City Engineer

Raftelis•Drake, CO

12h•Hybrid

About The Position

The City Engineer will step into a vital leadership role as a member of the department’s executive team. The Public Works Department has a strong foundation of collaboration across the organization in place, a motivated team, and a clear three-year strategic agenda. It needs a skilled, people-centered engineer to drive that work forward with consistency, innovation, and a genuine commitment to the community. This is a rare opportunity to shape how a fast-growing Colorado city plans, builds, and manages its infrastructure for the next generation of residents and businesses. Reporting directly to the Public Works Director, the City Engineer provides forward-focused operational and engineering leadership for a diverse portfolio that includes Traffic Operations, Transportation Engineering, Capital Projects, Street and Right-of-Way Management, and Development and Planning. The position holds responsibility for the full lifecycle of infrastructure delivery — from master planning and capital improvement programming through procurement, construction, and ongoing asset management. The City Engineer administers multiple operating and capital budgets drawing on a range of funding sources including state and federal grants, the Street Capital Expansion Fee Program, the General Fund, Utility Funds, and Street Maintenance Fees. The City Engineer actively pursues external funding opportunities to extend the City's infrastructure investment capacity. A strong emphasis on on-time, on-budget project delivery and measurable performance outcomes runs through everything this role does. This role sits at the intersection of technical engineering excellence and organizational leadership. The City Engineer guides citywide master plan development and periodic updates, including transportation planning and stormwater standards, and provides technical leadership for development regulations and design standards to ensure alignment with both industry best practices and community goals. The position oversees the transportation development review process and provides leadership on the City's involvement in land use decisions with engineering implications. Key near-term priorities include standardizing project delivery processes, advancing Public Works toward APWA Accreditation by 2028, supporting updating the Stormwater Master Plan, and strengthening the ROW and stormwater permitting framework. The City Engineer works collaboratively across the City organization as a Public Works leader, supporting a One-City strategic direction while providing leadership for department-wide priorities. The position coordinates closely with neighboring municipalities, Larimer County, CDOT and regional agencies to advance transportation safety, infrastructure, and funding initiatives. Externally, the City Engineer represents the City at the local, regional, state, and national levels and serves as a key point of contact for the development community, residents, and stakeholders on capital projects, programs, and policy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a closely related field.
Eight years of experience with a strong background in urban infrastructure systems and urban design, including transportation planning street design, street and intersection design and construction, traffic engineering, drainage systems, floodplain considerations, and integrated stormwater management solutions.
At least eight years of experience managing and overseeing staff and developing, monitoring, and regulating multiple budgets and projects.
Exercising discretionary judgment between intent and rules to make decisions.
Professional Engineer license registered in Colorado, or candidates must be able to obtain within six (6) months of hire date.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in civil engineering, public administration, or a closely related field.
Experience in a public sector environment with direct responsibility for capital improvement program delivery, development review oversight, and administration of diverse funding sources including state and federal grants.
Familiarity with APWA accreditation processes, stormwater master planning, or ROW and permitting program development.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and oversight for complex public infrastructure, development review, and capital improvement initiatives, including project initiation, procurement, contracting, consultant and contractor management, and project delivery.
Ensure compliance with City, state, and federal requirements while advancing projects and programs that align with community objectives, industry best practices, and long-term operational needs.
Administer multiple operating and capital budgets utilizing a variety of funding sources, including grants, Capital Expansion Fees (CEF), General Fund, Utility Funds, and Street Maintenance Fees.
Ensure responsible financial stewardship, regulatory compliance, and transparent reporting while balancing competing priorities and organizational objectives.
Deliver innovative, customer-focused solutions through sound professional judgment, collaboration, and effective communication.
Represent the City at the local, regional, state, and national levels, and communicate clearly through presentations, written materials, and stakeholder engagement related to projects, policies, programs, and funding strategies.
Provide people-centered One-City leadership and operational direction through all aspects of the employee lifecycle, including recruiting, hiring, training, development, performance management, accountability, workplace issue resolution, and employee engagement.
Foster collaboration across the organization and external partners while supporting continuous improvement, service excellence, and solution-oriented decision-making.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
City-sponsored Employee Wellness Center with no-cost primary and preventive care services
Employee Assistance Program with free counseling sessions
401(a) Money Purchase Retirement Plan with City contributions
457 Deferred Compensation Plan (pre-tax and Roth options)
Life and disability insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Paid vacation, medical, and holiday leave
Up to two days per week remote work flexibility after the probationary period
Relocation assistance may be available