Planning and Development Manager

Orange Water and Sewer Authority; Carrboro (NC); On-site; USD 107,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Educational reimbursement

Cell phone stipend

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Leave types (vacation, sick, personal)

Job summary

Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA) is seeking a Planning and Development Manager to join the Engineering team. This role conducts special projects and long-range planning to optimize OWASA resources, focusing on water supply and projections for future demand.

The position manages and analyzes data, supports land management efforts, and leads climate adaptation planning, with strong emphasis on collaboration with regional partners and researchers.

Qualifications

• Requires bachelor’s degree in engineering or environmental science with a minimum of six years’ experience in engineering practices and/or long-range planning for a public water and wastewater system.
• Candidate should be self-motivated with excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills and proven ability to manage projects.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes service area development and water use trends and maintains long-term demand projections.
• Manages and implements OWASA’s Long-Range Water Supply Plan.
• Submits updates for OWASA’s Local Water Supply Plan and Water Shortage Response Plan.
• Develops and presents OWASA’s annual Operating Trends Report.
• Oversees water supply and watershed protection studies and models.
• Supports long-range planning for wastewater collection, water treatment, wastewater treatment, reclaimed water and biosolids management.
• Leads land management efforts including real estate and easements, and forest stewardship initiatives.
• Drives Climate Adaptation Plan development and implementation.

Skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or environmental science

Job description

OWASA is seeking a Planning and Development Manager to join our Engineering team. This position conducts special projects and long-range planning to ensure efficient administration of OWASA resources with particular emphasis on water supply, develops projections of future water and wastewater demand, and oversees and facilitates certain land management efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyzes service area development and water use trends by compiling data and maintains projections of long-term future demand requirements.
• Manages and implements OWASA’s Long-Range Water Supply Plan.
• Manages the annual updates and submittal of OWASA’s Local Water Supply Plan.
• Manages the updates, related analysis, and periodic submittal of OWASA’s Water Shortage Response Plan.
• Manages the development and presentation of OWASA’s annual Operating Trends Report.
• Manages and oversees water supply and watershed protection studies and models.
• Manages and/or supports long-range planning activities for and analysis of wastewater collection system, water treatment, wastewater treatment, reclaimed water and biosolids management.
• Oversees or facilitates certain land management efforts, including acquisition of real estate and easements, inspection/enforcement of conservation easements, and certain forest stewardship initiatives.
• Leads the strategic direction, development and implementation of the Climate Adaptation Plan and related activities.
• Serves as Liaison Officer during Emergencies.
• Coordinates planning efforts with regional partners through Western Intake Partnership, Triangle Water Supply Partnership, and other regional/state efforts. Meets and corresponds with researchers from universities.

Qualifications

• Requires bachelor’s degree in an engineering or environmental science and a minimum of six years’ experience working with engineering practices and/or long-range planning for a public water and wastewater system.
• Candidates should be self-motivated and have excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with a proven ability to effectively manage projects.
• Service-oriented attitude, professionalism, and a passion to foster a diverse and inclusive work environment are necessary.

Pay and Benefits

• Salary Range: $106,958 - $160,436
• Membership in the NC Local Government Employee Retirement System
• 5% Employer 457 plan contribution
• Retirement health savings account
• Employer paid Health, Dental, Vision, Life insurance, Long-term Disability
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Vacation, Sick, Personal, Bereavement, and Parental Leave
• Monthly Cell Phone Stipend
• Educational Reimbursement
• Bonus Pay for Additional Certifications and/or Education
• Ability to transfer unused sick leave from previous NC Local Government or State agency employer
• Much, much more!

We provide competitive pay and benefits in a safe, rewarding work environment. This recruitment will close August 30, 2026.