Assistant Water Resources Director

City of Newton•Newton, NC

About The Position

Provides professional engineering and project management for municipal infrastructure and capital improvement projects. Oversees project planning, design, review, coordination, and implementation, and assists the Water Resources Director with departmental administration and operations. The role manages capital and non-capital improvement projects, coordinates engineering activities, reviews development plans, manages contracts and budgets, ensures regulatory compliance, and directly supervises assigned personnel. It requires independence and professional judgment in resolving problems, setting priorities, and planning for future infrastructure needs. The position coordinates with consultants, contractors, developers, regulatory agencies, City departments, and the public to support effective project delivery and compliance. Work is performed under the general direction of the Water Resources Director and evaluated against objectives, budgets, safety regulations, employee morale, and other established performance criteria. The incumbent may act on behalf of the Director when they are absent.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an accredited college or university.
Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in North Carolina.
Four to six years of progressively responsible experience in water resources, water and wastewater utilities, engineering, construction management, or public works.
Experience supervising employees, managing engineering projects, administering contracts, and overseeing infrastructure improvements.
Valid North Carolina driver's license.
Knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices related to municipal infrastructure, including water distribution, wastewater collection, stormwater management, drainage, streets, and public improvements.
Knowledge of engineering design standards, construction specifications, applicable regulations, permitting requirements, and environmental and safety standards.
Knowledge of capital improvement project management, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, cost estimating, contract administration, and construction oversight.
Knowledge of municipal government operations, public administration, procurement, personnel management, and departmental budgeting.
Skill in reviewing engineering plans, specifications, calculations, development proposals, permits, and construction documents for compliance.
Skill in evaluating engineering problems, developing solutions, managing project costs and schedules, and ensuring project quality and regulatory compliance.
Skill in coordinating and communicating effectively with staff, consultants, contractors, developers, regulatory agencies, City departments, elected officials, and the public.
Skill in preparing technical reports, project documentation, budgets, presentations, and engineering recommendations.
Skill in supervising personnel, delegating assignments, evaluating performance, resolving conflicts, and supporting staff development.
Ability to represent the department within the City, to the public and business community, and to other agencies.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, navigate uneven terrain, operate standard office equipment, review engineering plans and technical documents, communicate effectively, and safely access construction sites and infrastructure facilities under varying environmental conditions.
Occasional lifting and carrying of materials or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds may be required.

Responsibilities

Manage capital improvement projects, including scheduling, budgeting, consultant coordination, construction administration, and project documentation.
Review development plans, engineering designs, specifications, calculations, permits, and technical documents for compliance with City standards, engineering practices, and applicable regulations.
Provide professional engineering recommendations for municipal infrastructure, including water distribution, wastewater collection, stormwater management, drainage, streets, and other public improvements.
Evaluate engineering problems and infrastructure proposals, recommend solutions to design and construction issues, and ensure compatibility with existing systems and long-term infrastructure plans.
Monitor engineering and construction projects through site visits and inspections; verify compliance with approved plans, specifications, schedules, budgets, contract requirements, quality standards, and regulations; document findings and recommend corrective actions.
Provide technical guidance and engineering oversight to staff, consultants, and project teams on infrastructure planning, design, and construction.
Represent the department at interdepartmental, community committee, City Council, and other public meetings; present technical information and address project-related concerns.
Coordinate with consultants, contractors, utility companies, developers, regulatory agencies, and City departments to facilitate project planning, design, permitting, and construction.
Assist with contract administration, including reviewing change orders, payment applications, construction submittals, and contractor compliance.
Assist the Director with departmental management, including coordinating operations, managing resources, supporting administrative functions, and implementing departmental goals, policies, and priorities.
Manage, direct, and evaluate assigned personnel; support staff development and monitor performance.
Serve as Water Resources Director in the Director’s absence and represent the department as needed.
Attend meetings outside scheduled work hours and report after work hours during emergencies or disasters as needed.
Perform other related duties as assigned.