Published date: February 19, 2026
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.
Job website link: https://www.mosaicpublic.com/career/2610-public-works-director
Salary and benefits information: 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 at www.mosaicpublic.com/careers.
Job description:
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).
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 letter online at:
mosaicpublic.com/careers
Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:
Julie Baca | julie@mosaicpublic.com | 970.209.0404