Director of Water Resources

City of Wilson; Wilson (NC); On-site; USD 115,000 - 159,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Wilson is seeking a Water Resources Department Manager to oversee wastewater, water treatment, and distribution systems. The role leads operations, regulatory compliance, planning, and budgeting for four divisions while coordinating with outside agencies and funding sources.

The position requires a master’s degree related to the field, plus several years of leadership experience and licensure in water or wastewater. A valid NC driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field is required or highly preferred.
• Experience directing multiple subunits and managing budgets.
• Valid NC driver’s license or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Oversees operation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance of water facilities and networks.
• Reviews work, prepares reports, long-range plans, and inspects new construction.
• Oversees design and construction of water projects with contractors; seeks funding.
• Prepares EPA, Corps of Engineers and NCDENR reports and budgets for four divisions.
• Directs personnel functions and conducts staff training and evaluation.

Skills

Supervision

Budgeting

Planning

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Water Resources or related field

State-certified license for water or wastewater treatment or distribution

Job description

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Wilson is a city of around 50,000 people located in the heart of eastern North Carolina. We are about an hour from the Research Triangle and the buzz of the Raleigh area, and you can also quickly reach the North Carolina beaches.

The City of Wilson is known for innovation and outstanding service. We have top-rated, nationally accredited police, fire and recreation departments. Our parks and sports facilities are among the best in the nation, and our Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park is a unique and beautiful attraction that hosts concerts, farmers markets and the N.C. Whirligig Festival among other events. Our downtown ballpark proudly serves as the home of the Milwaukee Brewers minor league affiliate. The team celebrated its inaugural Opening Night on April 14, 2026, marking an exciting new chapter for our community and downtown district.

Wilson has the strongest manufacturing base in our part of the state, including tire manufacturing, pharmaceutical and other industries. The Greenlight citywide broadband services help technology-based companies flourish.

In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a best-in-class benefits package that brings additional value to your total compensation. To learn more about our benefits package, click on the ‘Benefits’ tab above.

The hiring range for this position is $115,303.88 (minimum salary) to $158,790.99 (midpoint of range) dependent upon qualifications.

The purpose of this assignment is to manage all functions of the water resources department. Successful performance helps ensure clean drinking water and a healthy environment for residents and visitors.

The work consists of varied administrative, supervisory, and technical duties. The need to interpret and apply complex regulations contributes to the complexity of the position.

Major Duties

• Oversees the operation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance of wastewater and water treatment facilities, a wastewater collection system, and a water distribution system.
• Reviews work, creates reports, makes long range plans, and inspects new construction.
• Participates with the Lower Neuse Basin Association, the Water Environment Association, the American Waterworks Association, the North Carolina Waterworks Operators Association, and the Eastern Wastewater Network and Operators Association.
• Oversees the construction, maintenance and operation of storm water lines, catchbasins, and the city's drainage system.
• Oversees design, approval, construction, payment, legal issues, and incorporation of all water and wastewater projects performed by outside contractors; seeks grants, state loans, bonds, and other funding methods.
• Prepares and reviews EPA, Corps of Engineers, and NCDENR reports.
• Prepares and oversees budgets for four divisions.
• Manages personnel functions; trains, assigns, directs, supervises, evaluates, and disciplines personnel.
• Attends planning sessions and meetings.
• Directs tours; prepares and makes presentations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Guidelines

• Guidelines include relevant state and federal laws, city codes and ordinances, city and department policies and procedures, EPA, Corps of Engineers and NCDENR guidelines, the Safe Drinking Water Act, Consumer Confidence Reports, OSHA requirements, and other regulatory standards. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.
• This position develops department guidelines.

Supervisory/Management Responsibility

• The position has direct supervision over Administrative Assistant (1), Water Treatment Manager (1), Distribution and Collection Manager (1), and Water Reclamation Plant Manager (1).

Education/Experience Requirements

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a master's degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.
• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the subunits in the division/department in order to direct and coordinate work within the division/department, usually interpreted to require three to five years of related experience.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain an appropriate state-certified license for water or wastewater treatment or distribution as appropriate.

Knowledge Requirements

• Knowledge of city and department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the principles and theories of water, storm water, and wastewater management.
• Knowledge of the construction and operation of wastewater and water treatment facilities, waste water collection systems, storm water collection systems, and water distribution systems.
• Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of accounting and budgetary practices.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques used in the construction cost estimation of public works projects.
• Skill in administering contracts for public works projects.
• Skill in planning, organizing, and prioritizing work.
• Skill in performing mathematical computations.
• Skill in the use of a computer.
• Skill in supervision.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

• The work is typically performed in an office and at field sites where the employee may be exposed to inclement weather, contagious or infectious diseases, or irritating chemicals.
• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, bending, or crouching.
• The employee occasionally lifts light objects and must be able to distinguish between shades of color.