SENIOR UTILITIES CAPITAL PROJECT MANAGER - 40011634

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*This position is subject to close at any time without notification.*

**This position qualifies for a $6,000.00 sign on bonus upon successful completion of the probationary period.**

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of this position is to direct and manage capital improvement utility projects, ensuring system resiliency, regulatory compliance, and long-term infrastructure capacity across wastewater, water, and reclaimed water systems.

This class works independently under regular supervision, consulting with the Assistant Deputy Director on non-routine, high-risk, or precedent-setting matters.

The Triangle Wastewater Treatment Plant (TWWTP) is rated for an average daily flow of 12 million gallons per day and is specifically designed to meet future nutrient load requirements for the Jordan Lake nutrient management strategy. TWWTP serves the southeast portion of Durham County inside and outside the Durham City limits and serves the Research Triangle Park within Durham County.  The collection and treatment of domestic sewage and wastewater is vital to public health and clean water. It is among the most important factors responsible for the general level of good health enjoyed in the United States. 

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 position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Directs and manages capital improvement utility projects across wastewater, water, and reclaimed water systems.
  
  
• Establish project delivery methods, program goals, performance metrics, and implementation plans.
  
  
• Coordinates CIP planning with utility operations, finance and executive leadership.
  
  
• Oversee CIP budgets, funding sources and financial forecasting for the program.
  
  
• Reviews cost estimates, bid packages, and change orders for program-level impacts. Manage and oversee consultant and contractor performance across multiple projects.
  
  
• Ensure quality control, compliance with contract requirements, and timely delivery of work products.
  
  
• Provides directions to project managers, engineers and staff on contract administration and project execution.
  
  
• Ensure CIP projects meet regulatory requirements, permits, and utility standards. Manage risk identification and mitigation strategies across the program.
  
  
• Communicate CIP status, risks, and recommendations to executive leadership, governing bodies and the public.
  
  
• Develop and maintain program controls, reporting systems, and documentation standards. Analyze program performance metrics and implement process improvements.
  
  
• Manage, mentor, and evaluate project managers, engineers, and support staff while assigning daily workloads.
  
  
• Provide the tools, professional development, and strategic guidance necessary for the team to execute projects efficiently.
  
  
• Review and approve project scope, schedules, budgets, and delivery plans. Lead resolution of complex technical, contractual, or regulatory issues and ensure project alignment with strategic objectives.
  
  
• Develops and manages detailed project budgets, including construction, inspection, testing, and contingency. Tracks expenditures, forecasts project cash flow and manage risk allowances.
  
  
• Evaluate consultant and contractor invoices for accuracy, contract compliance, and budgetary alignment prior to payment approval.
  
  
• Draft, issue, and manage RFPs, RFQs, bid packages, and contract amendments while ensuring full compliance with public procurement laws.
  
  
• Interprets utility construction contracts, specifications, and change orders.
  
  
• Coordinates on-call mechanics and contractors to troubleshoot, dispatch, and resolve critical customer service issues promptly and continuity of operations.
  
  
• Manages project managers, engineers, and technical staff assigned to the CIP program by delegating workloads, conducting performance evaluations, and providing ongoing mentorship to achieve project objectives.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Comprehensive knowledge of wastewater, reclaimed water, and potable water utility systems, including infrastructure design, construction practices, and system components.
  
  
• Strong ability to read, interpret, and evaluate engineering drawings, technical plans, specifications, and as-built documents.
  
  
• Ability to verify complex engineering calculations, including pump performance, flow capacity, hydraulic modeling outputs, and pressure/grade evaluations.
  
  
• Thorough understanding of state and federal regulations governing wastewater and water systems, including NCDEQ rules, State 2T requirements, minimum design criteria, and applicable environmental statutes.
  
  
• Knowledge of County ordinances, utility design standards, engineering design manuals, and permitting requirements relevant to system development.
   
• Skill in applying sound engineering principles to assess system capacity, evaluate infrastructure impacts, and ensure technical feasibility and constructability.
  
  
• Ability to prepare clear, detailed, and defensible technical review comments, reports, and documentation.
  
  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities for addressing complex development constraints, system limitations, and regulatory compliance issues.
  
  
• Effective communication skills for coordinating with engineers, developers, contractors, internal departments, and regulatory agencies.
  
  
• Ability to make informed, independent decisions on technical matters while recognizing when issues require supervisory consultation.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in civil, Environmental, or Chemical Engineering and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in municipal engineering, public works, or utility infrastructure projects.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIREMENTS:

• Licensed as a North Carolina Professional Engineer (PE).
  
  
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina and an acceptable driving record.
  
  
  

PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• Grade III Collections - NC Water Pollution Control System Operator certification
  
  
• Grade II Biological Wastewater NC Water Pollution Control System Operator certification

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

• Ability to walk, stand, bend, and navigate outdoor environments for extended periods during site inspections or investigations, typically averaging 4 to 10 hours per week and occasionally up to 20 hours depending on project needs.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):

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

• Exposure to loud noise, heavy equipment, and other inherent construction-site hazards during field visits and inspections.
  
  
• Exposure to biological, chemical, electrical, and mechanical hazards at pump stations, the wastewater treatment plant, and water system facilities, including untreated sewage and industrial chemicals.
  
  
• Potential exposure to roadway traffic hazards when responding to spills, utility issues, or customer complaints in or near public rights-of-way.
  
  
• Encountering natural hazards such as snakes, insects, poisonous plants, and difficult terrain when accessing off-road utility easements.

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.