Deputy Director of Water Resources

Salary: $95,388.80 - $179,171.20 Annually
Location : Lynchburg, VA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 03580-1
Department: Water Resources
Opening Date: 04/23/2026

Description
The City of Lynchburg is seeking a collaborative and forward-thinking leader to serve as Deputy Director of Water Resources. This is a key executive role responsible for helping lead a full-service municipal utility serving approximately 25,000 customer connections.

Reporting directly to the Director, the Deputy Director provides strategic and operational leadership across water treatment, wastewater treatment, and technical services functions. The position plays a central role in ensuring reliable 24/7 service delivery, regulatory compliance, infrastructure investment, and long-term sustainability of the City's water systems.

This is an opportunity to help shape the future of a growing utility by advancing capital programs, strengthening workforce capacity, and implementing modern technologies and best practices.
About the Department
Lynchburg Water Resources is a full-service utility responsible for:

• Drinking water treatment and distribution
• Wastewater treatment and collection
• Stormwater quality and management
• Regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship
• Capital planning and infrastructure delivery

Like peer utilities of similar size (15,000-50,000 connections), the department operates multiple divisions and relies on strong executive leadership to coordinate operations, capital programs, and workforce development across functional areas.

Essential Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties necessary to deliver services to customers and citizens may be assigned.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Oversight

• Provides executive oversight of water and wastewater treatment operations and/or other divisions to ensure uninterrupted, 24/7 service delivery.
• Directs division managers in achieving performance goals related to safety, compliance, efficiency, and service reliability.
• Promotes a culture of operational excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., EPA, DEQ, VDH).
• Oversees permitting, reporting, inspections, and audits for water and wastewater systems.
• Assists with risk management efforts including emergency preparedness, incident response, and regulatory enforcement mitigation.

Capital Planning & Asset Management

• Assists in development, prioritization, and implementation of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
• Supports long-term infrastructure planning, asset management strategies, and lifecycle cost analysis.
• Reviews and approves engineering plans, specifications, and major capital projects.

Financial & Business Management

• Assists in development and management of operating and capital budgets.
• Supports financial planning efforts including rate studies, cost-of-service analysis, and long-term financial sustainability.
• Identifies opportunities for operational efficiencies and cost optimization.

Technology & Innovation

• Oversees Technical/Technology Services including SCADA systems, data management, and process automation.
• Promotes use of data analytics, smart utility technologies, and digital tools to enhance decision-making and system performance.
• Supports cybersecurity awareness and protection of critical infrastructure systems.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Serves as liaison to the City Manager's Office, regulatory agencies, regional partners, and the public as needed.
• Represents the department before City Council, and community groups as required.
• Responds to complex or sensitive citizen inquiries and issues.

Leadership & Workforce Development

• Provides leadership in workforce planning, employee development, recruitment, and retention.
• Supports performance management, succession planning, and organizational development initiatives.
• Ensures a safe, inclusive, and high-performing work environment.

Emergency Response & Resilience

• Participates in emergency response activities, including natural disasters and infrastructure incidents.
• Supports continuity of operations and resilience planning for critical utility systems.
• Completes and maintains required NIMS/ICS training.

Additional Duties

• Performs other duties as assigned to support departmental and City operations.
• May be required to serve in emergency or disaster response roles as directed.

Supervisory Responsibilities
Provides direct and indirect supervision to division managers and staff. Responsibilities include:

• Hiring, training, coaching, and performance evaluation
• Work planning and resource allocation
• Employee discipline and conflict resolution
• Fostering professional growth and accountability

Minimum Education and Experience Required

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in water and/or wastewater utility operations.
• Significant experience in supervisory, managerial, or administrative roles required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Technical Knowledge: Advanced understanding of water and wastewater treatment processes, regulatory frameworks, and utility infrastructure systems.
• Leadership Skills: Strong organizational, team-building, and decision-making abilities.
• Communication Skills: Ability to effectively communicate complex technical information to diverse audiences, including elected officials and the public.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret data, evaluate alternatives, and solve complex operational and strategic problems.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong collaboration, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.

Additional Requirements

• Possession of valid driver's license issued by Commonwealth of Virginia and acceptable driving record based on
• Successful completion of background checks.
• Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment. May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.
• PE license preferred but not required.

The City offers an array of benefits combined with direct salary/wages in order to establish a total compensation package that supports the City's goals of attracting, rewarding, and retaining employees who are both representatives of the community and are also able to deliver exceptional services.

• Employees in full-time positions are eligible for the following benefits:
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS);
    the City's contribution is based on a rate determined bi-annually by the VRS Board and employees pay 5% of base pay (pre-tax) towards their VRS benefit
  • Life insurance at no cost to the employee
  • Optional benefits such as 457 deferred compensation, Roth IRA, flexible spending accounts, etc.
  • Eligibility for parental leave and tuition assistance
  • Paid Time Off
• Employees in hourly and part-time positions may be eligible for benefits depending on the position

Employees of the City of Lynchburg may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for federal student loans

Additional information about City benefits can be found on our and in the
01

Describe how your education and work experience have prepared you for this position.
02

Describe your experience overseeing water, wastewater and/or storm water utility operations, including system size and your role in ensuring continuous, reliable service. (Response limit: 150 words)
03

Summarize your experience ensuring compliance with applicable water, wastewater, and/or storm water regulations. Include your role in permitting, inspections, or audits. (Response limit: 150 words)
04

Describe your involvement in capital improvement planning and asset management. Include your role in project prioritization and infrastructure investment decisions. (Response limit: 150 words)
05

Summarize your experience with utility budgeting, rate studies, or financial planning. Specify your responsibilities and contributions to financial sustainability. (Response limit: 150 words)
06

This position requires a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record history. I certify that I have read the DMV Record Release Notice, and give the City of Lynchburg permission to obtain my Virginia Driving Record.

• Yes
• No
• I do not currently possess a Virginia Driver's License

07

If you answered in the above question that you currently possess a Virginia Driver's License, please provide your License Number.
08

(Current Out-of-State applicants and applicants who have had an Out-of-State Drivers License at any time in the last 3 years): I agree to provide, WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF MY APPLICATION, a copy of my driving record from that state where I am currently licensed or have been licensed within the past 3 years. I will contact Human Resources within 2 weeks if I am unable to obtain my out of state driving record in that time. I understand that my application may not be considered for this position until I submit my out of state driving record.You can email this information to human.resources@lynchburgva.gov, or fax to 434-845-4304 or mail this information to Human Resources, 900 Church Street, Lynchburg VA 24504. Include the name of the position for which you are applying. If you have a driving record less than 30 days old you can upload as an attachment to your application.

• Agree to provide record within 2 weeks of application date
• Do not agree (I understand I will no longer be considered for this position if I disagree.)
• Not applicable (I have not had an Out-of-State Driver's License during the past 3 years.

Required Question