Utilities Capital Project Manager

NCRWA; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 84,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

NCRWA in Durham, NC is seeking an experienced Utilities Capital Project Manager to oversee capital improvement projects across wastewater and water systems. You will develop scopes, budgets, schedules, and CIP justifications while coordinating with operations and regulatory agencies to ensure project success.

The role requires strong leadership, clear technical documentation, and the ability to manage consultants and stakeholder communications through complex projects and timelines.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in civil/environmental/chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental science or related field.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver utility capital projects aligned with asset management plans and regulatory requirements.
• Develop scopes, cost estimates, schedules, and CIP justifications.
• Coordinate with operations and maintenance to ensure constructability and system continuity.
• Manage design consultants for water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Review technical reports, hydraulic models, and construction documents.
• Prepare and administer RFP/RFQ packages in compliance with procurement laws.

Skills

Project management

Budgeting

Coordination

Regulatory compliance

Technical writing

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil/environmental/mechanical/chemical engineering or related science

Tools

Project management systems

Spreadsheets

Data dashboards

Job description

Salary: $84,255.00 - $122,000.00 Annually

Application Deadline: N/A

Construction/Utilities/Contracting

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

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Utilities Capital Project Manager manages all capital improvement projects to enhance resiliency and redundancy across the wastewater treatment plant, wastewater collection system, reclaimed water distribution system, and domestic water distribution system.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Senior Utilities Capital Project Manager.

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.

• Plans and deliver utility capital projects aligned with asset management plans, system master plans, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop project scopes, cost estimates, schedules, and CIP justifications.
• Coordinates with operations, maintenance, and other staff to ensure constructability and system continuity.
• Supports long-range capital planning and rate-supported CIP programs.
• Manages design consultants for water and wastewater utility infrastructure.
• Reviews hydraulic modeling inputs, design calculations, technical reports, and construction documents.
• Ensures compliance with utility standards, specifications, and applicable codes (American Water Works Association (AWWA), Water Environment Federation (WEF)).
• Coordinates design reviews with internal operations, regulatory agencies, and utility stakeholders.
• Oversee permitting related to utility facilities, easements, and rights-of-way.
• Develops and manages detailed project budgets, including construction, inspection, testing, and contingency.
• Tracks expenditures, forecasts project cash flow, and manages risk allowances.
• Reviews consultant and contractor invoices and recommends approval.
• Prepares and administers Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Qualifications (RFQ), bid packages, and contract amendments in compliance with public procurement laws.
• Interprets utility construction contracts, specifications, and change orders.
• Manages claims, disputes, and time extensions while protecting public utility interests.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and permits.
• Communicates project status, risks, and impacts to management and stakeholders.
• Support public and customer communication related to construction activities.
• Maintain project records, schedules, and documentation.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations while tracking project performance metrics and ensure documentation accuracy.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Proficient in using computers and office equipment, including printers, scanners, and telephones.
• Skilled in software applications and digital tools, including project management systems, spreadsheets, email platforms, and data dashboards.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle to conduct field inspections, site visits, and project oversight.
• Knowledge of County ordinances, utility design standards, and engineering design manuals applicable to infrastructure development and permitting.
• Ability to prepare clear, detailed technical review comments, documentation, and reports for internal and external audiences.
• Demonstrates expertise in managing claims, disputes, and time extension requests while safeguarding public utility interests.
• Effective communication skills for coordinating with engineers, developers, contractors, internal County departments, and regulatory agencies.
• Demonstrate advanced judgment in evaluating technical options, costs, schedules, regulatory requirements, operational impacts, and risks to guide early-stage capital project decisions with long-term implications.
• Applies meticulous technical review of construction drawings, pump station calculations, and treatment plant improvements to ensure compliance with State and County standards, preventing costly project errors, regulatory violations, and safety risks to staff and the public.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in civil, environmental, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental science, or directly related science-based degree from an accredited university.
• Three (3) years of direct experience in municipal engineering or public works with a focus on public wastewater and/or water utility projects.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIREMENTS:

• 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:

• Licensed as a North Carolina Professional Engineer (PE).
• Grade II Collections - NC Water Pollution Control System Operator certification
• Grade I Biological Wastewater - NC Water Pollution Control System Operator certification