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County Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

BUDGET MANAGER

Culpeper, VA · On-site

$71K - $117K/yr

This position plays a critical role in ensuring the County's fiscal health by supporting strategic planning, financial forecasting, and budget performance evaluation. The Budget Manager provides ...

Showing results 41-60

County Manager information

See Virginia salary details

$38.9K

$112.1K

$194K

How much do county manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for county manager in Virginia is $112,126.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,527.00 and $126,915.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a county manager?

County managers are appointed officials responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a county government. They implement policies set by the county board or commission, manage county departments, prepare budgets, and ensure efficient delivery of public services. County managers act as the chief administrative officer and often serve as a liaison between elected officials, county staff, and the public. Their role is essential in ensuring that the county runs smoothly and that local government functions are carried out effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a county manager?

To thrive as a County Manager, you need a strong background in public administration, budgeting, and organizational leadership, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in public administration or a related field. Familiarity with government management software, financial systems, and regulatory frameworks is essential. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and negotiation skills help build consensus and lead diverse teams effectively. These skills ensure efficient county operations, sound fiscal management, and the ability to address complex community needs.

What are some common challenges a county manager faces when balancing the needs of different departments and stakeholders?

County Managers often encounter the challenge of allocating limited resources while addressing the diverse needs of various departments, elected officials, and community groups. This requires strong negotiation and communication skills, as well as the ability to prioritize initiatives that align with the county's strategic goals. Balancing transparency, fiscal responsibility, and political considerations is a daily part of the role, and successful managers foster collaboration among departments to achieve the best outcomes for the community.

What is the difference between County Manager vs County Clerk?

AspectCounty ManagerCounty Clerk
Primary ResponsibilitiesOversees daily operations, implements policies, manages budgetsMaintains official records, issues licenses, manages elections
Required CredentialsTypically requires a master's degree in public administration or related fieldOften requires a high school diploma or associate degree; some positions prefer experience in record-keeping or administration
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, government departmentsClerical offices, public service environments
Employer & Industry UsageLocal government, county administrationsCounty governments, municipal offices

The County Manager and County Clerk roles serve different functions within local government. The County Manager focuses on managing operations and implementing policies, often requiring advanced education in public administration. The County Clerk handles record-keeping and administrative tasks related to elections and official documents. Both roles are essential for effective county governance but differ significantly in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of County jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of County jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to County Manager jobs in Virginia?

For County Manager jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for County Manager jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most County Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various County Manager job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $112,126 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Construction/Maintenance Project Manager I

Fairfax County

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$76K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Fairfax County rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

344th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Announcement The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) seeks a Project Manager (Construction/Maintenance Project Manager I) to provide construction and maintenance project management work including planning, monitoring, scheduling, budget preparation, coordinating, and managing the work of consultants and construction contractors to carry out maintenance, infrastructure rehabilitation, and infrastructure renewal projects related to the agency's stormwater dam safety capital improvement program. Duties and responsibilities include: Plans, monitors, schedules, budgets, coordinates, and manages the work of design consultants and construction contractors carrying out capital construction, renovation and maintenance projects on stormwater facilities for both public and private infrastructure. Drafts corrective work orders; develops, negotiates and executes scopes of service in conjunction with in-house or contracted staff to restore/re-construct private and public stormwater management facilities; Provides quality control to ensure construction process achieves the required goals and meets project specifications; Ensures clear and thorough communication with public and/or involved parties on all aspects of projects; Follows the requirements and procedures of the Fairfax County Purchasing Resolution to negotiate and secure construction contract bid and architectural/engineering task orders.

Performs contract administration on architectural/engineering (A/E), planning and/or construction contracts for facilities renovation, maintenance, stormwater facilities, transportation facilities, and other County projects from inception, design, award, construction and through the warranty period; Confirms invoices are complete and accurate for recommendation of payment. Maintains project files and documentation. The ideal candidate must have the following traits: Team Player - Contributes to team projects and encourages active participation by all members of the team.

Works cooperatively with other individuals, departments, and/or cross-functional teams to produce targeted results Accountability - Takes responsibility for own decisions, judgments, and actions (and for those of the work unit/team). Takes responsibility for own work from beginning to end. Seeks to continuously improve the quality of services, products, and or processes to increase the County's overall effectiveness.

Effective Communication - Clear verbal and written communication skills for interacting with team members, supervisors, and the public, as well as completing reports and documentation. Flexibility and Resilience - Maintains a professional demeanor (e.g., maintains self-control, focus, perspective, optimistic, and persistent) in stressful or difficult situations. Recovers quickly from setbacks

Adapts behavior, work methods, and resources in response to changing work demands, new information, or unexpected obstacles. Problem Solver - Strong analytical and critical thinking skills. Anticipates potential problems, issues, and opportunities.

Considers benefits, risks, costs, and implications of decisions, and evaluates alternatives before making decisions. Uses insight into situations to develop and implement innovative solutions to solve problems. Makes timely decisions.

DPWES is a diverse, nationally-accredited and award-winning public works agency with approximately 1,000 employees providing solid waste, capital facility development, wastewater, stormwater, urban forestry, and land acquisition management services for the most populous county in Virginia. Join our team to help us protect the environment and serve the people of Fairfax County by creating and preserving a sustainable community that is an ideal place to live, work, and play for everyone. Fairfax County Government is committed to our employees, and offers comprehensive benefits, including a defined-benefit retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; paid leave; tuition reimbursement; and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

Through our LiveWell Program and the County Benefits Division, we endeavor to cultivate a culture of wellbeing that empowers, educates and engages employees and retirees to make life-long choices that promote a holistic approach to their physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual and financial wellness. Please review our awesome benefits: Benefits Retirement Safety Responsibility: Engages in safe working practices and comply with Stormwater Management and DPWES safety programs and guidelines. Emergency Service Personnel: Stormwater Management positions are responsible for responding to and assisting with snow, flood and other designated weather emergencies on an as needed basis.

Therefore, this position is designated as emergency service personnel and may be required at any time to be on a 24/7 status by the DPWES Director or Division Director to report to work when the County Executive declares unscheduled leave or emergency administrative leave per county policy. In addition, this position may be required to work mandatory overtime to respond to emergencies related to the health, welfare or safety of either the public or employees. You must make every reasonable effort to be accessible for communication.

This job announcement is not intended to be all inclusive. This position may be transferred within the same branch or between divisions to meet the ongoing business needs of the organization. Description of Hazards: Occasional casual interaction with staff, vendors, and residents, sometimes for durations greater than 15 minutes.

Engineering/Administrative/Work Practice Controls: Social distancing as appropriate. PPE Required: It will be determined based on the job functions and type of pandemic. For example: masks, PPE uniform, PPE accessories, etcetera.

Note: In 2026, all West Drive assignments will be permanently located at the new Water Resources and Infrastructure building, located at 6000 Freds Oak Road, Burke, VA 22015. Position may require traveling to multiple Fairfax County sites. Employment Standards MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to") Graduation from a four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Environmental or Life Sciences, Construction Management, Business Administration, Facilities Management or related field; plus four years of progressively responsible experience in the supervision or management of construction or maintenance projects, including at least two years of experience in contract administration.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED: Valid driver's license DEQ - Erosion & Sediment Control Inspector certification - completion of first required training class within 12 months of hire and certification required within 12 months of date of completion of first required class. DEQ - Stormwater Management Inspector certification - completion of first required training class within 12 months of hire and certification required within 12 months of date of completion of first required class. NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 4 years of experience in construction plans and specifications review or preparation. 2 years of experience in review construction documents and proposals for cost evaluation and compatibility with County standards, guides and operational needs; 4 years of experience of common methods and equipment used in stormwater maintenance and stormwater facility construction and of inspection methods used in reviewing such work; 2 years of experience in the knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques relating to construction project management and contract administration; 2 years of experience with Federal, State and County site construction codes and regulatory/permits, including the Public Facilities Manual and Erosion and Sediment Control Standards. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to walk, negotiate or traverse property sites that may be undergoing construction or having terrain that is not level.

Work requires pushing, pulling, lifting, bending, stooping, walking, and climbing in and out of catch basins and manholes. Physically and mentally able to use all applicable personal protective equipment in an outdoor environment; including hardhat, eye protection, hearing protection safety footwear, long pants, sleeved shirt, and personal fall arrest harness. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE: Panel interview and may include exercise. Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity. Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY

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