Salary: $79,586.40 - $102,457.72 Annually
Location : Portsmouth, VA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number:
Department: Public Utilities
Opening Date: 11/13/2026
Closing Date: 11/29/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
General Statement of the Job & Essential Functions
GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB
Under limited supervision, this position is responsible for the oversight and management of the Distribution Operations Division of Public Utilities. Reports to the Director of Public Utilities.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Develops, monitors, and enforces the standards by which the water distribution system is designed, constructed, maintained, and repaired; oversees, administers, and coordinates projects, technical and operational activities; responds to and investigates field situations, emergencies and complaints from customers, residents, other departments or agencies.
Oversees and reviews work orders and site plan drawings to set priorities and schedules; completes inspections; estimates materials and labor for projects; provides information and assistance regarding accounts and coordinates resolution; reviews and makes recommendations for distribution system construction projects as required.
Responsible for the effective supervision and administration to include budget preparation, monitoring expenditures, staff development and training, succession planning, performance management, employee relations, and prioritizing and assigning work and related activities.
Coordinates, develops, and recommends short and long-range plans pertaining to the management and of public utilities' distribution operations and divisions; develops and recommends policies and procedures; researches and prepares recommendations and reports for the department director; and establishes and implements systems to effectively meet operating goals and objectives.
Receives requests for emergency and unscheduled work and makes arrangement for a prompt response; receives and responds to the most complex and difficult customer complaints and inquires.
Performs other duties as assigned. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Knowledge of Job: Thorough knowledge of water utility organization and operations as well as the principles, practices and methods utilized in the treatment and distribution of service water in a public water supply system. Knowledge of strategic planning principles and theories to ensure competitive advantage and profitability. Knowledge of occupational hazards, safety precautions, and safety regulations related to equipment operation and general construction work. Knowledge of traffic laws and regulations governing the operation of equipment. Knowledge of leadership techniques, principles, and procedures to assign work, schedule, supervise, train, and evaluate the work of assigned staff. Is able to communicate ideas and proposals effectively, including the preparation of as-built drawings, reports and logs. Is able to listen and understand directions, information and ideas presented verbally and in writing. Is able to handle a variety of customer service issues with tact and diplomacy and in a confidential manner.
Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts within department and division, and with co- workers and the general public.
Quantity of Work: Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Essential Job Functions."
Dependability: Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.
Attendance: Attends work regularly and adheres to city policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time- off requests.
Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.
Judgment: Using logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate complex situation and research information to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to the situation. Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.
Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with city policy or procedures. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons within the department.
Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with supervisors and staff for mutual and departmental benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all department employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the general public so as to maintain good will toward the department and project a good departmental image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the city.
Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establish a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintains a calendar for meetings, deadlines and events.
Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the city and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.
Planning: Plans, directs and uses information effectively in order to enhance activities and production of the department. Knows and understands the expectations of the city regarding the activities of the division and works
to see that these expectations are met. Designs and formulates ways, means and timing to achieve the goals and objectives of the department and the division. Within the constraints of city policy, formulates the appropriate strategy and tactics for achieving division and departmental objectives. Organizes, arranges and allocates manpower, financial and other designated resources in an efficient and effective way so as to achieve the goals and objectives of the division and department.
Organizing: Organizes work and that of subordinate staff well. Ensures staff members know what results are expected of them and that they are regularly and appropriately informed of all city and department matters affecting them and/or of concern to them.
Staffing: Works with other department officials and management to select and recommend employment of personnel for the division who are qualified both technically and philosophically to meet the needs of the division and the department. Personally directs the development and training of division personnel in order to ensure that they are properly inducted, oriented and trained.
Leading: Provides a work environment, which encourages clear and open communications. Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of the principles of effective leadership and how such principles are to be applied. Provides adequate feedback to staff so that they know whether their performance levels are satisfactory. Commends and rewards employees for outstanding performance yet does not hesitate to take disciplinary action when necessary. Exercises enthusiasm in influencing and guiding others toward the achievement of department goals and objectives.
Controlling: Provides a work environment, which is orderly and controlled. Coordinates, audits and controls manpower and financial resources efficiently and effectively. Coordinates, audits and controls the utilization of materials and equipment efficiently and effectively. Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of city standards, methods and procedures.
Delegating: Assigns additional duties to staff as necessary and/or appropriate in order to meet division goals, enhance staff abilities, build confidence on the job and assist staff members in personal growth. Has confidence in staff to meet new or additional expectations.
Decision Making: Uses discretion and judgment in developing and implementing courses of action affecting the division. When a particular policy, procedure or strategy does not appear to be achieving the desired result, moves decisively and definitively to develop and implement alternatives.
Human Relations: Strives to develop and maintain good rapport with all staff members. Listens to and considers suggestions and complaints and responds appropriately. Maintains the respect and loyalty of staff.
Policy Implementation: Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of city policies regarding the division, department, and city function. Adheres to those policies in the discharge of duties and responsibilities and ensures the same from subordinate staff.
Policy Formulation: Keeps abreast of changes in operating philosophies and policies of the city and continually reviews division policies in order to ensure that any changes in city philosophy or practice are appropriately incorporated. Also understands the relationship between operating policies and practices and department morale and performance. Works to see that established policies enhance same.
Education, Experience & Special Requirements
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a related field and 4 - 6 years of experience in mechanical/structural or electrical maintenance of manufacturing, water, wastewater, or power plant facilities, and 1 - 2 years of lead or supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check.
A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
This position requires pre-employment medical evaluation, satisfactory results from a medical, audio, and respirator evaluation, substance abuse testing and is subject to random alcohol and controlled substance testing.
Physical Demands
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Physical Requirements: Requires the ability to exert moderate, though not constant physical effort. Some combination of climbing and balancing to include climbing ladders, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling. Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight of 10-20 lbs. Work is for Light/Medium Work.
Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.
Interpersonal Communications: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving instructions, assignments and/or directions to subordinates or assistants.
Language Ability: Ability to communicate ideas and proposals effectively, including the preparation of as-built drawings, reports and logs. Ability to listen and understand directions, information and ideas presented verbally and in writing. Ability to handle a variety of customer service issues with tact and diplomacy and in a confidential manner.
Intelligence: Ability to use logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate complex situation and research information to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to the situation.
Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, orally explain procedures and follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages.
Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas, to add and subtract, multiply and divide. Must be able to utilize decimals and percentages and interpret graphs.
Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.
Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using automated office equipment.
Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, office equipment, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
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