ASSISTANT PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

Details

Posted: 01-Jul-26

Location: Rapid City , South Dakota

Type: Full Time

Salary: $128,344.46-$172,484.20

Years of Experience:

5 - 10

Salary Details:

Comprehensive benefits package

Required Education:

4 Year Degree

Position Description

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Location: Rapid City, SD

Job Summary: This position is responsible for providing senior level leadership for the business operations divisions and programs of the Public Works Department, including the direct supervision of division leaders and operations under the general supervision of the Public Works Director.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides leadership, direct oversight, and strategic guidance to Public Works divisions across all operations to include Solid Waste, Water, Water Reclamation, Streets, Fleet & Facilities Maintenance and Asset Management.
• Directs and supports the daily operations of Public Works facilities, services, and programs through proactive communication, operational guidance, and problem resolution, while fostering leadership development and a culture of continuous improvement to achieve desired performance outcomes.
• Develops and implements departmental policies, operational standards, and strategic budget recommendations aligned with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
• Leads the development and execution of long-range operational strategies, capital improvement plans, and division budgets to support sustainable infrastructure growth and service excellence.
• Assumes operational and administrative responsibility for the Public Works Department in the absence of the Public Works Director.
• Serves as a trusted advisor to the Public Works Director, Mayor, City Council, and other departmental leadership on complex Public Works initiatives, infrastructure priorities, and operational matters.
• Provides strategic and technical support to the Public Works Director in the planning, development, and execution of high-impact initiatives and special projects.
• Represents the City in negotiations, partnerships, and collaborative efforts with public agencies, private organizations, contractors, and community stakeholders.
• Oversees all aspects of workforce management, including talent acquisition, employee development, performance management, succession planning, employee relations, and corrective action processes.
• Collaborates closely with consultants, engineering firms, developers, contractors, and the public to support the planning, enhancement, and long-term sustainability of City infrastructure systems.
• Partners cross-functionally with Engineering, Community Development, Finance, Code Enforcement, and other City departments to ensure projects and operations are delivered efficiently, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with applicable regulations and industry standards.
• Establishes and monitors key performance indicators (KPIs), operational metrics, and reporting frameworks to drive accountability, operational efficiency, service quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Leads operational response and recovery efforts during critical incidents, including severe weather events, utility disruptions, natural disasters, and infrastructure or system failures, ensuring continuity of essential public services.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job the employee is:

• regularly required to sit and talk or hear.
• occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; extreme cold; extreme heat and vibration.
• occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Business Administration or directly related field from an accredited college or university required.
• Eight (8) eight years or more progressively responsible experience in private or public engineering or related field.
• Three (3) years or more supervisory experience preferred.
• Professional Engineer license preferred.
• Must possess a valid driver''s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of date of hire.

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About City of Rapid City

Rapid City, the "Gateway to the Black Hills," offers more than breathtaking scenery- it''s a vibrant community of over 80,000 residents with outstanding recreational and cultural opportunities. We''re looking for motivated, community-minded professionals ready to serve Rapid City with integrity and excellence. At the City of Rapid City, you''ll join a team that values innovation, service, and collaboration- while enjoying outstanding benefits like low health insurance premiums and generous employer-matched retirement through the South Dakota Retirement System.

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