Assistant Director of Public Works - Operations

Salary: $73,977.00 - $117,865.00 Annually
Location : City of Colonial Heights, VA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 54-26
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 10/14/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

Description
All applications received during the recruitment period will be forwarded to
the hiring department for review and consideration
The first review of applications will begin on November 13.
Assistant Director of Public Works - Operations: Plans, oversees, and manages infrastructure maintenance and operations activities to align with compliance requirements and service delivery goals for assigned divisions within the Public Works Department. This position supervises all supervisors and employees in operational divisions within the Public Works Department, which includes Fleet, Streets, and Utilities.

Examples of Duties

• Plans, coordinates, implements, and manages maintenance initiatives, asset management, contract services, and operational improvements consistent with departmental policies and City objectives.
• Coordinates and supervises the activities of subordinate supervisors and employees, including work procedures, schedules, training, instructions, and duties; reviews time sheets; oversees assignments and use of equipment for divisions.
• Reviews, evaluates, and leads operational improvements and efforts to maintain structure, processes, and standards; evaluates methods and processes for identifying and prioritizing division needs.
• Assists the Director of Public Works with the development of the budget and capital improvement plan for each division, departmental goals, performance measurements, preventive maintenance initiatives, long-range maintenance planning, and departmental processes and procedures.
• Evaluates and aligns maintenance priorities with available funding, capital improvement plan, and grants; tracks and monitors applicable budget and ensures compliance with all procurement and payment processing requirements.
• Develops, supports, and promotes high-performing teams, accountability, and proactive solutions; participates in the selection of staff; and works with employees to correct deficiencies as needed in a timely, effective manner.
• Provides technical assistance to other departments, contractors, and citizens.
• Ensures all maintenance programs and operations adhere to applicable federal, state, and local requirements, including safety standards, environmental regulations, and reporting obligations.
• Compiles data and composes routine and specialized reports.
• Coordinates and supervises the response of divisions during emergencies, including accidents, infrastructure failures, inclement/severe weather events, and natural disasters.
• Communicates with supervisors, employees, other departments, contractors, vendors, outside agencies and the public; attends various meetings as required.
• Responds to citizen questions and inquiries; provides information to the public; investigates complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints.
• Addresses public and professional inquiries.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• A Bachelor's Degree and at least ten years of directly related professional and supervisory experience or,
• A Master's Degree and at least seven years of directly related professional and supervisory experience or,
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Must possess a valid Virginia driver's license.
• Direct experience managing and supervising a multi-faceted organization with progressive leadership, Class V (or higher) Virginia Waterworks License, and Virginia Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B desirable; may be required to obtain additional certifications in related specialties as determined by the Director of Public Works.
• Knowledge of and experience with related public works field operations.
• Ability to research, analyze, and evaluate service delivery methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of and experience with the principles and practices of employee supervision, including the ability to plan, organize, direct, review and evaluate the work of supervisors and employees in operational divisions.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The work requires some physical exertion such as long periods of standing; walking over rough or difficult surfaces; recurring stooping, climbing or walking; recurring lifting of moderately heavy items weighing less than 25 pounds and may require occasional lifting of objects weighing in excess of 25 pounds. The work may require specific, but common physical characteristics and abilities such as mobility and dexterity.

The work involves moderate risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions. The employee may be required to use protective clothing or equipment such as masks, coats, boots, goggles, gloves, or shield.
Full-Time Employee Benefits:

Health Insurance -

• The Local Choice Program (Anthem, Delta Dental, and Blue Vision).
• Health, Dental, and Vision benefits are included as a package under our health insurance program and cannot be purchased as separate coverage items.
• Health insurance benefits start on the 1st of the month following the hire date.
• Benefit Summaries

Retirement -

Supplemental Retirement -

• We offer supplemental Retirement plans through Mission Square Retirement.
• Employees can enroll in the following plans at any time during their employment.

Paid Holiday Leave

• The city observes 14 holidays throughout the year (except certain departments if scheduling does not permit).

Paid Vacation Leave

Years of Service

Day(s) Earned

Per Month

Max. Annual

Accrual Days

Max. Days for

Carry Forward

0 - 5 Years

1

12

24

Over 5 Years

1¼

15

30

Over 10 Years

1½

18

36

Over 20 Years

1¾

21

42

Paid Sick Leave

• All full-time employees earn (1¼) days of paid sick leave for each calendar month of employment and is accumulated without limit.

Compensatory Leave

• Non-Exempt employees may accumulate compensatory leave only for overtime worked which is authorized prior to the performance of such work. Compensatory leave may be accumulated at the rate of 1 1/2 times the regular rate for all hours worked in excess of 40 during a work week. Compensatory leave for nonexempt employees is voluntary but in no instance may exceed 120 hours of accumulated leave. All hours in excess of 120 hours will be compensated on the same basis as approved overtime.

Voluntary Benefits -

• Employees have 30 days from their hire date to enroll in the following benefits. If an employee does not enroll, they cannot enroll until the next Open Enrollment.

Colonial Life Products

Pre-Tax:

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Critical Illness

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Disability

Cancer

Term Life

Accident

Whole Life

Medical Bridge

Student Loan Forgiveness Program

* Note: Employees can only enroll in Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA) during Open Enrollment in May of each year. *

Other Benefits

• Bi-weekly payday
• Virginia Credit Union membership
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• City Sick Leave Bank Program (VRS Plan 1 and Plan 2 Members only)
• VRS Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (VRS Hybrid Members only)
• Education/tuition discounts through Liberty University

For additional information or more details about employee benefits please call the Human Resources Department at (804) 518-5073.
01

Which best describes your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma/GED
• Some College
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree/Advanced Degree

02

Please list any certifications you currently possess.
03

How many years of directly related experience do you possess?

• 0 to 1
• 2 to 3
• 4 to 5
• 6 to 7
• 8 to 9
• 10+

04

Do you have professional public sector work experience?

• Yes
• No

05

How many years of supervisory experience do you possess?

• No experience
• 0 to 1 Year
• 2 to 3 Years
• 4 to 5 Years
• 6 to 7 Years
• 8 to 9 Years
• 10+ Years

06

What style of supervision would you use as a supervisor in the department? Why?
07

Describe your experience introducing and implementing a new strategy that ultimately resulted in increasing the efficiency of your department.
08

Describe your experience with developing and implementing departmental and/or division operating procedures.
Required Question