Director of Water & Sewer Utilities at City of Manassas

Interested in leading an outstanding group of committed people in providing water and sewer services in an amazing city?  The City of Manassas is seeking our next Director of Water & Sewer Utilities!  

We are seeking a highly motivated and hands-on leader with strong communication skills and willingness to coordinate and develop strong relationships with the City Manager, City Council, City employees, City elected and appointed individuals, and regional partners.  We are looking for an individual who clearly understands and tactfully explains the role of the Public Water & Sewer Utilities in complex issues who is well-versed in use of technology and its current and future importance to the City and its operations. This individual must be service-oriented with excellent analytical skills who embraces ideas from outside sources and able to plan, direct, and coordinate the work of a highly competent staff. 

If you are an ambitious and creative professional with the ability to manage with confidence; courage to do what is right, even in the face of adversity, this is the opportunity for you.

The salary range for the position is negotiable based on qualifications and experience.  Excellent benefits package includes participation in the Virginia Retirement System, group life insurance, long term disability insurance, health/dental/vision insurance, professional dues and conference expenses, annual leave, sick leave, as well as additional discretionary leave hours replenished each fiscal year. Candidate must maintain residency within an acceptable distance as determined by the City Manager to ensure appropriate response time during emergencies. Relocation allowance is negotiable.

The Director of Water & Sewer Utilities is responsible for overseeing, directing, and harmonizing the operations of the Water and Sewer Utilities Department. This role is essential to ensure the accessibility of secure, dependable, and cost-effective water and wastewater utility services for residential, commercial, and industrial customers within the City of Manassas, both presently and in the future. This position ensures the successful execution of capital improvement and maintenance projects in accordance with project specifications, adhering to contract guidelines, and completing tasks within specified timelines.

Engagement with the Utilities Commission as well as the public serves as a pivotal component of this role. The Director proactively interacts with the commission and community to address their concerns, inquiries, and matters pertaining to water, sewer, and wastewater. This engagement fosters a transparent and effective dialogue that enhances the quality of services provided.

For more details, please review our full position announcement.

Master’s degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or related field supplemented by a minimum of seven (7) or more years of responsible engineering and administrative experience at the management level in the construction or operation of public utilities such as water distribution systems or sewage treatment facilities; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities for this position. Must possess and maintain a valid Virginia driver’s license. License as a Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia strongly preferred.

Administrative Ability
Strong communication skills, both verbal and written. Ability to communicate complex issues to a variety of audiences in a clear, comprehensive and effective manner. Must be highly organized, have excellent follow-through without being prompted, and use collaborative approaches with staff to reach conclusions. Must have the ability to shift gears between projects by rapidly multitasking, and have extensive experience making analytical and reasoned judgments on issues of public sensibility. Must be proficient with personal computers and have the ability to coordinate technology applications pertinent to the Department’s operations and management systems.

Departmental/Council Relations
The position requires successful candidates to be adept at working in a complex and fast paced environment while possessing proven leadership skills with demonstrated abilities to build a strong and focused team of individuals. Competitive candidates shall have demonstrated the ability to provide strong and effective leadership and vision to staff, and will also establish clear objectives for the department that are tied to the City’s strategic goals. The candidate is expected to be a problem solver who is focused on positive outcomes, holding staff accountable for achieving positive results.

Management
Must have a demonstrated record or knowledge of planning, developing, organizing, implementing and coordinating budgets and financial activities of a municipal utilities department. Competitive candidates shall have demonstrated the ability to interact effectively with citizens, the City Manager, other City department directors and elected officials. Candidates must possess strategic thinking skills and be able to make difficult recommendations on operational, financial and budgetary matters when necessary.

Governmental / Intergovernmental Relations
Our candidate will possess the ability to take time and interest in working with the Assistant City Manager and City Manager to keep them informed and to explain technical and sensitive concepts related to City issues. Must be able to work with elected officials on complex issues in a setting where different objectives and/or adversarial viewpoints may exist. Must have the ability to accept constructive criticism and to implement needed changes where identified. Candidate must be open and honest with the Assistant City Manager and able to use discretion in handling confidential information. Must stay current on trends and issues pertaining to the City. Must relate to and develop a good working relationship with other local, state, regional and federal agencies to advocate on behalf of the City.

Position is open until filled and may close at any time. To be considered, please submit a cover letter, résumé, and five (5) professional references online by visiting the City of Manassas website at
www.manassascity.org/jobs.

Following the filing date, résumés will be screened by the City of Manassas based on pre-established criteria. This hiring process will include interviews and reference checks for those candidates who are determined to be best suited for the position. For questions, please contact Darla Hicks, Human Resources Director, dhicks@manassasva.gov.

The City of Manassas is an Equal Opportunity Employer.