Description
Application Deadline: Thursday, May 7, 2026 by 5:00 PM EST.
To Apply: To view the complete job information and to apply, visit our employment website listed. Applications are only accepted online through the City of Charlottesville employment page, www.charlottesville.gov/jobs, and must be submitted prior to the listed closing date and time. USE THE FOLLOWING URL TO APPLY ONLINE:
The City of Charlottesville Director of Public Utilities provides overall leadership, fiscal management, administration, operational and strategic direction and oversight for all activities, resources, and personnel for the Department of Utilities which includes natural gas, water, wastewater and stormwater. Completes work with substantial discretion and within broad parameters. Reports to an Assistant or Deputy City Manager.
The preferred hiring amount for this position is between $172,000.00 - $195,000.00 Annually. Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This full-time, exempt position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday, vacation and sick leave, health insurance with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, gym membership reimbursement, tuition assistance, and professional development opportunities. As a Department Head this position is also eligible for the following benefits:
- Vacation leave accrual rate of 4.62 hours per bi-weekly pay period, increasing with years of service
- Up to 80 hours of discretionary administrative leave per calendar year
- Choice of retirement plan:
- Defined Benefit Pension Plan (5% employee contribution)
- Defined Contribution 401(a) Plan (19.50% City contribution for executive-level positions)
- Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
- Eligibility to purchase prior service credit under the Defined Benefit Plan
The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS; however, a Portability Agreement is available for eligible employees. For additional details, please visit the City’s Employee Benefits webpage.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.
- Provides overall oversight, direction, planning, and management of the operations, maintenance, activities, and services of the Utilities Department.
- Provides leadership, executive-level vision, and strategic decision making to enable and ensure core department functions continue to operate without interruption.
- Provides strategic oversight and direction to outreach staff responsible for utility customer engagement and public awareness initiatives.
- Assesses and monitors City’s utility infrastructure to provide adequate levels of service both for existing systems and development.
- Identifies and implements strategic plans and objectives at departmental and organization level.
- Oversees departmental policies and procedures, supporting and implementing changes as appropriate.
- Oversees departmental personnel administration of staff and subordinate supervisors, monitors, coaches, and evaluates performance; interviews, selects, assigns work, sets expectations, and administers disciplinary action to subordinate employees in accordance with established personnel policy and procedures. Establishes professional standards for work quality, quantity, performance, and accountability.
- Oversees and provides necessary support and guidance for management staff; delegates work responsibilities, sets expectations for work quality and quantity, and maintains accountability among staff directly supervised.
- Provides leadership and management direction to planning and executing team building and professional development of staff.
- Reviews departmental performance and implements programs to meet current and future needs and improve overall performance.
- Provides fiscal management for Department; oversees and leads in development and administration of Utilities Department operating and capital budgets, and in annual rate development; including the presentation of information.
- Provides timely and effective communication to the public when issues arise that could impact services provided or could result in unexpected disruption of service.
- Serves as City’s representative to outside stakeholders such as Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority, Albemarle County Service Authority, University of Virginia, Virginia
- Department of Health Office of Drinking Water, Virginia State Corporation Commission, and Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.
- Provides executive level customer service for the department and addresses concerns from residents, businesses, other City departments, City Management, and City Council.
- Manages staff responsible for Capital Improvement Programs related to City’s water distribution, sanitary sewer collection, natural gas distribution and municipal stormwater utility systems; using technical expertise and broad experience, provides direction, guidance and prioritization for key projects.
- Ensures regulatory compliance is maintained for all four utilities; makes sure all necessary reporting is completed and submitted to appropriate governing authority in an accurate and timely manner.
- Consults and collaborates with executive staff and senior departmental leadership and provides advice and counsel on complex management issues, organizational structure, feasibility and the potential impact of varying courses of action.
- Manages and monitors annual action plans of department in support of Council’s strategic priorities. Ensures that departmental goals are incorporated into performance objectives and provides direction and oversight for quarterly progress reporting.
- Subject to being called back to work to the City in emergencies or as needed to provide necessary services to the public. Must have the ability to be contacted and respond based on Departmental guidelines.
- Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
- Regular and reliable attendance.
Other Duties
- Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.
Requirements
Education and Experience: Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills outlined for the job through experience(s) other than formal education.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or a related field AND at least 8 years of experience managing or supervising public utilities operations, including water, wastewater, natural gas and stormwater design, construction, operations regulatory compliance and contract administration.
OR
- Associate’s Degree in Engineering or a related field AND at least 10 years of experience managing or supervising public utilities operations, including water, wastewater, natural gas and stormwater design, construction, operations regulatory compliance and contract administration.
Preferred:
- Master’s degree in Engineering or Public Administration.
Certifications/Licenses/Other Requirements:
- Professional Engineer (PE) license required. (If certified outside the Commonwealth of Virginia, must be eligible to transfer or obtain Virginia licensure.)
- Must obtain and maintain a valid Virginia Driver’s License and acceptable driving record according to city criteria.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain all certifications required by applicable federal, state and local regulations.
- Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check and pre-employment drug screen.
