UTILITIES CAPITAL PROJECT MANAGER - 40011635

Durham County•Durham, NC

3d•$84,255 - $122,000

About The Position

Durham County Government’s County Engineering Department is hiring a Utilities Capital Project Manager to manage capital improvement projects that enhance resiliency and redundancy across the wastewater treatment plant, wastewater collection system, reclaimed water distribution system, and domestic water distribution system. The role supports the County’s utility infrastructure, including the Triangle Wastewater Treatment Plant, which serves southeastern Durham County and the Research Triangle Park within Durham County. Working under the general supervision of the Senior Utilities Capital Project Manager, this position plans and delivers projects aligned with asset management plans, system master plans, and regulatory requirements. It develops project scopes, estimates, schedules, and CIP justifications; manages design consultants, budgets, contracts, procurement, permitting, and construction-related issues; and coordinates with utility staff, regulatory agencies, contractors, and other stakeholders. The role also supports long-range capital planning and rate-supported CIP programs, maintains project documentation, and communicates project status, risks, and impacts. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in a specified engineering or related science-based field and three years of direct municipal engineering or public works experience focused on public wastewater and/or water utility projects. A valid North Carolina driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required. The role may require work at night, on weekends, holidays, or during emergencies. It includes field inspections and site visits, with exposure to construction and utility-facility hazards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in civil, environmental, chemical, or mechanical engineering; environmental science; or a directly related science-based degree from an accredited university.
Three years of direct experience in municipal engineering or public works, focused on public wastewater and/or water utility projects.
Valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina and an acceptable driving record; must be maintained.
Proficiency with computers and office equipment, including printers, scanners, and telephones.
Skill using software applications and digital tools, including project management systems, spreadsheets, email platforms, and data dashboards.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle for 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.
Ability to manage claims, disputes, and time-extension requests while safeguarding public utility interests.
Effective communication and coordination skills with engineers, developers, contractors, County departments, and regulatory agencies.
Advanced judgment in evaluating technical options, costs, schedules, regulatory requirements, operational impacts, and risks.
Ability to meticulously review construction drawings, pump station calculations, and treatment plant improvements for compliance with State and County standards.
Ability to walk, stand, bend, and navigate outdoor environments during inspections or investigations, typically 4 to 10 hours per week and occasionally up to 20 hours depending on project needs.
Ability to perform sedentary work, including occasional walking or standing, exerting up to 10 pounds of force regularly and recurrently, or sustained keyboard operations.
May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and emergencies to meet County business needs.
Must follow safety policies and training, properly wear and maintain required personal protective equipment, and report unsafe conditions or work practices and on-the-job injuries or illnesses.

Nice To Haves

Licensed as a North Carolina Professional Engineer (PE).
Grade II Collections certification from the NC Water Pollution Control System Operator program.
Grade I Biological Wastewater certification from the NC Water Pollution Control System Operator program.

Responsibilities

Plan and deliver utility capital projects aligned with asset management plans, system master plans, and regulatory requirements.
Develop project scopes, cost estimates, schedules, and Capital Improvement Program justifications.
Coordinate with operations, maintenance, and other staff to ensure constructability and system continuity.
Support long-range capital planning and rate-supported CIP programs.
Manage design consultants for water and wastewater utility infrastructure.
Review hydraulic modeling inputs, design calculations, technical reports, and construction documents.
Ensure compliance with utility standards, specifications, and applicable codes, including AWWA and WEF requirements.
Coordinate design reviews with internal operations, regulatory agencies, and utility stakeholders.
Oversee permitting related to utility facilities, easements, and rights-of-way.
Develop and manage detailed project budgets, including construction, inspection, testing, and contingency.
Track expenditures, forecast project cash flow, and manage risk allowances.
Review consultant and contractor invoices and recommend approval.
Prepare and administer RFPs, RFQs, bid packages, and contract amendments in compliance with public procurement laws.
Interpret utility construction contracts, specifications, and change orders.
Manage claims, disputes, and time extensions while protecting public utility interests.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and permits.
Communicate 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; track project performance metrics and ensure documentation accuracy.
Conduct field inspections, site visits, and project oversight as needed.