SENIOR UTILITIES CAPITAL PROJECT MANAGER - 40011634

Durham County•Durham, NC

3d•$92,892 - $138,000

About The Position

Durham County Government’s County Engineering department is hiring a Senior Utilities Capital Project Manager to direct and manage capital improvement projects across wastewater, water, and reclaimed water systems. The role focuses on system resiliency, regulatory compliance, and long-term infrastructure capacity. It works independently under regular supervision, consulting with the Assistant Deputy Director on non-routine, high-risk, or precedent-setting matters. The position establishes project delivery methods, program goals, performance metrics, and implementation plans; coordinates capital improvement planning with utility operations, finance, and executive leadership; oversees program and project budgets; and manages consultant and contractor performance. It provides technical and administrative direction to project managers, engineers, and support staff, and communicates program status, risks, and recommendations to leadership, governing bodies, and the public. The role also handles procurement and contract administration, regulatory and quality oversight, program controls, financial forecasting, and resolution of complex project issues. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in civil, environmental, or chemical engineering, at least five years of relevant experience, and a North Carolina Professional Engineer license. A valid North Carolina driver’s license and acceptable driving record are also required. The role includes field visits and inspections, with exposure to construction and utility-facility hazards. The employee may be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and emergencies. The hiring range is $92,892–$138,000. The position qualifies for a $6,000 sign-on bonus upon successful completion of the probationary period and is open until filled.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in civil, environmental, or chemical engineering.
At least five years of experience in municipal engineering, public works, or utility infrastructure projects.
Licensed as a North Carolina Professional Engineer (PE).
Valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina and an acceptable driving record.
Comprehensive knowledge of wastewater, reclaimed water, and potable water utility systems, including infrastructure design, construction practices, and system components.
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 or 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 relevant permitting requirements.
Skill in applying engineering principles to assess system capacity, infrastructure impacts, technical feasibility, and constructability.
Ability to prepare clear, detailed, and defensible technical review comments, reports, and documentation.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities for 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 independent, informed technical decisions and recognize when supervisory consultation is needed.
Ability to walk, stand, bend, and navigate outdoor environments for site inspections or investigations, typically 4 to 10 hours per week and occasionally up to 20 hours depending on project needs.
Ability to comply with safety policies and practices, use required personal protective equipment, and report unsafe conditions or work practices.

Nice To Haves

Grade III Collections – NC Water Pollution Control System Operator certification.
Grade II Biological Wastewater – NC Water Pollution Control System Operator certification.

Responsibilities

Direct and manage capital improvement utility projects across wastewater, water, and reclaimed water systems.
Establish project delivery methods, program goals, performance metrics, and implementation plans.
Coordinate capital improvement planning with utility operations, finance, and executive leadership.
Oversee program budgets, funding sources, and financial forecasting; review cost estimates, bid packages, and change orders for program-level impacts.
Manage consultant and contractor performance across multiple projects and ensure quality control, contract compliance, and timely delivery of work products.
Provide direction to project managers, engineers, and staff on contract administration and project execution.
Ensure projects comply with regulatory requirements, permits, and utility standards; identify and mitigate program risks.
Communicate program status, risks, and recommendations to executive leadership, governing bodies, and the public.
Develop and maintain program controls, reporting systems, and documentation standards; analyze performance metrics and implement process improvements.
Manage, mentor, and evaluate project managers, engineers, technical staff, and support staff; delegate workloads and provide professional development and strategic guidance.
Review and approve project scope, schedules, budgets, and delivery plans; lead resolution of complex technical, contractual, and regulatory issues.
Develop and manage detailed project budgets covering construction, inspection, testing, and contingency; track expenditures and forecast cash flow and risk allowances.
Evaluate consultant and contractor invoices for accuracy, contract compliance, and budget alignment before payment approval.
Draft, issue, and manage RFPs, RFQs, bid packages, and contract amendments in compliance with public procurement laws.
Interpret utility construction contracts, specifications, and change orders.
Coordinate on-call mechanics and contractors to troubleshoot, dispatch, and resolve critical customer service issues while maintaining continuity of operations.
Conduct or support site inspections and investigations, and comply with required safety practices and use of personal protective equipment.