Executive Deputy Director — Utilities & Engineering

Durham County Government; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Durham County Government seeks an experienced executive to lead its Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) and engineering and environmental services teams. The role provides executive-level guidance to County leadership, managers, and regulators, directing operation, maintenance, budgeting, and long-range utility planning for water, wastewater, and reclaimed water systems.

The position requires a PE license in NC, extensive supervisory experience, and a proven ability to align utility goals with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or closely related field.
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible utility engineering, public works, or utility management experience.
• At least three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible supervisory or management experience.
• Current registration as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the State of North Carolina.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operation and maintenance of water, wastewater, and distribution systems.
• Provide executive-level technical and strategic guidance to County Administration and Board of County Commissioners.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and long-range utility planning.
• Develop budgets, forecast funding, and authorize expenditures within delegated authority.
• Lead CIP planning and coordination with engineers, inspectors, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Prepare technical reports and present to BOCC and stakeholders.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Budgeting

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil or environmental engineering

Tools

Engineering software (AutoCAD, Civil 3D)

Job description

Durham County Government seeks an experienced executive to lead its Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) and engineering and environmental services teams. The role provides executive-level guidance to County leadership, managers, and regulators, directing operation, maintenance, budgeting, and long-range utility planning for water, wastewater, and reclaimed water systems.

The position requires a PE license in NC, extensive supervisory experience, and a proven ability to align utility goals with