Senior Utilities Capital Project Manager

NCRWA; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 93,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

NCRWA in Durham, NC is seeking a Senior Utilities Capital Project Manager to direct capital improvement projects across wastewater, water, and reclaimed water systems, ensuring resilience and regulatory compliance. The role involves setting delivery methods, budgets, performance metrics, and coordinating CIP planning with operations, finance, and leadership.

A NC PE license, a BS in Civil/Environmental/Chemical Engineering, and 5+ years of municipal/utility project experience are required; a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Environmental, or Chemical Engineering and 5+ years in municipal engineering, public works, or utility projects.
• Licensed North Carolina Professional Engineer (PE).
• Must possess a valid NC driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Experience directing capital improvement projects across utility systems.

Responsibilities

• Directs and manages capital improvement projects across wastewater, water, and reclaimed water systems.
• Establishes project delivery methods, goals, performance metrics, and implementation plans.
• Coordinates CIP planning with utility operations, finance, and leadership.
• Oversee CIP budgets, funding sources, and financial forecasting.
• Reviews cost estimates, bid packages, and change orders; manages consultant and contractor performance.
• Ensure compliance with permits, contract requirements, and regulatory standards; manage risk and reporting.

Skills

Capital project management

Regulatory compliance

Budgeting

Risk management

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Job description

Senior Utilities Capital Project Manager

Salary: $92,892.00 - $138,000.00 Annually

Application Deadline: N/A

**This position qualifies for a $6,000.00 sign on bonus upon successful completion of the probationary period.**

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of this position is to direct and manage capital improvement utility projects, ensuring system resiliency, regulatory compliance, and long-term infrastructure capacity across wastewater, water, and reclaimed water systems.

This class works independently under regular supervision, consulting with the Assistant Deputy Director on non-routine, high-risk, or precedent-setting matters.

The Triangle Wastewater Treatment Plant (TWWTP) is rated for an average daily flow of 12 million gallons per day and is specifically designed to meet future nutrient load requirements for the Jordan Lake nutrient management strategy. TWWTP serves the southeast portion of Durham County inside and outside the Durham City limits and serves the Research Triangle Park within Durham County. The collection and treatment of domestic sewage and wastewater is vital to public health and clean water.It is among the most important factors responsible for the general level of good health enjoyed in the United States.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Directs and manages capital improvement utility projects across wastewater, water, and reclaimed water systems.
• Establish project delivery methods, program goals, performance metrics, and implementation plans.
• Coordinates CIP planning with utility operations, finance and executive leadership.
• Oversee CIP budgets, funding sources and financial forecasting for the program.
• Reviews cost estimates, bid packages, and change orders for program-level impacts. Manage and oversee consultant and contractor performance across multiple projects.
• Ensure quality control, compliance with contract requirements, and timely delivery of work products.
• Provides directions to project managers, engineers and staff on contract administration and project execution.
• Ensure CIP projects meet regulatory requirements, permits, and utility standards. Manage risk identification and mitigation strategies across the program.
• Communicate CIP status, risks, and recommendations to executive leadership, governing bodies and the public.
• Develop and maintain program controls, reporting systems, and documentation standards. Analyze program performance metrics and implement process improvements.
• Manage, mentor, and evaluate project managers, engineers, and support staff while assigning daily workloads.
• Provide the tools, professional development, and strategic guidance necessary for the team to execute projects efficiently.
• Review and approve project scope, schedules, budgets, and delivery plans. Lead resolution of complex technical, contractual, or regulatory issues and ensure project alignment with strategic objectives.
• Develops and manages detailed project budgets, including construction, inspection, testing, and contingency. Tracks expenditures, forecasts project cash flow and manage risk allowances.
• Evaluate consultant and contractor invoices for accuracy, contract compliance, and budgetary alignment prior to payment approval.
• Draft, issue, and manage RFPs, RFQs, bid packages, and contract amendments while ensuring full compliance with public procurement laws.
• Interprets utility construction contracts, specifications, and change orders.
• Coordinates on-call mechanics and contractors to troubleshoot, dispatch, and resolve critical customer service issues promptly and continuity of operations.
• Manages project managers, engineers, and technical staff assigned to the CIP program by delegating workloads, conducting performance evaluations, and providing ongoing mentorship to achieve project objectives.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Comprehensive knowledge of wastewater, reclaimed water, and potable water utility systems, including infrastructure design, construction practices, and system components.
• Strong ability to read, interpret, and evaluate engineering drawings, technical plans, specifications, and as-built documents.
• Ability to verify complex engineering calculations, including pump performance, flow capacity, hydraulic modeling outputs, and pressure/grade evaluations.
• Thorough understanding of state and federal regulations governing wastewater and water systems, including NCDEQ rules, State 2T requirements, minimum design criteria, and applicable environmental statutes.
• Knowledge of County ordinances, utility design standards, engineering design manuals, and permitting requirements relevant to system development.
• Skill in applying sound engineering principles to assess system capacity, evaluate infrastructure impacts, and ensure technical feasibility and constructability.
• Ability to prepare clear, detailed, and defensible technical review comments, reports, and documentation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities for addressing complex development constraints, system limitations, and regulatory compliance issues.
• Effective communication skills for coordinating with engineers, developers, contractors, internal departments, and regulatory agencies.
• Ability to make informed, independent decisions on technical matters while recognizing when issues require supervisory consultation.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in civil, Environmental, or Chemical Engineering and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in municipal engineering, public works, or utility infrastructure projects.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIREMENTS:

• Licensed as a North Carolina Professional Engineer (PE).
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina and an acceptable driving record.

PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• Grade III Collections - NC Water Pollution Control System Operator certification
• Grade II Biological Wastewater NC Water Pollution Control System Operator certification