Planning and Development Manager

OWASA is seeking a Planning and Development Manager to join our Engineering team. This position conducts special projects and long-range planning to ensure efficient administration of OWASA resources with particular emphasis on water supply, develops projections of future water and wastewater demand, and oversees and facilitates certain land management efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyzes service area development and water use trends by compiling data and maintains projections of long-term future demand requirements.
• Manages and implements OWASA’s Long-Range Water Supply Plan.
• Manages the annual updates and submittal of OWASA’s Local Water Supply Plan.
• Manages the updates, related analysis, and periodic submittal of OWASA’s Water Shortage Response Plan.
• Manages the development and presentation of OWASA’s annual Operating Trends Report.
• Manages and oversees water supply and watershed protection studies and models.
• Manages and/or supports long-range planning activities for and analysis of wastewater collection system, water treatment, wastewater treatment, reclaimed water and biosolids management.
• Oversees or facilitates certain land management efforts, including acquisition of real estate and easements, inspection/enforcement of conservation easements, and certain forest stewardship initiatives.
• Leads the strategic direction, development and implementation of the Climate Adaptation Plan and related activities.
• Serves as Liaison Officer during Emergencies.
• Coordinates planning efforts with regional partners through Western Intake Partnership, Triangle Water Supply Partnership, and other regional/state efforts. Meets and corresponds with researchers from universities.

Qualifications

• Requires bachelor’s degree in an engineering or environmental science and a minimum of six years’ experience working with engineering practices and/or long-range planning for a public water and wastewater system.
• Candidates should be self-motivated and have excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with a proven ability to effectively manage projects.
• Service-oriented attitude, professionalism, and a passion to foster a diverse and inclusive work environment are necessary.

Pay and Benefits

• Salary Range: $106,958 - $160,436
• Membership in the NC Local Government Employee Retirement System
• 5% Employer 457 plan contribution   
• Retirement health savings account  
• Employer paid Health, Dental, Vision, Life insurance, Long-term Disability   
• 12 Paid Holidays  
• Vacation, Sick, Personal, Bereavement, and Parental Leave  
• Monthly Cell Phone Stipend  
• Educational Reimbursement  
• Bonus Pay for Additional Certifications and/or Education    
• Ability to transfer unused sick leave from previous NC Local Government or State agency employer   
• Much, much more!  

We provide competitive pay and benefits in a safe, rewarding work environment. Visit www.owasa.org to apply for this excellent opportunity. This recruitment will close August 30, 2026.