THE OPPORTUNITY
Committed to professional governance, continuous improvement, and innovation, Adams County offers an exciting career opportunity for a dynamic leader to serve as its next Public Works Director. With a thriving economy, a strong sense of community, and a dedicated Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) and professional staff, this position is ideal for an experienced local government leader with a passion for public works.
ABOUT ADAMS COUNTY
With rich traditions and history, Adams County seamlessly blends suburban convenience with rural charm—offering vibrant cities, welcoming small towns, and abundant recreational opportunities. Located in the northeast Denver metro area, Adams County is Colorado’s fifth-largest county serving a diverse population of more than 540,000 residents. Adams County is 17 miles north to south, 72 miles east to west, for a total of 1,224 square miles. The county encompasses the cities of Brighton (the county seat), Commerce City, Federal Heights, Northglenn, and Thornton, as well as portions of Arvada, Aurora, and Westminster, along with smaller towns and unincorporated communities.
Adams County is experiencing dynamic growth, attracting new residents and businesses that contribute to a thriving economy and vibrant community. As one of Colorado’s fastest-growing regions, it stands as an example of social equity and economic opportunity, where diversity and innovation are valued and celebrated. The BoCC and dedicated staff are committed to delivering responsive services that meet the evolving needs of the community.
THE DEPARTMENT
The Public Works Department includes four divisions. The Administrative Division provides vision, leadership and strategy for the department, and oversees and monitors budgeting and financial matters for the Department. The Infrastructure & Stormwater Management Division ensures transportation and stormwater infrastructure is constructed and maintained in conformance with all applicable County specifications, plans, contract documents, and regulations. The Capital Improvement Program Division oversees the design process and property acquisition for projects within the County’s Right-of-Way (ROW), improving the County’s infrastructure one project at a time. And, the Operations Working Group is responsible for routine, programmed, and emergency maintenance of public ROW infrastructure.
The 2026 budget for capital and operations is $85 million and delivers its services with 116 full-time employees. The department is primarily funded by the County’s Road & Bridge Fund, which derives ongoing revenue from a dedicated County sales tax, fuel impact enterprise funds, Highway User Trust Fund (HUTF) revenues, stormwater utility fees, traffic impact fees, and state and federal grants, among other sources.
THE POSITION
The Public Works Director provides strategic leadership in delivering essential infrastructure, community services, and capital investments across Adams County. The Director will report to the Deputy County Manager for Infrastructure and Development. The Director leads a diverse team responsible for engineering, construction management, right of way services, stormwater management, operations and maintenance, traffic services, and administration. The position serves as a key advisor to the County Manager, Deputy County Manager, and the Board of County Commissioners and ensures that Public Works aligns with the County’s mission, values, and long-range goals. This role balances strategic direction with operational awareness and requires strong communication, sound judgment, and deep collaboration with regional partners.
The ideal candidate for Public Works Director will possess and demonstrate skill and knowledge in the following areas: strategic leadership, organizational culture and talent development, operations and service delivery, budget and resource stewardship, public engagement and communication, regulatory and technical oversight, leadership competencies, and technical competencies in civil engineering and public works management.
QUALIFICATIONS
The following are the minimum requirements for the position of Public Works Director:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, public administration, construction management, transportation planning, business administration, or related field. A master’s degree in public administration, engineering, transportation planning, or a related field is preferred.
Experience: Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible leadership experience in public works, engineering, construction, transportation, or infrastructure management. Experience in an executive or senior leadership role is strongly desired.
License: A valid Colorado driver’s license required (or ability to obtain upon hire).
SALARY & BENEFITS
The anticipated hiring range for the Adams County Public Works Director is $160,723 to $241,085. The County will negotiate a highly competitive salary with the selected candidate that is commensurate with overall qualifications and experience. The County also offers a competitive benefits package which includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; compensated leave; short-term disability; parental leave; and retirement benefits.
For additional benefit information, interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure by clicking on the link on this page and by exploring the benefits of working at Adams County here.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately, as résumés and cover letters will be reviewed as they are submitted and screened for consideration. Application deadline is COB Monday, March 23, 2026. Interviews are slated to take place in April. Interested candidates must submit a comprehensive résumé and compelling cover below.
Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:
