Jeremiah Burford
Newport News,VA
Summary
An expanded knowledge of Hampton Roads Sanitation District infrastructure Strong computer skills with Microsoft Office and Geographic Information System Able to work within a team environment or independently; adapts to change well Responsible, organized, and reliable
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operations Manager
Hampton Roads Sanitation District
01.2022 - Current
- Provide executive leadership and governance oversight for critical operational functions, directing external staff and contracted partners in support of organizational mission, regulatory compliance, and long-term strategic objectives.
- Act as a principal representative and strategic partner to local, state, and federal jurisdictions and regulatory agencies, leading intergovernmental coordination, policy alignment, and high-visibility operational initiatives.
- Hold enterprise-level fiscal responsibility for a $10 million operating budget, establishing financial strategy, authorizing expenditures, managing risk, and ensuring stewardship of public funds.
- Set operational vision and performance standards by developing policies, evaluating enterprise risk, and driving continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen system reliability, compliance posture, and public trust.
Project Manager
Hampton Roads Sanitation District
01.2016 - 01.2022
- Provide executive oversight of external staff and contracted partners, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, regulatory requirements, and project delivery standards.
- Lead coordination efforts with local, state, and federal jurisdictions and agencies, serving as a strategic liaison to align capital projects with regional infrastructure goals and regulatory frameworks.
- Deliver regular executive-level project briefings and status updates to City, County, and Town leadership, supporting informed decision-making and stakeholder confidence.
- Direct three high-priority emergency projects across multiple localities, exercising rapid decision-making, risk mitigation, and intergovernmental coordination to protect public health and maintain service continuity.
- Oversee Capital Improvement Programs (CIPs) within HRSD’s North Shore and Small Communities service areas, managing a combined portfolio valued at $80 million and ensuring projects meet scope, schedule, budget, and compliance requirements.
- Coordinate closely with HRSD’s Real Estate Manager and permitting agencies to support property acquisition, easements, and regulatory approvals critical to project execution.
- Serve as the primary liaison between HRSD and regional localities, fostering collaborative partnerships, resolving issues, and advancing shared infrastructure objectives.
Engineering Assistant
Hampton Roads Sanitation District
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Serve as the Interceptor Division liaison for the Condition Assessment Program, providing technical oversight of consultant work orders to ensure feasibility, regulatory compliance, and operational continuity, including review of flow requirements, bypass systems, and access planning.
- Coordinate system diversions and valve operation requests with Interceptor operations staff to support inspection and rehabilitation activities while maintaining system reliability and public safety.
- Review and evaluate CCTV inspection footage in accordance with NASSCO standards, identifying system deficiencies, validating consultant findings, and supporting asset management decision-making.
- Lead and facilitate weekly coordination meetings with consultants and Interceptor staff, tracking progress, resolving technical issues, and maintaining schedule alignment.
- Manage the Cathodic Protection Inspection and Repair Contract, providing field supervision of the Annual Services Contractor, reviewing annual assessment reports, and directing corrective actions for minor system deficiencies.
- Oversee development-related projects by conducting engineering plan reviews, performing utility crossing inspections, and coordinating infrastructure tie-ins to ensure compliance with HRSD design and construction standards.
- Perform routine inspections of aerial crossings, prepare detailed condition assessment reports, and coordinate repair activities with Interceptor staff and external service providers.
Heavy Equipment Operator
Hampton Roads Sanitation District
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Team Supervisor – oversee two co-workers
- Maintain gravity system preventive maintenance schedule for North Shore Maintenance
- Conducted ultra-sonic testing on HRSD infrastructure
- Involved in new installation of pipelines
Interceptor Assistant
Hampton Roads Sanitation District
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Developed an understanding of the knowledge required for operating and maintaining a regional sanitary sewer system, including safety procedures and protocols
- Familiar with pump station controls and operations
- Experience with pipeline repair and traffic control, such as installing repair clamps, line stop saddles, and installing new section of pipe with varies fittings
Education
MBA -
College of William And Mary
Williamsburg05-2025
Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA01.2014
Associate Degree - Engineering
Thomas Nelson Community College
Hampton, VA01.2012
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Team leadership
- Operations management
- Customer service
- Operations monitoring
- Operational efficiency
- Planning and implementation
- Staff management
Certification
- NACE- CP1 and CP2
- Nassco- PACP, MACP, and LACP
- Successfully Pass Professional Engineering Exam 10/27/2025 and waiting for Professional Engineering Designation
Timeline
Operations Manager
Hampton Roads Sanitation District
01.2022 - Current
Project Manager
Hampton Roads Sanitation District
01.2016 - 01.2022
Engineering Assistant
Hampton Roads Sanitation District
01.2012 - 01.2016
Heavy Equipment Operator
Hampton Roads Sanitation District
01.2010 - 01.2012
Interceptor Assistant
Hampton Roads Sanitation District
01.2008 - 01.2010
MBA -
College of William And Mary
Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering
Old Dominion University
Associate Degree - Engineering
Thomas Nelson Community College