Assistant Director of Public Works - Operations

Colonial Heights, City of (VA); Colonial Heights (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Colonial Heights in Virginia seeks an Assistant Director of Public Works - Operations to oversee maintenance and operations for Fleet, Streets, and Utilities. You will supervise supervisory staff, coordinate training, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards while guiding department goals.

Responsibilities include budget development, capital improvement planning, and evaluating service delivery methods.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and at least 10 years of directly related professional and supervisory experience or Master’s Degree and at least 7 years of directly related professional and supervisory experience
• Virginia driver’s license required
• Class V Waterworks License desirable; CDL Class B desirable; may be required to obtain additional certifications

Responsibilities

• Plan, oversee, and manage maintenance and operations aligned with compliance and service goals.
• Supervise supervisors and employees across Fleet, Streets, and Utilities.
• Assist Director with budget and capital improvement plan development.
• Monitor budgeting, procurement, and grants compliance.
• Lead performance measurement and preventive maintenance initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Public works operations

Contract management

Communication

Emergency response planning

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering/Public Administration/related field

Master's Degree in Public Administration/Engineering

Tools

Virginia Waterworks License (Class V)

CDL Class B desirable

Job description

Assistant Director of Public Works - Operations

Plans, oversees, and manages infrastructure maintenance and operations activities to align with compliance requirements and service delivery goals for assigned divisions within the Public Works Department. This position supervises all supervisors and employees in operational divisions within the Public Works Department, which includes Fleet, Streets, and Utilities.

• Plans, coordinates, implements, and manages maintenance initiatives, asset management, contract services, and operational improvements consistent with departmental policies and City objectives.
• Coordinates and supervises the activities of subordinate supervisors and employees, including work procedures, schedules, training, instructions, and duties; reviews time sheets; oversees assignments and use of equipment for divisions.
• Reviews, evaluates, and leads operational improvements and efforts to maintain structure, processes, and standards; evaluates methods and processes for identifying and prioritizing division needs.
• Assists the Director of Public Works with the development of the budget and capital improvement plan for each division, departmental goals, performance measurements, preventive maintenance initiatives, long-range maintenance planning, and departmental processes and procedures.
• Evaluates and aligns maintenance priorities with available funding, capital improvement plan, and grants; tracks and monitors applicable budget and ensures compliance with all procurement and payment processing requirements.
• Develops, supports, and promotes high-performing teams, accountability, and proactive solutions; participates in the selection of staff; and works with employees to correct deficiencies as needed in a timely, effective manner.
• Provides technical assistance to other departments, contractors, and citizens.
• Ensures all maintenance programs and operations adhere to applicable federal, state, and local requirements, including safety standards, environmental regulations, and reporting obligations.
• Compiles data and composes routine and specialized reports.
• Coordinates and supervises the response of divisions during emergencies, including accidents, infrastructure failures, inclement/severe weather events, and natural disasters.
• Communicates with supervisors, employees, other departments, contractors, vendors, outside agencies and the public; attends various meetings as required.
• Responds to citizen questions and inquiries; provides information to the public; investigates complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints.
• Addresses public and professional inquiries.
• Other duties as assigned.

• A Bachelor’s Degree and at least ten years of directly related professional and supervisory experience or,
• A Master’s Degree and at least seven years of directly related professional and supervisory experience or,
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Must possess a valid Virginia driver’s license.
• Direct experience managing and supervising a multi-faceted organization with progressive leadership, Class V (or higher) Virginia Waterworks License, and Virginia Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class B desirable; may be required to obtain additional certifications in related specialties as determined by the Director of Public Works.
• Knowledge of and experience with related public works field operations.
• Ability to research, analyze, and evaluate service delivery methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of and experience with the principles and practices of employee supervision, including the ability to plan, organize, direct, review and evaluate the work of supervisors and employees in operational divisions.

The work requires some physical exertion such as long periods of standing; walking over rough or difficult surfaces; recurring stooping, climbing or walking; recurring lifting of moderately heavy items weighing less than 25 pounds and may require occasional lifting of objects weighing in excess of 25 pounds. The work may require specific, but common physical characteristics and abilities such as mobility and dexterity.

The work involves moderate risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions. The employee may be required to use protective clothing or equipment such as masks, coats, boots, goggles, gloves, or shield.