Public Works - Operations Manager

Salary : $90,425.00 - $162,765.00 Annually Location : Hampton, VA Job Type: Full-Time Permanent Job Number: 09137 Department: WASTEWATER OPERATIONS Opening Date: 02/13/2026 Closing Date: 3/8/2026 11:59 PM Eastern FLSA: Exempt Function Are you a strategic leader with a passion for operational excellence and public service? The Department of Public Works is seeking a dynamic, results-driven Operations Manager to help lead and manage critical infrastructure and municipal service divisions that directly impact our community's quality of life. In this high-level management role, you will plan, direct, and supervise a broad range of essential operations, including Wastewater Operations, Solid Waste Operations, Streets and Bridges, Stormwater/Drainage Maintenance, Steam Plant, Fleet Services, Traffic Engineering, Facilities Maintenance, Clean City initiatives, and other related functions as assigned. Working under the limited supervision of the Director of Public Works, the Operations Manager will provide leadership, strategic guidance, and operational oversight across the Department. This position requires considerable independent judgment, sound decision-making, and the ability to effectively coordinate multiple divisions within established policies and guidelines. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned public works professional to make a lasting impact on infrastructure, public services, and community well-being. If you are ready to take the next step in your leadership career and help shape the future of our community's public works operations, we encourage you to apply! Come work for Hampton, a vibrant waterfront community celebrating and embracing 400 years of history and innovation, creating an even more dynamic future! We are located in the center of the Hampton Roads region and offer lots of waterfront fun, rich and diverse history, and a vibrant restaurant scene. Hampton offers excellent benefits, career and professional development, tuition reimbursement and other benefits. As a proud V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer we are committed to supporting veterans and military spouses. Minimum Requirements Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Management, Engineering, Environmental Science or related field of study from an accredited college or university. Five (5) years of full-time equivalent experience in the administration of complex public works programs, with functional working knowledge of the technology involved in all divisions of Public Works. Five (5) years supervisory experience. A combination of education and experience may be considered for this position. Must possess a valid driver's license and must have and maintain a satisfactory driver's record based on the City of Hampton's criteria. This position is safety sensitive and is subject to testing for alcohol and controlled substances in accordance with the City's current substance abuse policy. Must successfully pass a background check prior to any offer of employment or promotion. Additional Requirements Must possess a thorough knowledge of the principles of budgetary control and the ability to prepare and maintain budgets and related financial documents. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with coworkers and a variety of internal and external customers; ability to foster effective public relations and work effectively with diverse groups; ability to conduct briefings and make effective oral presentations; ability to plan and prioritize a large and diverse workload effectively. Requires frequent travel throughout the City and direct and extensive contact with City departments, related outside agencies, local, state and federal officials and the general public. Requires work beyond a standard 40-hour work week to include evenings, weekends and holidays. The incumbent may be considered "essential personnel" during City emergency situations or at the direction of the City Manager which may include long hours and unusual schedules. Benefits Overview This is a summary of benefits associated with permanent, full-time positions. Benefits associated with other positions can be found with specific job listings. Benefits begin on the 1st of the month following one full calendar month of employment in the following benefit plans: Sentara Health Medical Insurance OptumRx Delta Dental Insurance Anthem Blue View Vision FSA Reimbursement accounts Standard: Accident and Critical Illness Trust Mark Universal Life Insurance Legal Resources Plan Mission Square: 457 / Roth IRS / Roth 457 (b) IRA Employees begin accruing annual and sick leave immediately. Other forms of leave include: Maternity Leave Parental Bonding Leave Care for Sick Parent Leave Birthday Leave Personal day (available every quarter) The eleven paid holidays each year include: New Year's Day Martin Luther King, Jr. Day President's Day Memorial Day Juneteenth Day Independence Day Labor Day Veterans' Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day Employee's birthday A tax deferred retirement plan 457 is offered through the ICMA Retirement Corporation. An after-tax retirement plan, Roth IRA, is offered through the ICMA Retirement Corporation (1-800-669-7400). For more information, see the Group life insurance is offered through the VRS and the carrier is the Minnesota Life Insurance Company. Tax deferred retirement plan 457 is offered through the ICMA Retirement Corporation (1-800-669-7400). For more information, see the Training and Career Development: The Employee Education Assistance Program (EEAP) encourages employee development through (1) educational programs leading to a degree, (2) skilled craft or trade training leading to a certificate or license and (3) coursework to renew and update skills. Eligibility criteria apply. In addition, the City offers training opportunities in technological, leadership, supervisory, and other areas of government/business knowledge and skill development. Medical/Dental and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts are offered on a pre-tax basis in order to reduce the amount of tax the employee pays. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is confidential and personal counseling service for the employee and their immediate family (757-363-6777, 1-800-899-8174 or Direct deposit into most banks is a convenient finance feature. Savings bonds are available to the City's workforce. Employees are covered for Workers' Compensation where appropriate. 01 Do you have a Bachelors Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Management, Engineering, Environmental Science or related field of study? Yes No 02 Do you have five (5) years of full-time equivalent experience in the administration of complex Public Works programs, with functional working knowledge of the technology involved in all divisions of Public Works? PLEASE ENSURE YOUR APPLICATION SHOWS WHERE YOU OBTAINED THIS EXPERIENCE TO BE CONSIDERED. Yes No 03 Do you have 5 or more years of supervisory experience? PLEASE ENSURE YOUR APPLICATION SHOWS WHERE YOU GAINED THIS EXPERIENCE TO BE CONSIDERED. Yes No 04 I understand that if selected for this position, I must successfully pass a criminal background check prior to any offer of employment or promotion. Yes No 05 This position requires that you possess a valid driver's license and have and maintain a satisfactory driving record based on the City of Hampton's criteria. Failure to provide your driver's license number will prevent us from considering your application. Please confirm your driver's license number by entering it below: 06 I understand that if selected for employment in this position, I will be subject to testing for alcohol and controlled substances in accordance with the City of Hampton's current substance abuse policy. Yes No 07 I understand that I may work long, unusual hours during times of emergency or as required, and I may work some evenings, weekends, and holidays as required. Yes No Required Question

Created: 2026-03-10