Director of Public Utilities

Toggle navigation Director of Public Utilities Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job Please see Special Instructions for more details. To learn more about this great opportunity, click on the linked brochure. Position Details Position Information Working Title of Vacant Position Director of Public Utilities Job Type Full Time Posting Type Public Number of Vacancies 1 Department

PUBLIC UTILITIES

Division

PUB UTIL ADMIN

Requisition Number 202681 Number of hours worked per week 40+ Work Schedule Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with additional hours as needed to meet operational and organizational needs. 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. Work Site Location Chesapeake, VA Position Driving Requirement O

• Occasional Pay Grade EX01 Pay Basis Semi-Monthly Advertised Salary $175,000
• $205,000/annually Starting salary will be commensurate with the selected candidate's qualifications and experience.

Job Description 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.

The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits. Please browse our for a full list of benefits and employee perks. Required Qualifications

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. Preferred Qualifications Master's degree Professional Engineer (PE) License Posting Detail Information Job Open Date 03/30/2026 Job Close Date 04/30/2026 Open Continuous No Special Instructions to Applicants To learn more about this great opportunity, click on the linked brochure. ADA Checklist Overall Physical Strength Demands Overall Physical Strength Demands L=Light

• Exerting up to 20 lbs. occasionally, 10 lbs. frequently, or negligible amounts constantly OR requires walking or standing to a significant degree. Physical Demands C = Continuously
• 2/3 or more of the time. F = Frequently
• From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. O = Occasionally
• Up to 1/3 of the time. R = Rarely
• Less than 1 hour per week. N = Never
• Never occurs. Standing Occasionally
• Up to 1/3 of the time. Sitting Frequently
• From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Walking Rarely
• Less than 1 hour per week. Lifting Rarely
• Less than 1 hour per week. Lifting Amount Exerting up to 20 to 50 lbs Carrying Rarely
• Less than 1 hour per week. Carrying Weight Exerting up to 20 to 50 lbs Pushing/Pulling Rarely
• Less than 1 hour per week. Pushing/Pulling Weight Exerting up to 20 to 50 lbs Reaching Rarely
• Less than 1 hour per week. Handling Rarely
• Less than 1 hour per week. Fine Dexterity Frequently
• From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Kneeling Rarely
• Less than 1 hour per week. Crouching Rarely
• Less than 1 hour per week. Crawling Never
• Never occurs. Bending Rarely
• Less than 1 hour per week. Twisting Rarely
• Less than 1 hour per week. Climbing Rarely
• Less than 1 hour per week. Balancing Rarely
• Less than 1 hour per week. Vision Continuously
• 2/3 or more of the time. Hearing Continuously
• 2/3 or more of the time. Talking Continuously
• 2/3 or more of the time. Foot Controls Continuously
• 2/3 or more of the time.

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids Used Protective Equipment Required Steel toed boots. Hard hat. Work gloves. Safety glasses. Health and Safety D = Daily W = Several Times Per Week M = Several Times Per Month S = Seasonally N = Never Mechanical Hazards M = Several Times Per Month Chemical Hazards S = Seasonally Electrical Hazards S = Seasonally Fire Hazards N = Never Explosives N = Never Communicable Diseases N = Never Physical Danger or Abuse N = Never Other N = Never If Other, Description Environmental Factors D = Daily W = Several Times Per Week M = Several Times Per Month S = Seasonally N = Never Dirt and Dust S = Seasonally Extreme Temperatures S = Seasonally Noise and Vibration S = Seasonally Fumes and Odors S = Seasonally Wetness/Humidity S = Seasonally Darkness or Poor Lighting S = Seasonally Primary Work Location Office Environment Non-Physical Demands C = Continuously

• 2/3 or more of the time. F = Frequently
• From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. O = Occasionally
• Up to 1/3 of the time. R = Rarely
• Less than 1 hour per week. N = Never
• Never occurs. Time Pressures Continuously
• 2/3 or more of the time. Emergency Situations Occasionally
• Up to 1/3 of the time. Frequent Change of Tasks Frequently
• From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime Occasionally
• Up to 1/3 of the time. Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously Continuously
• 2/3 or more of the time. Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team Continuously
• 2/3 or more of the time. Tedious or Exacting Work Continuously
• 2/3 or more of the time. Noisy/Distracting Environment Frequently
• From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Other If Other, Description Can anyone assist the employee in performing the primary tasks assigned to this position? If yes, identify the eligible task(s) Deputy Director of Public Utilities Professional References Professional References Please provide contact information for professional references. Minimum Requests 0 Maximum Requests 4 Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (

• ).