The City of Chesapeake is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as its next Director of Public Utilities. This position provides strategic oversight of critical water and wastewater systems that directly impact the health, safety, and quality of life of our community. The ideal candidate will bring strong operational expertise, sound judgment, and a commitment to service excellence to guide essential infrastructure operations now and into the future.

Position Overview:

The Director of Public Utilities provides leadership and oversight for the City’s water and wastewater systems, ensuring safe, reliable, and compliant services. This role promotes operational excellence, fiscal responsibility, infrastructure resilience, and outstanding customer service. The Director works with elected officials, regulatory agencies, colleagues, and community stakeholders to develop policies, programs, and long-term strategies that support sustainable operations and future growth, balancing day-to-day management with strategic planning.

Key Responsibilities:

Executive Leadership & Administration

Provide strategic leadership and overall direction for all Public Utilities operations and programs.
Ensure development of effective departmental strategy for recruitment, training, evaluation, and mentoring of staff; establish performance standards and staffing structures.
Foster a culture of accountability, safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement among diverse employee groups.
Oversee departmental administrative functions, including reporting, records management, and staff development initiatives.

Strategic Planning & Operations Management

Develop and implement departmental goals, policies, and procedures in collaboration with regulatory agencies and City leadership.
Direct water treatment and distribution systems, wastewater collection systems, inspections and evaluations, revenue operations, safety programs, and emergency preparedness efforts.
Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Lead capital improvement planning and long-range infrastructure development to meet current and future service demands.
Monitor industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.

Financial & Organizational Oversight

Lead the development and management of departmental operating and capital budgets.
Oversee expenditures and ensure responsible fiscal stewardship.
Conduct special studies and prepare reports and presentations to support policy, operational, and financial decisions.

Public & Intergovernmental Relations

Advise and consult with elected and appointed officials, regulatory agencies, developers, and community stakeholders on public utility matters.
Represent the City on regional and local boards, committees, and professional organizations.
Communicate significant initiatives, policies, and operational issues to internal and external audiences.

The City of Chesapeake is committed to serving our community and supporting our teammates through our CARES Standards:

Courteousness - Communicating with respect and authenticity to help others feel welcomed, appreciated, heard, and understood.

Attentiveness - Identifying and anticipating the needs of others, acting upon those needs, and providing timely follow-up.

Resourcefulness - Providing outstanding service, being flexible and adaptable, and achieving desired results using available resources.

Empowerment - Possessing the knowledge, ability, and integrity to address the needs of others and be accountable for outcomes.

Stewardship – Committing to public service and our city, and to caring for our community, our team, ourselves, and our resources.

VOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Requires a bachelor’s degree in civil, industrial, or environmental engineering, business, planning, public administration or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT: In addition to satisfying the educational standard, this job classification requires a minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in the operation of wastewater and/ or water production facilities.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES: Requires a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is in compliance with City Driving Standards.

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.

City of Chesapeake

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Director of Public Utilities