public Works & Utilities in their absence and represents them at meetings and other official functions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Encourages an environment of collaboration and teamwork.

• Selects, trains, and evaluates employees.

• Completes assigned supervisory training.

• Provides guidance and assists employees in the fulfillment of responsibilities.

• Assigns and directs work; addresses and resolves issues.

• Manages employee performance through meaningful, timely feedback and appraisals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, civil engineering, environmental sciences, construction management or a field closely related; and

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public works management, construction management, local government management, or comparable business experience related directly to this position, including at least three (3) years at a supervisory and/or administrative level; or

• An equivalent combination of education, training and work experience that produces the knowledge, skill, and ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position.

• Must have a valid driver’s license.

• Must be able to pass a pre-employment criminal background check and motor vehicle records check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Innovative Mindset: A strategic thinker with a deep understanding of public sector management, municipal administration, and the unique challenges of the local government structure.

• Problem Solving: Candidate should be comfortable handling challenges and finding practical solutions, especially in a fast-paced environment.

• Financial Acumen: Strong skills in budgeting and management of multiple funds associated with operations divisions of Public Works

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Ability to provide outstanding customer service focused on the mission of building and sustaining great neighborhoods and communities.

• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and standards governing public works operations and maintenance activities.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal organization and administration including knowledge of budget preparation and execution.

• Knowledge of human resource management practices and theories, including employee relations, employment law, organizational development and leadership development.

• Knowledge of contract administration and project management. Considerable knowledge of maintenance and replacement strategies to support integration of asset management into long-range planning.

• Broad knowledge of strategic planning and organizational development.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all organizational levels, contractors, developers, the public, attorneys, consultants, and other governmental agencies.

• Other duties as assigned.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:

Operates a personal computer including associated software programs. Operates a motor vehicle in traveling to and from work sites. Evaluates service costs and makes related recommendations.  Identifies and recommends improvements in divisional and departmental operations to ensure assigned functions are efficient and cost effective. Takes proper safety precautions, anticipates unsafe circumstances, and acts accordingly to prevent accidents. Uses all required safety equipment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Littleton is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and intends to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and job applicants regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other non-job related characteristic, and to hire and retain the best-qualified individuals without regard to any of these factors. This prohibition includes unlawful harassment based on a protected class.

The City of Littleton will consider reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process and employment. Applicants and employees can request an accommodation by contacting Human Resources at 303-795-3857 or emailing hr@littletongov.org.

Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace

The City of Littleton is committed to the health and safety of all its employees. To ensure a safe and productive work environment the city prohibits the use, sale, dispensation, manufacture, distribution or possession of alcohol, drugs, controlled substances or drug paraphernalia on any city premises or worksites. No employee shall report to work or be at work with alcohol or with any detectable amount of prohibited drugs in the employee's system. A detectable amount refers to the standards generally used in workplace drug & alcohol testing. This prohibition specifically includes marijuana, and decriminalized psychedelics whether used for medical purposes or obtained legally under state law.