Deputy Public Works Director

Lead with purpose. Build a stronger community. If you are looking for a rewarding career with a dynamic organization, apply today! Work under the general guidance and direction of the Public Works Director to coordinate, supervise, and lead Public Works operations, maintenance functions, and employee relations. The City of Coon Rapids employs a great team of people dedicated and service centered! Our mission revolves around the understanding that only together, can we provide outstanding leadership and services that strengthen our community. Serving our Citizens and local businesses is essential in our work. Our vision is to strengthen our community with a respectful, collaborative, and innovative employee culture that values employee growth, personal balance, and contagious enthusiasm. Our core values include dedication to essentials such as trust, teamwork, innovation and commitment to excellence! No doubt we have something great here! This position will be open until filled with first round of application reviews to take place on March 6, 2026.  You must submit a resume, cover letter, and any degrees/certifications that you have in order for your application to be considered. Anticipated Hiring Range: $135,179.20 - $ 151,091.20 This is Us! Video Link - Click to get to know us! The City of Coon Rapids is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve.  The City welcomes, and encourages any qualified applicant to apply regardless of race (including traits associated with race, including but not limited to, hair texture and hair styles such as braids, locks and twists), color, creed, religion, familial status, sex (including pregnancy or related conditions, gender identity/expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, marital status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors or any other basis protected by law.  Essential duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. * Assists in goal setting and development of long-range planning, departmental policies, strategic plans, and performance measures. * Directs daily activities of divisional (street and drainage operations, parks, sanitary sewer, water, and forestry) operations to ensure efficient service delivery. * Evaluates performance of divisional staff, providing coaching and mentorship. Recommends training and development activities, and develops a strong customer service and safety attitude among staff. * Leads departmental employee relations, including recruitment, coaching, conflict resolution, and performance management. Ensures compliance with city and departmental policies. * Assists in the preparation, management, and administration of departmental budgets. * Coordinates planning, development, and inspection of capital improvement projects and maintenance operations. * Participates in the development of asset management plans, ensuring compliance with record maintenance and accuracy. * Keeps abreast of legislation and public agency programs involving Public Works operations and acts as liaison between City and outside agencies. Ensures adherence to laws, ordinances, and environmental standards. * Assists with the planning and implementation of safety programs. * Oversees requisition of materials and supplies. Prepares and evaluates specifications for equipment purchases and projects in a manner that is accurate, timely, and results in appropriate and cost-effective equipment and improvements. * Assists Public Works Director in providing supportive technical information to departmental staff, the City Council, related boards, and other departments. * Provides effective and respectful communication and interactions with other employees, supervisors, individuals from other organizations, and citizen customers. * Ensures Public Works divisions respond to emergencies promptly, efficiently, and effectively. * Participates in union negotiations. Interprets and administers the collective bargaining agreement to ensure consistent application. * Keeps Public Works Director informed of important developments and serves as acting Director as assigned. * Attendance during regularly scheduled work hours and outside regular hours, including City Council and other meetings as necessary. * Organizes, manages, and delegates a high-volume workload with varying priorities, and performs other related functions and responsibilities as apparent or as delegated. To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. * Strong understanding of municipal infrastructure, engineering, and public works maintenance. * Proficiency in administration, finance, and budget management. * Excellent leadership, communication (written and verbal), and interpersonal skills. * Ability to be detail-oriented and perform duties with accuracy, tact, and discretion. * Ability to read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions in the performance of duties, including interpretation of engineering, legal, technical, regulatory, and operational documents, manuals, journals, blueprints, specifications, and diagrams. * Knowledge of standard business software tools such as database management, word processing, spreadsheet, email, and internet browser programs. Familiarity with asset management and GIS software. * Knowledge of supervisory principles; including coaching/mentoring and performance management. Experience in employee relations in a unionized public sector environment. * Ability to evaluate and analyze customer needs and provide a service-oriented approach. * Ability to perform research, assemble information, analyze data, and prepare complex reports and studies, making public presentations to the City Council, boards, and civic groups. * Ability to work independently, prioritize a high-volume workload and perform specialized tasks with initiative and independent judgment. * Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. * Handles confidential and sensitive information appropriately. * Knowledge of contract negotiations and administration, and project management methods. * Knowledge of federal (OSHA), state, local, and other applicable environmental and safety statutes, safety training and safe work practices, ordinances, and codes. * Must have the ability to accept constructive criticism or discipline in a positive manner, initiating self-development to improve job performance. * Ability to promote a team-oriented atmosphere in the department and exhibit a positive attitude. Maintain and foster a work environment that supports the City's mission and values with a respectful, collaborative and innovative employee culture that values employee growth, personal balance and contagious enthusiasm. * Service - We value outstanding service. Our City deserves the best. * Trust - Trust means everything. Be accountable. Be transparent. * Teamwork - Teamwork allows us to accomplish more. We tackle challenges and celebrate successes together. * Innovation - Innovation is vital for our future. We are not afraid of new ideas. * Excellence - It's the expectation. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A combination of training and experience substantially equivalent to the following: * Associate's degree in engineering, business, public works, public administration, or related field. * Five years of experience in Public Works/Construction, with three years in a supervisory role.  * Public Works Leadership, construction, and/or project management certificates. * Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs. * Class C Sewer Waste Water Collection and Water System Operator licenses, or ability to obtain within one year of hire. * Class A Commercial Driver's License, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: * Four-year degree in engineering, business, public works, public administration, or related field. * Seven years of progressively responsible operations and maintenance experience, with five years in a management role. * Experience in municipal government and collective bargaining operations. * CityWorks or other asset management software, CAD, GIS, and GPS experience. * Public speaking/presentation experience. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work regular requires sitting, speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel, frequently requires repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by the means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic). EQUIPMENT/JOB LOCATION: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Duties performed may be outside in climatic extremes. A significant portion of this work is in a typical office environment. It will use common office supplies and equipment, and the noise level in the office is usually quiet. Exposure to computer monitors in the office is typical. This position works closely with others. Travel to various street locations within the City is required. Noise level in the field can be loud. In the field the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and can be subject to vibration. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: * Must comply with organizational and departmental policies. * Must possess a valid class D driver's license. * Must contribute to a productive, inclusive, and respectful work environment.  * Must make workplace safety the top priority.  * Must know and practice the City's mission, vision, and values.  The position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. The City of Coon Rapids is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Created: 2026-04-15