Utilities & Engineering Director

Catawba County Government; Newton (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Catawba County Government seeks a senior Utilities & Engineering Director to oversee water and sewer, solid waste, building services, and engineering operations. This role blends strategic planning with day-to-day management to sustain and expand critical infrastructure.

You will lead a team of five, coordinate with municipalities and state agencies, manage capital programs, and shape long-range financial and operational plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in public works leadership.
• Minimum 5 years directing solid waste, water and wastewater, and building compliance.
• Experience with budgets, grants, and long-range planning.

Responsibilities

• Direct Solid Waste operations including landfill management and compliance.
• Oversee water/wastewater distribution, treatment, and infrastructure.
• Develop and maintain multi-year capital plans with municipalities.
• Manage Engineering and Building Services operations and permitting.
• Collaborate with state/federal agencies and local partners.
• Supervise five direct reports and personnel matters.

Skills

Leadership

Public works

Strategic planning

Budgeting

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Mechanical, Environmental Engineering; or related field

5+ years in senior utility/engineering leadership

Job description

Catawba County is seeking a Utilities & Engineering Director to lead water and sewer, solid waste, building services, and engineering operations. This is a senior leadership role for a professional who can balance day-to-day operational oversight with long-range infrastructure and financial planning in a growing county. The position is vacant due to the retirement of our current Director.

The Director reports to the Assistant County Manager and serves as a strategic advisor to the County Manager and Board of Commissioners on solid waste, utilities, building code compliance, engineering, and infrastructure matters. This position works closely with municipal partners, the Economic Development Corporation, Planning Department, developers, contractors, and state and federal agencies to maintain, protect, and expand County services and infrastructure.

The new Director will immediately be involved in ongoing and upcoming projects, including continued development of the southeastern Catawba County Water & Sewer District, landfill construction and expansion, and management of the County’s franchise agreement for solid waste collection and disposal.

For more information: https://www.catawbacountync.gov/site/assets/files/2591/job_listing_u-e_director_2026_vf.pdf

Open until filled. First review of applicants will be on November 23, 2026.

• Direct Solid Waste operations, including landfill operations, leachate and gas control, air quality, and groundwater remediation.
• Manage resource recovery and Franchise Agreement.
• Oversee Building Services operations, including plan review, permitting, and building code compliance.
• Supervise water distribution and wastewater collection operations, wastewater treatment plant, including SECC utility development and management.
• Develop and maintain a multi-year water and sewer capital plan, coordinating with municipalities and recommending project priorities.
• Manage Engineering operations, including zoning code enforcement, erosion and sediment control, stormwater, and roadway improvement programs.
• Manage water, sewer, and landfill construction projects from consultant selection and bidding through field inspection and completion.
• Develop long-range financial and operational plans for department infrastructure; identify cost savings and funding options and pursue grants.
• Work collaboratively with Planning to advise the County Manager and Board of Commissioners, assist the Economic Development Corporation with industry expansion projects, and as appropriate, development related matters.
• Supervise five direct reports with full responsibility for all personnel matters

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Environmental Engineering; Public or Business Administration; or Construction Management and a minimum of 5 years of experience managing solid waste, water and wastewater, and/or building compliance services as a director, assistant director, or major division leader; OR
• Any combination of education, training, and experience administering comparable functions that demonstrates the skills required to perform the position’s duties

• Thorough knowledge of civil and environmental engineering principles and practices as applied to development and construction of public works projects
• Working knowledge of water distribution, wastewater collection, and water treatment facilities, including applicable State and Federal laws and regulations
• Working knowledge of solid waste landfills, water and sewer treatment and distribution, stormwater management, and building code compliance
• Working knowledge of federal EPA and North Carolina laws and regulations governing solid waste, environmental conservation, water and sewer, composting, household hazardous waste, and stormwater
• Experience with outcome-based budgeting, enterprise fund management, and project scheduling
• Strong public communication skills and the ability to work effectively with elected officials, municipal managers, contractors, developers, and residents
• Ability to establish strategic future direction while managing day to day projects and priorities in a way that promotes operational excellence
• Valid NC Driver’s License with a safe driving record (Driving is an essential function of this position).

Preferences:

• North Carolina Professional Engineer (PE) license