Planning and Development Manager

National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA); Carrboro (NC); On-site; USD 107,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NC Local Government Retirement System

Health, Dental, Vision, Life insurance

Long-term Disability

12 Paid Holidays

Vacation, Sick, Personal, Bereavement,

Parental Leave

Monthly Cell Phone Stipend

Educational Reimbursement

Bonus for Certifications/Education

Job summary

OWASA is seeking a Planning and Development Manager to join our Engineering team. This role conducts special projects and long-range planning, ensuring efficient administration of resources with emphasis on water supply and projections of future demand.

It oversees land management efforts and Presents annual reports. Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in engineering or environmental science and at least six years of public water/wastewater planning experience, with strong communication

Qualifications

• Requires bachelor’s degree in engineering or environmental science and at least six years’ experience in public water/wastewater long-term planning.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication; ability to manage projects and collaborate with diverse teams.
• Service-oriented attitude and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Analyze service area development and water use trends; maintain long-term demand projections.
• Lead and implement OWASA’s Long-Range Water Supply Plan and related updates.
• Coordinate land management efforts, real estate acquisitions, and easement inspections.
• Develop and present annual Operating Trends Report and support climate adaptation initiatives.
• Serve as liaison during emergencies and coordinate with regional partners.

Skills

Communication skills

Project management

Data analysis

Stakeholder coordination

Public water/wastewater planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or environmental science

Tools

Water planning software

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. Visit www.owasa.org to apply for this excellent opportunity. This recruitment will close August 30, 2026.