WATERSHED MANAGER

City of Gastonia; Gastonia (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Gastonia seeks a Stormwater Program Manager to oversee the stormwater utility, ensure compliance with MS4/NPDES permits, and drive long-term planning across designated watersheds.

Responsibilities include inspecting infrastructure, coordinating with regulators, conducting public outreach, and supervising staff while managing budgets and program policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, geography, biology, geology, or related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in watershed or hydrological management.
• Experience with GIS, GPS, and mapping activities.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements goals, objectives, policies for the stormwater program.
• Maintains and implements the six EPA minimum measures within the watershed.
• Oversees MS4 permit compliance, inspections, and regulatory liaison activities.
• Coordinates with consultants/contractors on stormwater projects and reports.
• Supervises administrative staff and manages program budgets.

Skills

GIS

GPS

Mapping

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental science, geography, biology, geology, or related field

Tools

GIS

GPS

Mapping software

Job description

Oversees the city's stormwater utility program and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements within designated watersheds. Responsible for planning, developing, coordinating, and implementing various programs and services related to stormwater management. This includes managing the technical aspects of the stormwater utility program, such as inspecting stormwater infrastructure and implementing requirements set by the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II for the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit. In addition to technical duties, this role also handles customer concerns related to stormwater issues within the designated watersheds. Interacts with the general public through meetings and site visits, conducting public outreach and education on stormwater regulations and Best Management Practices within the watershed. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Stormwater Utility Administrator. Supervision is exercised over assigned administrative employees.

• Administrative/Policy: Develops and implements goals, objectives, policies and priorities for the City's stormwater program, including development and implementation of a long term plan within watershed; Recommends and administers policies and procedures of the program within watershed; Attends local, state and other meetings concerning stormwater related issues; Presents stormwater related information to staff, management and City Council; Prepares and presents City Council agenda reports and various other committee and staff reports, memos, resolutions and correspondence regarding assigned activities within watershed; Recommends and implements policy and procedural changes after approval; Develops and updates stormwater policies as required; Ensures compliance with all state and federal regulations and permits within watershed. Develop and administer operating budget, goals and standards the designated watershed. 30%
• Maintains and Implements the EPA’s six minimum measures within watershed: NPDES MS4 permit requires the City of Gastonia Stormwater department to maintain and implement the following six minimum measures: 1. Education and Outreach 2. Public Participation and involvement 3. Illicit Discharge, Detection and Elimination 4. Construction Site Runoff 5. Post-Construction 6. Good-Housekeeping and Pollution Prevention of Municipal facilities. 30%
• Stormwater Permit Requirements: Conducts Semi-Annual Stormwater Inspections for City facilities outside of the MS4 General Permit; Trains municipal personnel staff on Stormwater regulations, permit requirements and general Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping practices; Acts as a liaison with regulatory agencies; Participates in facility stormwater inspections with NCDENR, USEPA, and/or other controlling regulatory agencies within watershed; Conducts Post Construction Stormwater BMP Inspections for Phase II water quality structures per the NPDES permit requirements within watershed; Monitors changes in regulations, legislation and requirements that may affect MS4 operations; Inspects stormwater ponds annually to ensure compliance and keep database updated accordingly within watersheds; Regularly reviews and update stormwater management and pollution prevention plans; Provides assistance in preparing reports for all City owned facility stormwater inspections. 30%
• Miscellaneous: Coordinates with consultants, contractors, etc. to design and construct stormwater projects within watershed; Prepares and maintains technical reports, documents and records within watershed; Performs a variety of other duties as directed by the Stormwater Utility Administrator; Ensures that all stormwater-related work is performed in accordance with OSHA and City Safety Standards and Policies; Performs other tasks as required. 10%

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in environmental science, geography, biology, geology, or engineering, natural resource management or related fields with related coursework is preferred, and minimal experience working with GIS, GPS, and mapping, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in watershed or hydrological management.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

The City of Gastonia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodation for qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

STANDARD CLAUSES

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of the City.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures, and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.

The City of Gastonia is an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a professional, respectful, and supportive workplace. We welcome qualified applicants who are interested in serving our community. Final candidates may be required to participate in reference checks, and any offer of employment will be contingent upon completion and satisfactory review of criminal background check and drug screening, consistent with City policy and applicable law.