Deputy Chief of Public Works

Job Description:

Deputy Chief of Public Works

Description

Deputy Chief of Public Works

Department of Facilities & Environmental Services

12 Months, Full-Time

Exempt, Pay Grade 37

VRS-Eligible, Benefits-Eligible

Job Summary/ Objective:

Performs operational management, planning, and coordination to support the County’s Public Works programs and related capital improvement initiatives. Oversees a diverse portfolio of operational services such as public right‑of‑way maintenance, facility support functions, stormwater maintenance, fleet coordination, and other internal service programs.

This position requires a highly organized individual capable of managing multiple concurrent programs, prioritizing complex workloads, and adapting quickly to evolving operational needs. The Deputy Chief of Public Works collaborates closely with County departments, contractors, community partners, and occasionally elected officials to ensure effective service delivery and alignment with County goals.

The role includes responsibility for contract oversight, program evaluation, budget development, and staff supervision. The Deputy Chief of Public Works is an Essential Employee and is subject to after‑hours recall for emergency response.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Provides leadership, guidance, and supervision to assigned staff by establishing work priorities and performance objectives, ensuring high standards of performance, engaging in employee development and team building, providing regular constructive feedback, and assessing performance.

Essential Functions:

• Leads countywide Public Works operations and general services, including right‑of‑way maintenance (e.g., roadway lighting, mowing, street sweeping, roadside litter removal) and non‑safety signage programs, ensuring consistent service delivery and quality standards.
• Oversees planning, performance management, and continuous improvement across Public Works services; ensure compliance with applicable laws, permits, and ordinances and maintains strong coordination with state and local partners such as VDOT and regional utilities.
• Develops, justifies, and manages operating and capital budgets for Public Works programs, steward special revenue funds, and align resources with service priorities and County goals.
• Directs contract strategy and vendor management for maintenance and service work; negotiate, award, administer, and evaluate contracts to ensure value, safety, and performance.
• Coordinates delivery of multi‑department and multi‑jurisdiction projects and right‑of‑way activities; represents Public Works through briefings, reports, and presentations.
• Leads emergency preparedness and incident response for Public Works operations, serving as an Essential Employee available for after‑hours recall.
• Provides strategic workforce leadership: set priorities, mentors supervisors and crew, promote a culture of safety, accountability, and customer service; recruit and develop talent aligned withanticipatedprogram growth.
• Champions innovation and sustainability within Public Works, including EV fleet transition, litter reduction initiatives, and streetscape/landscape upkeep.
• Performs related tasks as required.

Competency: Knowledge/ Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department officials, employees, contractors, partner agencies, and the public.
• Knowledge of supervisory principles and experience managing/supervising technical, skilled, and unskilled workers.
• Ability to organize and plan work within a budget; develop cost estimates; and manage public works equipment and fleet assets.
• Ability to read and understand architectural/engineering plans and project sketches.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures; gather data; conduct research; and prepare clear reports/correspondence.
• Proficiency with personal computers and application software, including Microsoft 365.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four‑year college or university in a technical discipline such as civil engineering, structural engineering, environmental engineering, architecture, industrial technology, environmental sciences, or a closely related field. Candidates with ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible experience in Public Works fields will be considered.
• Minimum of five years of comprehensive experience managing public works programs or transportation/public service operations.
• Minimum of five years working in an operations management or management support role.
• Possession of a valid appropriate driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Preferred Qualifications/Certifications:

• Master’s degree in a technical field such as civil, structural, or environmental engineering; architecture; industrial technology; environmental sciences; or a closely related discipline.
  
• Progressive, responsible experience in management and administration of diversified public works or municipal operations.
  
• Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise engaged and productive employees; service‑minded leadership experience such as former military officer preferred.
  

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Tasks involve frequent vehicle operation and visiting construction sites, this requires consistent alertness to avoid potentially hazardous situations.
• Regular contact with the public, staff, contractors, County officials, and design professionals while using judgment, tact, and consistent interpretation skills.

Remote Work:

This position is eligible for a hybrid remote work schedule that is in compliance with the County’s Remote Work Policy and meets the operational and service needs for the position. All County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Salary Range:

The hiring range for this position is $99,047 - $109,473 per year. Starting offer is based on applicable education beyond minimum requirements and internal equity. The position also provides excellent benefits including 12 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, VRS retirement, and continuing education/training opportunities. This is a full time, FLSA exempt position. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy, §P-60.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Application deadline is Friday, May 15, 2026.

Please note that as part of the screening process, candidates must participate in a one-way video interview through Spark Hire as well as an in-person interview.

Virginia Values Veterans:

Albemarle County is a Certified V3 organization.

EOE/EEO:

Albemarle County is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any group or individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability in regards to any aspect of employment policy and practice: recruitment, testing, selection, assignment, pay, conditions of work, training, leave, overtime, promotion, discipline, demotion, and separation.