Public Utilities Maintenance & Operations Manager in Chesapeake, Virginia at City of Chesapeake Human Resources

Are you an experienced utility leader who thrives on solving complex operational challenges, developing high-performing teams, and making a lasting impact on the community?

The City of Chesapeake Department of Public Utilities is seeking an accomplished Public Utilities Maintenance and Operations Manager to lead the operations and maintenance of one of Virginia’s largest municipal utility systems. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a progressive organization committed to operational excellence, employee development, innovation, and outstanding customer service.

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.

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.

This position offers an opportunity to lead one of Virginia’s largest municipal utility maintenance and operations programs while making a meaningful impact every day. As a member of the Department’s leadership team, you will:

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.

At the City of Chesapeake, public service is more than a career—it’s an opportunity to make a lasting difference. If you’re ready to lead an exceptional team, strengthen critical infrastructure, and help shape the future of one of Virginia’s premier public utilities, we encourage you to apply.

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

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.

Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:

Thank you for your interest in a career with the City of Chesapeake! We are an exceptional place to live, learn, work, farm and play.

Please specify whether employment was Part Time or Full Time for each job listed on your application and resume.

Medical Marijuana:
In accordance with City policy, this position is deemed safety-sensitive. As such, applicants for this position are subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing after receiving a conditional offer of employment and may also be subject to random testing. This drug test includes testing for marijuana. Possession of a medical marijuana card will not excuse an applicant from the testing process; however, a test will not be considered positive for marijuana if a valid medical marijuana certification is presented unless the position requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or is a sworn law-enforcement officer/deputy.