Public Utilities Maintenance and Operations ManagerOfficial Classification: Water/Wastewater Utility Administrator
This position is located at 906 Executive Blvd, Chesapeake, VA. As the Public Utilities Maintenance and Operations Manager, you will provide strategic leadership for more than
110 dedicated employees responsible for maintaining approximately
1,900 miles of water distribution and wastewater collection infrastructure, including
over 280 sanitary sewer pump stations. As Chesapeake continues to grow, so does its utility system. This position offers the opportunity to lead today's operations while helping plan, expand, and strengthen the infrastructure that will serve our community for decades to come.
This highly visible leadership position combines strategic planning, operational excellence, emergency preparedness, fiscal stewardship, employee development, and collaboration with City leadership, regulatory agencies, developers, and the public.
What You'll Do As the Public Utilities Maintenance and Operations Manager, you will lead the daily operation and long-term performance of the City's water distribution and wastewater collection systems. Working through a team of experienced section superintendents, you will oversee maintenance operations, establish strategic priorities, administer an annual operating budget of approximately
$27.5 million, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
You will foster a culture built on safety, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement by developing employees, mentoring future leaders, and promoting exceptional customer service. As a key member of the Department's leadership team, you will coordinate emergency response activities, collaborate with engineering, construction, finance, customer service, and other City departments, and represent the Department before City leadership, regulatory agencies, contractors, developers, community organizations, and customers. You will also help identify and implement operational improvements that enhance system reliability, asset performance, and service delivery.
The Ideal Candidate The successful candidate is a collaborative and forward-thinking leader who inspires confidence through integrity, professionalism, and sound decision-making. They communicate effectively with employees, elected officials, customers, and community partners while building strong relationships across the organization. They understand the importance of balancing operational excellence, fiscal responsibility, regulatory compliance, and exceptional customer service, and they are committed to developing employees, embracing innovation, and leading confidently during both routine operations and emergency situations.
Required Qualifications VOCATIONAL / EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS : Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in civil or mechanical engineering, administration/management, or a related field.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS : In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standards, this class requires a minimum of six years of related, full-time equivalent experience. Experience in field maintenance and supervision is preferred.
SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES : Requires a valid driver's license and a driving record that is in compliance with the
City Driving Standards. A Professional Engineer license is also preferred.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS :Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Emergency operations support work and work locations may be outside of normal job duties.
Preferred Qualifications Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:
- Municipal water and wastewater utility operations
- Organizational leadership and employee development
- Capital project and asset management
- Emergency management and incident response
- OSHA compliance and construction safety
- Budget development and financial management
- Virginia public procurement
