Director of Water Plant Operations

Director of Water Plant Operations

General Statement of Duties

The Director of Water Plant Operations provides leadership, direction, and technical oversight for the continuous, safe, and compliant operation of Davidson Water’s water treatment facilities. This role is responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance, developing and improving operational procedures, mentoring plant staff, and building an effective organizational structure that supports long-term reliability, safety, and service excellence.

This position is both strategic and hands-on, requiring a servant leader who leads by example, develops people, and continuously improves systems and processes.

Why This Role Matters

The Director of Water Plant Operations plays a critical role in protecting public health and ensuring the long-term reliability of Davidson Water’s drinking water system. This position directly impacts the quality, safety, and consistency of water delivered to the communities we serve every day.

Beyond regulatory compliance and operational performance, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of plant operations at Davidson Water. The Director will help define best practices, improve procedures, and develop an organizational structure that supports employee success, operational resilience, and continuous improvement.

This is a leadership role for a professional who values servant leadership, believes in developing people, and understands that strong systems and clear procedures enable teams to perform at their best.

For the right candidate, this position offers meaningful responsibility, professional growth, and the chance to make a tangible difference in a mission-driven public utility.

Distinguishing Features of the Position

The Director of Water Plant Operations is responsible for the continuous 24-hour operation of the water treatment plant and associated laboratory functions in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.

The Director serves as, or is designated as, the Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) for the water treatment facilities and is accountable for operational compliance, reporting, and regulatory coordination.

The position works closely with executive management on policy development, budgeting, capital planning, staffing, and long-term operational strategy. Performance is evaluated based on regulatory compliance, operational reliability, safety performance, staff development, and continuous improvement outcomes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and Servant Leadership

• Lead water treatment plant operations using servant leadership principles, prioritizing safety, accountability, teamwork, and employee development.
• Establish clear expectations and foster a culture of professionalism, trust, and continuous improvement.
• Coach, mentor, and develop operators and plant staff, including succession planning and certification advancement.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback.

Operations, Compliance, and ORC Responsibilities

• Serve as the Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) in accordance with North Carolina regulatory requirements, or obtain ORC designation as required.
• Ensure continuous compliance with all applicable drinking water regulations and permit conditions.
• Direct daily plant operations, process control, and laboratory activities.
• Oversee compliance sampling programs, in-house and contract laboratory testing, and regulatory reporting, including EMOR, EDMR, CCR and related submittals.
• Coordinate inspections and communications with regulatory agencies and respond to findings as required.
• Provide on-call operational support as necessary.
• Effectively manage required plant shutdowns, handle emergencies and maintain readiness for unexpected events

Procedure Development and Continuous Improvement

• Develop, review, implement, and continuously improve standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety procedures, and emergency response plans.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reliability, safety, and compliance through process optimization and best practices.
• Lead root cause analyses, corrective actions, and operational audits.

Resource, Asset, and Safety Management

• Manage chemical usage, inventory, purchasing, and delivery scheduling.
• Oversee sludge handling, residuals management, and waste disposal activities.
• Ensure proper operation, inspection, and maintenance of plant equipment, vehicles, and facilities.
• Administer plant safety programs and ensure compliance with OSHA and related requirements.

Planning and Coordination

• Support capital planning, infrastructure improvements, and long-range operational planning.
• Develop and manage operational budgets in coordination with executive leadership.
• Coordinate with maintenance, distribution, engineering, and administrative departments.
• Maintain effective working relationships with regulators, contractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret technical data, blueprints, and SCADA systems.
• Knowledge of water chemistry, treatment processes, and environmental regulations.
• Physical ability for fieldwork, including working in varied conditions and heights.

Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited community college or university with a degree in chemistry, environmental science, engineering, or a related field, and extensive experience in water treatment plant operations, including progressively responsible supervisory or leadership experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements

State of North Carolina Water Treatment Level A Certification required.

Must be eligible to serve as Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) under North Carolina regulations.

Wastewater Treatment Grade I or Chemical/Physical Certification preferred

The position is open until filled.

Salary Range:
$103,760 – $156,977 (Exempt)

The salary range reflects the full pay progression for this position. Initial salary placement will be based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, certifications, and experience and is not expected to be at the top of the range. Advancement within the range occurs over time based on performance and organizational guidelines.

Davidson Water, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.