Watershed Manager

City of Gastonia•Gastonia, NC

About The Position

The Watershed Manager oversees the City of Gastonia’s stormwater utility program and ensures regulatory compliance within designated watersheds. The role plans, develops, coordinates, and implements stormwater management programs and services, including technical work such as inspecting stormwater infrastructure and implementing requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit. The manager also addresses customer concerns about stormwater, engages the public through meetings and site visits, and conducts outreach and education on stormwater regulations and Best Management Practices. The position develops and implements program goals, policies, priorities, and long-term watershed plans; helps administer the program’s operating budget; and maintains the EPA’s six minimum measures required under the MS4 permit. It conducts and supports inspections, staff training, regulatory coordination, reporting, and stormwater project delivery. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Stormwater Utility Administrator, and the position supervises assigned administrative employees. The role must ensure stormwater-related work complies with OSHA and City safety standards and policies. Employees are expected to follow safety instructions, use required personal protective equipment, and report unsafe conditions or work practices, injuries, and illnesses. The City is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Final candidates may be subject to reference checks, a criminal background check, and drug screening.

Requirements

Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in watershed or hydrological management.
Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, geography, biology, geology, engineering, natural resource management, or a related field with related coursework is preferred; an equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.
Minimal experience working with GIS, GPS, and mapping, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and during emergencies when required to meet City business needs.
Comply with established safety policies, procedures, safe-work practices, supervisor-provided safety training, and instructions.
Properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for the job.
Immediately report unsafe work practices or conditions and any on-the-job injury or illness.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, geography, biology, geology, engineering, natural resource management, or a related field with related coursework.
Experience with GIS, GPS, and mapping.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, priorities, and a long-term plan for the City’s stormwater program within the designated watershed.
Recommend and administer program policies and procedures, and implement approved policy and procedural changes.
Develop and update stormwater policies as required and ensure compliance with applicable state and federal regulations and permits.
Develop and administer the operating budget, goals, and standards for the designated watershed.
Maintain and implement the EPA’s six MS4 minimum measures: education and outreach; public participation and involvement; illicit discharge detection and elimination; construction-site runoff; post-construction controls; and good housekeeping and pollution prevention at municipal facilities.
Conduct semiannual stormwater inspections of City facilities outside the MS4 General Permit.
Train municipal personnel on stormwater regulations, permit requirements, and pollution prevention and good-housekeeping practices.
Serve as a liaison with regulatory agencies and participate in facility stormwater inspections with NCDENR, USEPA, and other controlling agencies.
Conduct post-construction stormwater BMP inspections of Phase II water-quality structures as required by the NPDES permit.
Monitor changes in regulations, legislation, and requirements that may affect MS4 operations.
Inspect stormwater ponds annually, verify compliance, and keep the related database updated.
Regularly review and update stormwater management and pollution prevention plans.
Assist in preparing reports for stormwater inspections of City-owned facilities.
Coordinate with consultants and contractors to design and construct stormwater projects within the watershed.
Prepare and maintain technical reports, documents, and records.
Address customer concerns related to stormwater and conduct public outreach and education through meetings and site visits.
Attend local, state, and other meetings concerning stormwater issues; present information to staff, management, and City Council; and prepare and present Council agenda reports and other committee and staff materials.
Perform other duties as directed by the Stormwater Utility Administrator or as required.
Ensure stormwater-related work is performed in accordance with OSHA and City safety standards and policies.