Public Utilities Director
Public Utilities Department
Salray Range: $78,281.22 - $129,163.84
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:  Performs complex professional and difficult administrative work directing the operation and maintenance of the City's water and wastewater treatment facilities, water distribution and wastewater collection systems, associated lift station maintenance, laboratories, pretreatment permitting programs and biosolids land application activities; does related work as required.

Work is performed under general supervision.  Supervision is exercised over all department personnel.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Plans, organizes, directs, oversees and coordinates, reviews and administers the operations and activities involving water and sewer treatment, distribution and collection system maintenance, biosolids disposal and the Industrial Pretreatment Program;
• Oversees and directs plant expansion and upgrading projects;
• Performs engineering design work related to treatment, distribution, collection, etc., related to any activity associated with the Public Utilities Department;
• Assist in the preparation of design drawings and specifications for bidding of construction projects; prepares and/or reviews engineering cost estimates and materials lists for construction projects;
• Assists in the development of annual work programs for the repair, maintenance and construction of water and sewer infrastructure;
• Administers, directs and issues industrial discharge permits as well as fines and penalties associated with such;
• Implements department goals and objectives including those assigned by the Executive Director of Public Works;
• Works with technical and professional firms performing work for the department;
• Selects, trains, promotes, counsels and disciplines department personnel; evaluates work performance of employees;
• Handles correspondence; prepares a wide variety of technical reports on department activities as required by various regulatory agencies;
• Responds to emergencies and directs staff at scene;
• Receives citizen inquiries or complaints and advises or takes necessary action to resolve problems;
• Reviews plant operation and maintenance reports and assigns priorities;
• Adjust operational procedures to obtain greater treatment efficiency;
• Recommends operational changes to the Executive Director of Public Works;
• Meets with groups of City, State, and/or Federal officials on matters which presently involve or may involve Public Utilities programs;
• Establishes criteria for design and construction of public utilities projects, evaluates existing or proposed standards and recommends revisions where needed;
• Obtains and ensures compliance with NPDES permits, sludge landfill permits, laboratory certification and sludge disposal programs;
• Prepares department operating and capital budgets; monitors expenditures; Develops, prepares, justifies, presents and supervises departmental budgets, capital improvements and long-range financial planning;
• Oversees security and maintains a closed hazardous waste facility under the Resources Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and assures financial surety as required by law;
• Keeps abreast and updated on the latest OSHA regulations dealing with water and sewer treatment and the handling of chemicals and work conditions associated with such treatment processes and facilities;
• Acts as primary representative for the city as a member of the Catawba Wateree Management Group (CWMG) and the Drought Management Group (DMAG) as required to withdraw water from the Catawba River. Advises the Executive Director of Public Works as to policies and regulations developed within the CWMG and DMAG.
• Coordinates projects with work of other City departments, private and public agencies;
• Performs related tasks as required.

JOB RELATED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS:  This position involves light work requiring the employee to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and less force frequently to move objects.  Physical activity related to this position may include climbing, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.  Sufficient visual acuity is required to visually inspect small parts involved in the operation of machines and determine if small defects are present, prepare and analyze data and figures, use a computer terminal, and do extensive reading.  An employee in this position will be exposed to indoor and outdoor environmental conditions including extreme heat and cold; subject to fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, or poor ventilation; and may be subject to wearing a respirator.  An employee in this position could be "reasonably anticipated" as a result of performing their job duties to face contact with blood and other potentially infectious materials.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:  Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of treatment plant operation and public utilities activities; ability to understand and interpret design drawings, construction specifications and contracted documents; ability to plan, layout, direct and supervise public utilities activities/subordinates; comprehensive knowledge of public utility administration, planning and budget control; ability to formulate operational policies and procedures; ability to prepare complex technical reports; ability to plan and supervise the work of a large staff; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, other public officials, employees, contractors and the general public.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:  Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil or environmental engineering or related field; extensive experience in the operation of a water and/or wastewater treatment system and water distribution and wastewater collection systems, including considerable supervisory experience; considerable experience in design and/or construction of public utility projects; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:  Possession of a license to practice as a registered professional engineer in the State of North Carolina or Engineer-in-Training with ability to acquire the P.E. within 18 months; Possession of Grade A Surface Water certificate and Grade IV Wastewater certificate as issued by the State of North Carolina preferred; Managerial training and experience in coordination of large public utility projects; Possession of a valid N.C. driver's license.

This position is “exempt” and is not eligible for overtime pay.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER