Description

The Position
Fairfax Water is seeking a strategic and proactive Director of Transmission and Distribution to provide executive leadership for the operation and maintenance of a large and complex water system. Reporting directly to the Deputy General Manager of Operations, this Director-level position is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating significant staff engaged in both office and field work. The role encompasses the overall strategic direction and coordination of the transmission and distribution systems, while also overseeing critical support functions such as after-hours dispatch and fleet Services. By evaluating and establishing best practices in predictive, preventive, and corrective maintenance, the Director works to optimize maintenance programs and ensure the continued reliability of the utility’s infrastructure, which over two million people depend upon. The current Director is retiring in September after working for Fairfax Water since 1998, and in this Director role since 2021.

In this high-impact role, the Director oversees the transmission system, including managing large water main repairs, coordinating contractor support, and directing complex system shutdowns. While major capital projects for tank maintenance and water quality are led by the engineering division, the Director provides the essential operational leadership for pump station operations and maintenance and collaborates with engineering on other Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects affecting the division. The position requires a leader who can navigate complex interactions with external partners, such as coordinating with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) regarding pipes in roadways and maintaining strong, established relationships with wholesale customers for routine and emergency operations. A key upcoming priority for the Director is the integration of the Cross-Connection Control program, a regulatory function that is transitioning from Fairfax County to Fairfax Water. This regulatory initiative involves the recruitment and management of several inspectors plus administrative staff to ensure EPA-designated backflow prevention devices are properly tested and maintained.

The Director also serves as a pivotal representative for Fairfax Water, attending all board meetings and representing the organization at various conferences and high-level meetings. This leader is responsible for preparing the division’s annual budget, appropriation requests, and long-term capital plans, as well as directing the preparation of technical studies for facility improvements and expansions. Resiliency is a cornerstone of the role, requiring the oversight of emergency operation plans for water shortages, equipment failures, or pressure-related system deficiencies, in close coordination with other divisions. Beyond technical and fiscal management, the Director is a champion of safety, integrating accident prevention practices into all division activities and supervising the recruitment, placement, and evaluation of staff to maintain a high-performing, well-rounded team.

The Director has two direct reports, the Manager of Transmission and the Manager of Distribution, and has a current total of 136 FTEs, including approximately 80 staff dedicated to performing in-house distribution water main repairs. The division oversees annual, recurring CIP projects of close to $16M and operating line items of approximately $35M, not including personnel. 

Compensation and Benefits
The expected hiring range for the Director of Transmission and Distribution is $225,000 - $282,000, depending on qualifications, with a comprehensive benefits package. 

Benefits offered include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug insurance; participation in the Fairfax Water Retirement Plan; 457(b) and 457 (Roth) supplemental retirement options; vacation, sick, and holiday leave, plus one discretionary holiday; paid Family and Medical Leave; basic life insurance and long-term disability insurance provided at no cost; flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care; and tuition reimbursement and professional development assistance.

How to Apply
Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at raftelis.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled, with a first review of applications beginning July 7, 2026.

Requirements

Qualifications
Candidates are required to have a bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in a complex operating and maintenance environment (public works, utility, construction). A minimum of three years of mid-management experience is also required, with a proven track record in staff development. Fairfax Water will also consider an equivalent combination of education in lieu of years of experience or experience in lieu of education. 

Preferred qualifications include experience working at a complex water, wastewater, stormwater, or electric utility. Licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) or Class 4 Waterworks Operator is preferred but not required. A demonstrated aptitude for mechanical systems, experience with ArcGIS, SAP, SCADA, data-informed decision-making, and motivational leadership in a field environment are also preferred. Experience leading emergency response activities and knowledge of water system hydraulics is also beneficial.