Surface Water Quality Program Manager (Project Implementation)

City of Charlotte; United States; On-site; USD 99,000 - 142,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Drug-free workplace

Job summary

The City of Charlotte is seeking a Senior Manager in the Storm Water Services Department to oversee surface water quality project implementation, monitoring, modeling, restoration, and permitting. You will manage a team of about 15 professionals, coordinate with Mecklenburg County and other agencies, and supervise budgets across operating, capital, grants, and mitigation funds.

This role requires advanced technical knowledge and strong leadership to deliver on watershed protection goals while

Qualifications

• High level of technical competence in surface water resource engineering and science.
• Ability to provide effective oversight and support for staff while ensuring an inclusive work environment.
• Ability to evaluate watershed needs, budgets, and community impacts.
• Strong communication of technical information to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Manage ~15 scientists, engineers, and staff on surface water quality planning and project implementation.
• Oversee watershed monitoring, modeling, and planning to evaluate conditions and prioritize projects.
• Lead stream and wetland restoration projects and retrofits for stormwater control measures.
• Coordinate with partners to implement watershed improvement projects and budgets.
• Develop and apply best practices for community engagement in partnership with Communications.
• Represent Storm Water Services in committees and public meetings.

Skills

Surface water engineering

Watershed planning

Budgeting & oversight

Staff leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree & 5+ yrs experience

Master’s degree & 3+ yrs experience

Job description

Department: Storm Water Services Department Salary: $98,731.00 - $141,926.09

Welcome to the City of Charlotte Charlotte is America’s Queen City, opening her arms to a diverse and inclusive community of residents, businesses and visitors alike. Here you will find a safe, family-oriented city where people work together to help everyone thrive. The mission of the City of Charlotte is to deliver quality public services and promote the safety, health, and quality of life for all residents. Our guiding principles include: Attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce Valuing teamwork, openness, accountability, productivity, and employee development Providing all customers with courteous, responsive, accessible, and seamless quality services Taking initiative to identify, analyze, and solve problems Collaborating with stakeholders to make informed decisions

SUMMARY

This position is based in Storm Water Services and will manage surface water quality project implementation activities that support watershed protection, restoration, and improvement goals. The position will oversee watershed monitoring, modeling, and planning; stream and wetland restoration projects; stormwater control measure retrofits; watershed improvement projects; stream and wetland permitting; mitigation bank activities; and related capital, grant, and partnership projects. This position will manage approximately 15 scientists, engineers, and other staff and requires a high level of technical, project management, leadership, budgeting, community engagement, collaborative, and interpersonal skills. The salary for this position is $98,731.00 - $123,414.00 commensurate with experience

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage approximately 15 scientists, engineers, and other staff responsible for surface water quality planning and project implementation.
• Oversee watershed monitoring, modeling, and planning used to evaluate watershed conditions, identify surface water quality needs, prioritize projects, and measure project outcomes.
• Manage stream and wetland restoration projects, stormwater control measure retrofits, watershed improvement projects, and other surface water quality capital or programmatic projects.
• Ensure monitoring and planning efforts are coordinated with project development, implementation, performance tracking, and long‑term watershed improvement goals.
• Ensure projects are strategically planned, developed, implemented, monitored, and maintained to meet city goals, schedules, budgets, and performance expectations.
• Oversee the city's stream and wetland mitigation bank.
• Oversee stream and wetland disturbance permitting for Storm Water Services projects.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to implement watershed improvement projects, including Storm Water Services, Mecklenburg County, and other agencies or departments.
• Provide management and oversight of assigned budgets, including operating, capital, grant, and mitigation fund budgets.
• Work with the Storm Water Services Budget Manager to manage funding and cash flows for assigned programs and projects.
• Develop and apply best practices for community engagement on projects in partnership with the Communications team.
• Coordinate with regulatory, engineering, construction, maintenance, and community partners to move projects from planning through implementation and monitoring.
• Serve in a leadership role in developing project delivery processes, procedures, guidelines, and performance measures.
• Ensure assigned programs and projects work collaboratively with other city departments and divisions.
• Conduct resource planning to ensure appropriate staffing levels and support organizational adjustments where needed.
• Represent Storm Water Services in presentations to the Storm Water Advisory Committee, professional organizations, internal meetings, community meetings, and other groups.
• Support professional growth and development of assigned staff.
• Promote an inclusive environment for staff and residents.
• Approach change in a positive manner, speak positively regarding change to others, and set a strong example for staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• High level of technical competence in surface water resource engineering and science, watershed planning, water quality improvement, stream and wetland restoration, stormwater control measures, and project implementation.
• Ability to provide effective oversight and support for staff while ensuring an inclusive work environment.
• Ability to evaluate watershed needs, competing priorities, technical constraints, budget limitations, and community impacts.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly to technical and non-technical audiences, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to manage operating, capital, grant, and mitigation-related budgets.
• Strong leadership and communication skills to develop and support employees.
• Ability to drive results with attention to schedules, budgets, key metrics, reporting, and performance accountability.
• Ability to lead process development and project delivery improvements.
• Demonstrated self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and resiliency.
• Ability to manage difficult situations and conflict effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city executives, City Council, public officials, business and community leaders, city staff, partner agencies, consultants, contractors, and the public.
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and ability to learn other systems as needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and experience in stormwater management, watershed planning, water resource science and engineering principles, surface water quality improvement, restoration, and capital project implementation.
• Supervisory experience.
• Experience with project delivery, program development, budget management, consultant coordination, or process improvement.
• Professional licensure or certification related to engineering, environmental science, water resources, stormwater management, natural resources, or a closely related

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and five (5) years of directly related work experience
• Master’s degree and three (3) years of directly related work experience

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check. Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports. Final candidates must pass a pre‑employment drug‑screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

EEO STATEMENT

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress, appearance, or behavior. Our culture is to serve the community honorably.

BENEEFITS

• The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees.
• The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol‑free workplace.
• Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.

OUR CITY, OUR MISSION

The City of Charlotte has more than 8,000 employees working across 19 departments to serve close to 1 million residents. From public safety and clean water to transportation, housing and an international airport, our teams deliver essential services to keep Charlotte connected, safe and empowered with opportunity for all. As public servants, we are guided by a clear mission: to be committed to exceptional service every day. No matter the department or role, every team member plays a part in helping our city grow, thrive and meet the needs of those who rely on us. We are a values‑driven organization, working collaboratively, acting with integrity and delivering reliable results. We embrace a forward‑thinking mindset, encouraging curiosity, innovation and continuous improvement.

ACCESSIBILITY

The City of Charlotte is committed to making our services and programs accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternate formats, language access, and other reasonable accommodations or modifications will be provided. To make a request, please fill out the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or call 704.336.4120.