ASSISTANT DEPUTY DIRECTOR- UTILITIES -

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This position will assist the Deputy Director of Engineering and Environmental Services (E&ES)/Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) Director. This position is responsible for supporting the Deputy Director and the effective oversight of the administrative, technical, and operational functions of the Utilities Division. This role involves managing daily activities, coordinating capital projects, project management oversight, and supporting infrastructure planning across water and wastewater systems. 

This position reports to the Deputy Director of Engineering and Environmental Services(E&ES)/Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) Director.

For more information about the Utilities Division at Durham County please visit: Durham County Utilities Jobs (dconc.gov)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Lead, manage, and monitor operations including wastewater treatment plant and collection system, reclaimed water production, and water distribution system.
  
  
• Assists with developing and enforcing the sewer and water ordinances.
  
  
• Monitors and implement federal and state regulatory requirements and legislative proposals and may develop draft legislative amendments for review by the County Manager, Deputy County Manager, Director of Engineering and Environmental Services, and others.
  
  
• Assists with developing and the administration of the utility budget.
  
  
• Assists with forecasting funds for staffing, equipment, and supplies.
  
  
• Monitors and approves expenditures.
  
  
• Reviews, prepares, and recommends approval of contractors and invoices, the renewal and the extension of contractors and consultants.
  
  
• Checks percentages complete for projects and submit for payment authorization.
  
  
• Participate with the POTW Director/Deputy Director E&ES in the development of division goals and objectives that are in line with departmental and County goals and objectives.
  
  
• Prepare specifications and bid documents, participate in bid openings and make recommendations for bid selection.
  
  
• Leads Utility System Capital Improvements efforts including project management activities related to utility maintenance and new construction projects including development, procurement, and implementation.
  
  
• Participate in construction meetings, oversee consultants and coordinate project activities with construction inspectors, project engineers, consultants, and contractors.
  
  
• Perform field inspections and provide onsite quality assurance, establishing project metrics outcomes, and goals.
  
  
• Provides final approval of designs and installations of sewer system extensions and County-owned water and water distribution system following review by staff members.
  
  
• Determines date of substantial completion and performs final inspection to ensure project completion according to contract requirements.
  
  
• Oversee the development of new and/or amended Standard Specifications and requirements for Utility systems to ensure systems reliability, redundancy, and cost-effectiveness.
  
  
• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff. Coordinates, assigns, and reviews work; establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
  
  
• Attend meetings with internal and external customers.
  
  
• Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Expertise in Public Utilities Management.
  
  
• Proficiency in water and wastewater plant design, construction operations, and maintenance.
  
  
• General construction and technical knowledge related to wastewater and water infrastructure installation.
  
  
• General understanding of the workflow process for pumps, valves, oxidation ditches, filters, etc.
  
  
• General understanding of financial processes, including budget preparation and basic financial issue resolution.
  
  
• Understanding of local state and federal codes, acts and policies related to water, wastewater, drainage, solid waste and electrical systems.
  
  
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to navigate complex regulatory operational and personal matters.
  
  
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and verify engineering calculations including pumps curves, draw downs and pipe flow analysis.
  
  
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external customers.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelors degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering, Construction Management, Chemistry, or related field from an appropriately accredited college or university.
  
  
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible management experience in civil or environmental engineering, construction management, utility engineering, or environmental programs.
  
  
• Three (3) years of supervisory experience required.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable three-year driving history.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• NC Professional Engineer
  
  
• Grade II Biological Operator Certification
  
  
• Grade II Collection System certification

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement. 

Performs medium work that involves walking, standing, stooping, jumping, lifting, digging, pushing and raising objects and involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):

Unavoidable hazards refer to job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• Involves routine and frequent exposure to: Loud environment.
  
  
• Exposed to hazards such as electrical, chemicals, and untreated raw sewage/biological pathogens.
  
  
• Subject to roadway traffic based on the location of a spill or complaint.
  
  
• Bright/dim light; Dust and pollen.
  
  
• Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.
  
  
• Animals/Wildlife/Natural hazards such as snakes, insects, poisonous plants, etc.
  
  
• Fumes and/or noxious odors.
  

STANDARD CLAUSES: 

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Durham County.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. 

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS:

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses. 

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE:

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management. 

BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENT:

This position may be subject to a background check, which could include, but is not limited to, criminal history (employment-related and/or SBI fingerprint-based), credit history, motor vehicle records, educational verification, and checks of the sexual offender registry, depending on the specific requirements of the role. A conviction record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment consideration, unless otherwise required by applicable state law.