Public Works Director

The City of Gunnison, is a peaceful, cherished Colorado municipality located in the beautiful, high-altitude Gunnison River Valley, surrounded by national forest and mountains on nearly all sides. Gunnison (pop. 7,013, area 4.85 sq mi, elev. 7,703 ft) is due south of the towns of Crested Butte and Mt.

Crested Butte, and the Crested Butte Mountain Resort and northeast of the incomparably beautiful San Juan Mountains. Monarch Mountain (more skiing) is 45 minutes to the east. Add the Gunnison River, Curecanti National Recreation Area, and Blue Mesa Reservoir, and Gunnison becomes very hard to top in terms of outdoor lifestyle. This geography also makes it one of the coldest locations in the country every winter.

The county seat and most populous city of Gunnison County, Gunnison is also home to Western Colorado University, an essential stakeholder. The city's FY 2024 Budget is $51.3 million (Operating, $33.5M), supporting 110.47 employees.

This career opportunity is available with the announced retirement (November 1) of the current public works director, who has served the city as director for seven years. Reporting directly to the city manager, the public works director oversees the departing and these divisions: engineering, electric, fleet, facilities, refuse and recycling, streets and alleys, wastewater collection and treatment, water treatment and distribution, and stormwater all managed by experienced, capable superintendents, including a utilities manager.

The departmental budget of $30.6 million (Operating, $17.4M), supports 33.2 FTE. The most critical trait of the next director is a true customer service mindset, one fixed on eliminating roadblocks, relentlessly seeking solutions, and on finding a path to "Yes."

A bachelor's degree in engineering, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field; four to ten years of responsible experience in business, engineering, construction, or public works; at least five to seven years of supervisory and administrative responsibility; or an acceptable combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrate the knowledge, abilities, and skills needed for this position are all required. A professional engineering license is not required. Experience managing municipal utilities and snow removal operations is desirable.

The hiring range for this position is $135,000 to $155,000 DOQE. In addition, the following benefits are provided: medical, dental, vision, and life ($100,000) insurances, paid 75% for the employee and dependents, with three PPO choices and other optional benefits.

EAP, related services (counseling, financial, legal), and wellness program, including free membership to the Gunnison Community Center (recreation). Gunnison matches a total of 10% toward two retirement plans, 5% each in the 401(a) and 457(b) defined contribution plans, both through the Colorado Retirement Association. This position enjoys paid vacation (three weeks per year), 12 sick days, and 12 paid holidays. Relocation assistance and possible additional incentives are subject to negotiation.