General Definition of Work
Provides visionary leadership and strategic oversight for the Utilities Department, driving operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and long-term infrastructure planning. This role is responsible for aligning divisional functions with organizational goals, fostering innovation, and ensuring sustainable service delivery. Under the direction of the Utilities Director, the Deputy Director leads cross-functional teams and cultivates partnerships to advance the department's mission. Key areas of responsibility include Field Operations, Meter Services, Capital Projects, Information Technology, Geographic Information Systems, and Plan Review.
Essential Functions
Provides strategic planning and execution across core utility divisions, ensuring alignment with departmental goals and citywide initiatives;
Oversees the delivery of water and wastewater services, ensuring operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and regulatory compliance;
Develops and implements forward-looking strategies to meet evolving regulatory requirements and environmental standards;
Partners with the Utilities Director to assess future capacity needs, optimize system performance, and guide infrastructure investments;
Provides fiscal leadership through oversight of divisional budgets and contributions to capital improvement planning;
Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with peer utilities and governmental agencies to support interlocal agreements and shared initiatives;
Prepares and presents strategic recommendations, performance reports, and policy updates to the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utility Commission;
Champions the implementation of master plans and special projects that enhance service delivery and operational resilience;
Serves as a trusted advisor to the Utilities Director, contributing to executive decision-making and organizational development.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of City and Department policies and procedures;
Demonstrated ability to lead-high-performing teams and drive strategic initiatives across diverse operational areas;
- Expertise in utility operations, regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure planning;
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights;
Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including experience presenting to elected officials and governing bodies;
- Proficiency in budget development, performance management, and project oversight;
- Ability to foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement throughout the organization;
- Proven skills in building and maintaining effective working relationships with internal teams, external partners, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree with coursework in Civil or Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Biological or Environmental Sciences, or related field. Extensive experience with utilities management, supervising, engineering and operations of water and wastewater systems, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Registration as a Professional Engineer in North Carolina is desired. Certification in water or wastewater treatment, distribution, or collection system operation is a plus.
Physical Requirements
This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel and occasionally requires standing and walking; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires wet, humid conditions (non-weather), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles and exposure to outdoor weather conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).
Possession of a valid North Carolina Driver's License is required.
Position advertised until filled
