Utilities & Engineering Director

Catawba County Government•Government Center Newton, NC

About The Position

Catawba County is seeking a Utilities & Engineering Director to lead water and sewer, solid waste, building services, and engineering operations. This senior leadership position balances day-to-day operational oversight with long-range infrastructure and financial planning. The position is vacant due to the retirement of the current Director. Reporting to the Assistant County Manager, the Director serves as a strategic advisor to the County Manager and Board of Commissioners on solid waste, utilities, building code compliance, engineering, and infrastructure matters. The Director works closely with municipal partners, the Economic Development Corporation, the Planning Department, developers, contractors, and state and federal agencies to maintain, protect, and expand County services and infrastructure. The Director will be involved in ongoing and upcoming projects, including continued development of the Southeastern Catawba County Water & Sewer District, landfill construction and expansion, and management of the County’s franchise agreement for solid waste collection and disposal. The Director supervises five direct reports and has full responsibility for personnel matters.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Environmental Engineering; Public or Business Administration; or Construction Management, and a minimum of 5 years of experience managing solid waste, water and wastewater, and/or building compliance services as a director, assistant director, or major division leader; OR a combination of education, training, and experience administering comparable functions that demonstrates the skills required to perform the position’s duties.
Thorough knowledge of civil and environmental engineering principles and practices as applied to development and construction of public works projects.
Working knowledge of water distribution, wastewater collection, and water treatment facilities, including applicable State and Federal laws and regulations.
Working knowledge of solid waste landfills, water and sewer treatment and distribution, stormwater management, and building code compliance.
Working knowledge of federal EPA and North Carolina laws and regulations governing solid waste, environmental conservation, water and sewer, composting, household hazardous waste, and stormwater.
Experience with outcome-based budgeting, enterprise fund management, and project scheduling.
Strong public communication skills and ability to work effectively with elected officials, municipal managers, contractors, developers, and residents.
Ability to establish strategic future direction while managing day-to-day projects and priorities in a way that promotes operational excellence.
Valid NC Driver’s License with a safe driving record; driving is an essential function of the position.

Nice To Haves

North Carolina Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Responsibilities

Direct Solid Waste operations, including landfill operations, leachate and gas control, air quality, and groundwater remediation.
Manage resource recovery and the Franchise Agreement.
Oversee Building Services operations, including plan review, permitting, and building code compliance.
Supervise water distribution and wastewater collection operations and the wastewater treatment plant, including SECC utility development and management.
Develop and maintain a multi-year water and sewer capital plan, coordinating with municipalities and recommending project priorities.
Manage Engineering operations, including zoning code enforcement, erosion and sediment control, stormwater, and roadway improvement programs.
Manage water, sewer, and landfill construction projects from consultant selection and bidding through field inspection and completion.
Develop long-range financial and operational plans for department infrastructure; identify cost savings and funding options and pursue grants.
Work collaboratively with Planning to advise the County Manager and Board of Commissioners, assist the Economic Development Corporation with industry expansion projects, and, as appropriate, development-related matters.
Supervise five direct reports and handle all personnel matters.