Posted: Dec 11, 2025
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Utility Supervisor

Durham County - Durham, NC
Full-time
Salary: $74,196.00 - $110,000.00 Annually
Application Deadline: Jan 4, 2026
Natural Resources/Environmental

**THIS POSITION QUALIFIES FOR A $6,000 SIGN ON BONUS AFTER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE PROBATIONARY PERIOD*

2 Positions Available

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Triangle Wastewater Treatment Plant (TWWTP) is rated for an average daily flow of 12 million gallons per day (MGD) and is specifically designed to meet future nutrient load requirements for the Jordan Lake Nutrient Strategy. The 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 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.

The Utilities Division has two Utility Supervisor positions available. This particular opening performs responsible professional work planning and supervising maintenance of the TWWTP, associated reuse water system, collection system, and potable water system. The Utility Supervisor over Maintenance also serves as the Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) of the TWWTP's associated Collection System.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.

  • Coordinates, assigns and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects complete work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.

  • Recommends and assists in the implementation of wastewater treatment plant goals and objectives.

  • Assess, develops and/or update and implement processes, policies and procedures.

  • Supervises plant operations and/or collection system; assures proper adjustment of processes; coordinates sampling operations to assure proper balance of treatment steps and meeting effluent requirements.

  • Ensures compliance with applicable rules, regulations, contracts, processes, policies, procedures, codes and licenses.

  • Develops and establish an excellent customer service culture for internal and external customers while supporting and advocating for employees and the division.

  • Ensures detailed operational and safety procedures are followed and comply with regulatory agencies/standards and holds employees accountable to all safety measures.

  • Develops innovative solutions to meet time-sensitive workload demands with staffing challenges in a strong economy.

  • Develops and maintains budgets, monitors and controls expenditures.

  • Evaluates and manages current projects and determines future project needs.

  • Builds a cohesive culture within the division that promotes employee accountability and engagement and establishes a standard of excellence.

  • Invests significant time in learning the staff, and team culture of the Utilities Division while learning the operations of TWWTP and its biological nutrient removal (BRN) process.

  • Prepares emergency action and contingency plans; responds to emergency situations at the plant and/or collection system.

  • This position must respond to urgent matters 24/7 and rotate with other Managers/Supervisors for after-hours on-call duty.

  • Serves as the Operator in Responsible Charge of the TWWTP or Collection System.

  • Performs related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

  • Considerable knowledge of theory, principles, practices, chemistry, and biology, and techniques of wastewater utilities, including the operation and maintenance of the equipment used in wastewater treatment.

  • Considerable knowledge of all applicable codes and methods of installation, operation, construction, maintenance and repair of applicable equipment and tools.

  • Working knowledge of the design of wastewater treatment systems.

  • Knowledge of basic education and training methods.

  • Experienced in applying applicable regulations and codes to enhance work unit processes and procedures.

  • Familiar with the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and can learn and use technological systems that collect data and control systems for treatment plants.

  • Must be able to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with employees, department staff, contractors, vendors, and other stakeholders.

  • Active listener who seeks input from relevant parties, realistically assesses plans, and consistently communicates.

  • Able to identify (and may resolve or make recommendations for) non-standard/more complex problems with devices and systems through inspection and maintenance or after system/equipment installation/failure.

  • Ability to effectively and efficiently communicate technical information clearly and concisely to internal and external customers.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

  • Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, civil engineering, environmental science or a related field and six months of experience in municipal wastewater treatment.

  • Six (6) months of experience in municipal or industrial wastewater treatment.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must possess Grade IV North Carolina Biological Wastewater Treatment certification and/or a Grade III North Carolina Collection System certification.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated with an acceptable three-year driving history.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • More than five years of progressive wastewater treatment supervisory experience is preferred.

  • Four – five years of Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) system experience.

  • Experience at a Grade IV municipal facility with a capacity of 10+ MGD.

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