DIRECTOR OF THE WINNIPESAUKEE RIVER BASIN PROGRAM

State of New Hampshire; Franklin (NH); On-site; USD 108,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental plan

Flexible spending accounts

Retirement plan

Paid holidays & leave

Life insurance

Wellness program

Job summary

The State of New Hampshire seeks a Director of the Winnipesaukee River Basin Program to lead WRBP wastewater treatment and collection systems, including a Franklin plant. This unclassified role requires technical fluency, strong management, and stakeholder engagement to execute approved programs.

Ideal candidates hold advanced environmental/engineering degrees, PE licensure and wastewater operator certification are preferred, with 5+ years in senior administration of complex projects and budgets.

Qualifications

• Degree in environmental, engineering or construction fields is required or preferred.
• Professional Engineer licensure and wastewater operator certification preferred.
• Minimum five years as a senior administrator overseeing complex projects and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Winnipesaukee River Basin Program wastewater treatment plant and collection system.
• Manage operations, maintenance, and budget for WRBP facilities and related programs.
• Lead a high-performing team and engage stakeholders to drive improvements and culture.

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in environmental, engineering or construction fields

Job description

State of New Hampshire Job Posting

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE

29 HAZEN DRIVE, CONCORD NH 03301

DIRECTOR OF THE WINNIPESAUKEE RIVER BASIN PROGRAM

Position # 9U804

Salary Range - $108,170 to $150,849

• See total compensation information at the bottom of announcement.

The mission of the Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) is to help sustain a high quality of life for all citizens by protecting and restoring the environment and public health in New Hampshire and fostering the proper management of water, air, and land resources for future generations. The NHDES is looking for a Senior Level leader to oversee the Winnipesaukee River Basin Program wastewater treatment plant and collection system. This is a high impact, foundational role requiring exceptional managerial and technical fluency, and the responsibility of carrying out the directives of the NHDES Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner.

The Winnipesaukee River Basin Program (WRBP) is the state-owned sewer system serving portions of the New Hampshire Lakes Region communities of Center Harbor, Moultonborough, Gilford, Meredith, Laconia, Belmont, Sanbornton, Northfield, Tilton and Franklin. The WRBP's wastewater collection and treatment facilities, including a treatment plant in Franklin and a maintenance facility in Laconia, are operated by NHDES employees on behalf of the communities benefiting from the facilities’ services. The staffing include 25 positions and annual budget is about $8 million.

Senate Bill 592 created this position in 2026, stating “There is established in the office of the commissioner the unclassified position of director of the Winnipesaukee River Basin Program (WRBP). The director shall be qualified to hold the position by reason of education and experience, and shall perform such duties as the commissioner from time to time may authorize. The director shall be responsible for the operations and maintenance of the WRPB as well as the execution of all programs and projects.”

Ideal candidates should have a working knowledge of treatment works, infrastructure management and project design and implementation. Candidates should have experience creating and managing budgets. A key part of the job is to establish and maintain a positive organizational culture and to increase the ability of the organization to execute needed improvements. Other skills and experience should include creative problem solving, effective communication with external stakeholders, managing change, evaluating internal processes and mentoring employees.

Well qualified candidates will have a baccalaureate or master’s degree from an accredited college or university in an environmental, engineering or construction related field. Professional Engineer licensure and wastewater operator certification is preferred. The candidates should have a minimum of five or more years of experience as a senior administrator, responsible for the administration of complex projects, programs and budgets, preferably related to public works, a proven focus on building a culture of excellence and the ability to work effectively with staff and key stakeholders.

This unclassified/appointed position is assigned to Group JJ of the state unclassified salary schedule (currently $108,170 to $150,700). Once confirmed by G&C, the selected candidate serves a four-year term, and then be eligible for re-appointment consideration and confirmation to a subsequent four-year term.

The State of NH total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits, including:

• Dental Plan at minimal cost for employees and their families ($500-$1800 value)
• Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• State defined benefit retirement plan and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
• Work/life balance flexible schedules, paid holidays and generous leave plan
• $50,000 state-paid life insurance plus additional low-cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program (ability to earn up to $500)

Value of State's share of Employee's Retirement: 12.87% of pay

HMO or POS Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits:

The actual value of State-paid health benefits and the amount of employee health benefit contributions may vary depending on the type of plan selected and the bargaining unit with which a position is associated.

See this link for details on State-paid health benefits:

https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/benefits.aspx

Total Compensation Statement Worksheet:

https://www.das.nh.gov/jobsearch/compensation-calculator.aspx

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website:

https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/documents/BenefitBrochure.pdf

https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/index.aspx

EOE

TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964