Performs difficult professional, technical, and administrative work planning, organizing, and directing a large public utilities operation with broad geographical, environmental, health, and economic impact and scope. An employee in this class plans, organizes and directs the work of employees engaged in utility operations and services. The employee provides technical advise and assistance to the County Manager and the Board in the long range planning, construction, improvement, capacity management, environmental compliance, citizen and intergovernmental relations, and maintenance of water and environmental resources. Overall scope also includes contract management, handling citizen issues, budget and personnel administration of the department. The employee represents the county to a wide variety of citizens, developers, other local officials, state and federal regulatory officials, etc. Work is performed independently and in coordination with the County Manager and other county officials. Starting pay: $86,283 or DOQ
Reports to and advises County Manager and officials on public works and public utilities projects and activities; researches and recommends long range plans and strategies for meeting customer service needs; researches and recommends service levels, economic impact, fee structures, and policy changes to the County Manager.
Plans, organizes and participates in activities related to regulatory and environmental compliance, planning for capacity needs; improved work methods and work flow; and application of technology to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Oversees the selection, promotion, training, counseling, and disciplining of department personnel; meets with subordinate managers to solve more complex problems; sets priorities and deadlines, and provides guidance and direction.
Represents the County with other local governments, state and federal authorities on issues such as inter-basin transfer and service agreements; directs research, grant development, and funding options for capital plans; coordinates design and construction of infrastructure; plans, organizes, and monitors a variety of contracted work; coordinates with engineers, developers, customers and contractors; makes field inspections of projects to review progress and ensure completion.
Engages in considerable personal contact with citizens and other County agencies such as development review and other governmental agencies concerning service request and complaints; investigates and decides or recommends actions; coordinates projects with other departments; attends County Board meetings to represent the department; serves as part of County management team.
Oversees the preparation and reviews departmental operating and capital budgets; monitors and approves expenditures; conducts or oversees rate analysis and recommends structures and amounts.
Oversees, participates in and plans for changes in regulations regarding water, wastewater, safety and other related issues; participates with industry officials to influence professional standards and regulatory requirements.
Ensures that adequate management information is collected and maintained for trend analysis and that regulatory reports are completed.
Coordinates and oversees mapping of the utility system and utilization of GIS and other methods for long range planning and efficient operations.
Monitors the annual budget for all Utility enterprise funds and recommends adjustments as needed.
Monitors ongoing system performance and provides periodic reports to management as directed
Additional Job Duties
Performs other duties as assigned.Considerable knowledge of civil engineering design principles and engineering practices as applied to departmental functions.
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of water and environmental resources administration, planning and construction.
Thorough knowledge of County utility policies, state and federal laws and regulations.
Considerable knowledge of the application of information technology to the work.
Knowledge of the equipment and materials used in the construction, maintenance and repair of water and sewer treatment, distribution and collection systems.
Thorough knowledge of modern governmental budgeting, personnel and purchasing practices, and information systems applications to functions managed and related County policies.
Thorough knowledge of modern and effective supervisory principles and practices including leadership, motivations, communication, team building, mentoring, and performance coaching and review.
Some knowledge of laws and regulations regarding staff management.
Skill in collaborative conflict resolution, public speaking, teamwork, meeting facilitation, and customer service excellence.
Ability to conduct long range planning for infrastructure needs and environmental compliance.
Ability to effectively represent the County with a wide scope of governmental, regulatory, industry, development and other groups and individuals and to negotiate on behalf of the County.
Ability to interpret and prepare complex and detailed records and reports.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with County officials, other public officials, employees, contractors and the general public.
Ability to present ideas effectively in oral and written form. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in civil or environmental engineering, public administration, business administration or related field, and considerable experience in a responsible management position in utilities or public management field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Special Requirement
Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.
May require certifications in water treatment or distribution, wastewater treatment, or collection, or related certifications.
