UTILITIES CAPITAL PROJECT MANAGER - 40011635

Join Durham County Government
Durham County Government is home to over 2,000 dedicated professionals working together to deliver essential services that strengthen and support our vibrant, diverse community. As the heart of a fast-growing region, we offer meaningful careers across a wide range of fields—giving you the opportunity to make a real impact where you live, work, grow, and play. Learn more at www.dconc.gov.

*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 Utilities Capital Project Manager manages all capital improvement projects to enhance resiliency and redundancy across the wastewater treatment plant, wastewater collection system, reclaimed water distribution system, and domestic water distribution system.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Senior Utilities Capital Project Manager.

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.

• Plans and deliver utility capital projects aligned with asset management plans, system master plans, and regulatory requirements.
   
• Develop project scopes, cost estimates, schedules, and CIP justifications.
   
• Coordinates with operations, maintenance, and other staff to ensure constructability and system continuity.
  
  
• Supports long-range capital planning and rate-supported CIP programs.
  
  
• Manages design consultants for water and wastewater utility infrastructure.
  
  
• Reviews hydraulic modeling inputs, design calculations, technical reports, and construction documents.
  
  
• Ensures compliance with utility standards, specifications, and applicable codes (American Water Works Association (AWWA), Water Environment Federation (WEF)).
  
  
• Coordinates design reviews with internal operations, regulatory agencies, and utility stakeholders.
  
  
• Oversee permitting related to utility facilities, easements, and rights-of-way.
  
  
• Develops and manages detailed project budgets, including construction, inspection, testing, and contingency.
  
  
• Tracks expenditures, forecasts project cash flow, and manages risk allowances.
  
  
• Reviews consultant and contractor invoices and recommends approval.

• Prepares and administers Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Qualifications (RFQ), bid packages, and contract amendments in compliance with public procurement laws.
  
  
• Interprets utility construction contracts, specifications, and change orders.
  
  
• Manages claims, disputes, and time extensions while protecting public utility interests.
  
  
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and permits.
  
  
• Communicates project status, risks, and impacts to management and stakeholders.
  
  
• Support public and customer communication related to construction activities.
  
  
• Maintain project records, schedules, and documentation.
  
  
• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations while tracking project performance metrics and ensure documentation accuracy.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Proficient in using computers and office equipment, including printers, scanners, and telephones.
• Skilled in software applications and digital tools, including project management systems, spreadsheets, email platforms, and data dashboards.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle to conduct field inspections, site visits, and project oversight.
• Knowledge of County ordinances, utility design standards, and engineering design manuals applicable to infrastructure development and permitting.
• Ability to prepare clear, detailed technical review comments, documentation, and reports for internal and external audiences.
• Demonstrates expertise in managing claims, disputes, and time extension requests while safeguarding public utility interests.
• Effective communication skills for coordinating with engineers, developers, contractors, internal County departments, and regulatory agencies.
• Demonstrate advanced judgment in evaluating technical options, costs, schedules, regulatory requirements, operational impacts, and risks to guide early-stage capital project decisions with long-term implications.

• Applies meticulous technical review of construction drawings, pump station calculations, and treatment plant improvements to ensure compliance with State and County standards, preventing costly project errors, regulatory violations, and safety risks to staff and the public.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in civil, environmental, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental science, or directly related science-based degree from an accredited university.
  
  
• Three (3) years of direct experience in municipal engineering or public works with a focus on public wastewater and/or water utility projects.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIREMENTS:

• 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:

• Licensed as a North Carolina Professional Engineer (PE).
  
  
• Grade II Collections - NC Water Pollution Control System Operator certification
  
  
• Grade I 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.

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.

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.