Discover Your Next Career Destination!
Welcome to Rapid City, a vibrant community nestled at the foot of the Black Hills. Explore the gateway to a lifestyle filled with natural beauty, cultural richness, and boundless outdoor opportunities. Rapid City isn’t just a place to work—it’s a unique place where your life and career can flourish.

Who We Are:
At the City of Rapid City, we’re dedicated to making our community a better place to live. The Public Works Department is a crucial part of that mission. Our team is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for our community by delivering essential services that underpin our city’s growth and well-being. From providing clean water and efficient waste management to creating innovative public transportation systems and maintaining our city’s infrastructure, we are the backbone of Rapid City’s progress.

Why Rapid City?
At the City of Rapid City, we don’t just offer a job; we offer a community. Our competitive benefits package includes two healthcare options with low premiums, a 6% employer-matching retirement plan, life insurance, short-term disability, and generous vacation and sick leave. Beyond these benefits, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference and leave a lasting impact in a community you’ll take pride in serving. Here, your career can be as vibrant as the environment around you.

About the Role:

Are you ready to lead with purpose? As our Public Works Assistant Director, you will be a driving force behind our city’s infrastructure and services. Reporting directly to the Public Works Director, you’ll lead a diverse team of dedicated professionals, shaping the future of Rapid City’s public works. Your leadership implementing our strategic vision will help guide the daily operations of our divisions. By providing high-level insight for various projects, from routine maintenance to long-term planning, you’ll play a key role in ensuring our city meets the needs of our growing community.

What You Will Do:

Lead the Team: You'll supervise Division Managers and their staff, ensuring seamless operations across all public works facilities and programs. Your leadership will help them navigate day-to-day challenges, solve complex issues, and inspire excellence across our public works services.
Plan for the Future: Develop policies, review budgets, and spearhead long-term goals and capital improvement programs that will impact Rapid City for generations to come.
Be the Go-To Expert: In the absence of the Public Works Director, you’ll be the person the city relies on to keep things running smoothly. You’ll also provide expert advice to the Mayor, City Council, and other department leaders.
Drive Innovation: Lead special projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible in public works. Your strategic input will guide the planning, development, and execution of key initiatives.
Represent the City: You’ll be our representative in discussions with public and private organizations, making sure our city’s interests are well-represented.
Build a Strong Team: You’ll be involved in hiring, training, and managing staff, fostering a supportive and effective work environment.

For full details, please refer to the job description.

What We’re Looking For:

Education and Experience: A Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, or a related field, along with eight (8) years of experience in a related field, or a Master’s degree with five (5) years of experience. A combination of education and experience deemed appropriate by the hiring committee.
Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and navigate the challenges of municipal operations with grace and efficiency.
Innovative Mindset: A strategic thinker with a deep understanding of public sector management, municipal administration, and the unique challenges of an aldermanic government structure.
Problem-Solving: You should be comfortable handling challenges and finding practical solutions, especially in a fast-paced environment.
Mechanical Aptitude: Your technical skills allow you to understand and oversee the complex systems within the Public Works divisions.

Ready to Make a Difference?
If you’re ready to lead, innovate, and make a real impact, we want to hear from you. Apply today to help us build a better future together.

City of Rapid City

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Public Works Assistant Director