Deputy Director of Water Resources

About the role

The City of Lynchburg is seeking a collaborative and forward-thinking leader to serve as Deputy Director of Water Resources. This is a key executive role responsible for helping lead a full-service municipal utility serving approximately 25,000 customer connections.

Responsibilities

• Provides executive oversight of water and wastewater treatment operations and/or other divisions to ensure uninterrupted, 24/7 service delivery.
• Directs division managers in achieving performance goals related to safety, compliance, efficiency, and service reliability.
• Promotes a culture of operational excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., EPA, DEQ, VDH).
• Oversees permitting, reporting, inspections, and audits for water and wastewater systems.
• Aids in risk management efforts including emergency preparedness, incident response, and regulatory enforcement mitigation.
• Assists in development, prioritization, and implementation of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
• Supports long-term infrastructure planning, asset management strategies, and lifecycle cost analysis.
• Reviews and approves engineering plans, specifications, and major capital projects.
• Assists in development and management of operating and capital budgets.
• Supports financial planning efforts including rate studies, cost-of-service analysis, and long-term financial sustainability.
• Identifies opportunities for operational efficiencies and cost optimization.
• Oversees Technical/Technology Services including SCADA systems, data management, and process automation.
• Promotes use of data analytics, smart utility technologies, and digital tools to enhance decision-making and system performance.
• Safeguards cybersecurity awareness and protection of critical infrastructure systems.
• Serves as liaison to the City Manager’s Office, regulatory agencies, regional partners, and the public as needed.
• Represents the department before City Council, and community groups as required.
• Responds to complex or sensitive citizen inquiries and issues.
• Provides leadership in workforce planning, employee development, recruitment, and retention.
• Supports performance management, succession planning, and organizational development initiatives.
• Ensures a safe, inclusive, and high-performing work environment.
• Participates in emergency response activities, including natural disasters and infrastructure incidents.
• Supports continuity of operations and resilience planning for critical utility systems.
• Completes and maintains required NIMS/ICS training.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience). Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in water and/or wastewater utility operations. Significant experience in supervisory, managerial, or administrative roles required.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Advanced understanding of water and wastewater treatment processes, regulatory frameworks, and utility infrastructure systems. Strong organizational, team-building, and decision-making abilities. Ability to effectively communicate complex technical information to diverse audiences, including elected officials and the public. Ability to interpret data, evaluate alternatives, and solve complex operational and strategic problems. Strong collaboration, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Additional Requirements: Possession of valid driver's license issued by Commonwealth of Virginia and acceptable driving record based on City criteria. Successful completion of background checks. Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment. PE license preferred but not required.

Benefits

The City offers an array of benefits combined with direct salary/wages in order to establish a total compensation package that supports the City's goals of attracting, rewarding, and retaining employees who are both representatives of the community and are also able to deliver exceptional services. Employees in full-time positions are eligible for medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS), life insurance, optional benefits such as 457 deferred compensation, Roth IRA, flexible spending accounts, parental leave, and tuition assistance. Paid Time Off is also available. Employees of the City of Lynchburg may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for federal student loans. Additional information about City benefits can be found on our website and in the Employment Policies & Procedures 01.

Skills

Describes how your education and work experience have prepared you for this position. Describes your experience overseeing water, wastewater and/or storm water utility operations, including system size and your role in ensuring continuous, reliable service. Summarizes your experience ensuring compliance with applicable water, wastewater, and/or storm water regulations. Includes your role in permitting, inspections, or audits. Summarizes your experience with utility budgeting, rate studies, or financial planning. Specifies your responsibilities and contributions to financial sustainability. Certifies that you have a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record history. If you have a current out-of-state license, agrees to provide a copy of your driving record within 2 weeks of your application. Indicates whether you have provided your out-of-state driving record.