Utility System Development Manager

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This position manages the review and approval of developer infrastructure projects to ensure new water and/or wastewater systems are designed and constructed in accordance with County standards. Work is performed under the supervision of the Senior Utility System Development Manager.

The TWWTP is rated for an average daily flow of 12 million gallons per day and is specifically designed to meet future nutrient load requirements for the Jordan Lake nutrient management 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 sewage and 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. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.  

• Reviews developer submitted water, reclaimed water, and wastewater plans for technical accuracy, including evaluating profiles, details, pipe sizing, slopes, materials, hydraulic calculations, utility crossings, and potential conflicts.
  
  
• Assess plans and specifications for constructability, compliance with County utility standards, and system continuity in coordination with internal project management staff.
  
  
• Adheres to County utility standards, state and federal environmental regulations and administrative codes. Ensures alignment with adopted engineering manuals.
  
  
• Analyzes system capacity impacts and reviews new materials methods.
  
  
• Prepare detailed written review comments, track revisions and submittals, and maintain documentation for approvals and records to reduce disputes and liability risks.
  
  
• Update and maintain project tracking systems, including permit management tools and documentation libraries, ensuring data accuracy and completeness.
  
  
• Communicate with engineers, developers, consultants, and external agencies to clarify design standards, coordinate review outcomes, and ensure resolution of technical issues.
  
  
• Attend development review meetings to provide engineering expertise, identify issues, and support collaborative problem-solving across project teams.
  
  
• Provide technical guidance to inspectors, respond to field change requests, and conduct occasional field visits to support design interpretation and issue resolution.
  
  

• Prepare reports, presentations, recommendations, and project performance metrics to support decision-making across the Utilities Division.
  
  
• Support planning and coordination of capital improvement projects, including consultant management, budgeting, and ensuring compliance with regulations and permits.
  
  
• Evaluate complex engineering problems, such as system capacity limitations or site constraints, and work with engineers to identify feasible alternatives and risk-mitigating solutions.
  
  
• Maintain current knowledge of state and federal regulations, adjust design standards as needed, and ensure accurate application of engineering principles in all reviews.
  
  
• Coordinate with internal County departments, NCDEQ, City of Durham, NCDOT, EPA, USACE, and other agencies regarding infrastructure design, permitting, and technical compliance.
  
  
• Conduct site visits at treatment plants, pump stations, and construction sites, following safety protocols and addressing field issues as needed.
  
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Comprehensive knowledge of wastewater, reclaimed water, and water utility infrastructure, including construction practices, materials, and system components (pumps, valves, filters, oxidation processes).
  
  
• Strong ability to read, interpret, and evaluate engineering drawings, technical plans, specifications, and as-built documents.
  
  
• Ability to verify engineering calculations, including pump curves, drawdowns, pipe flow analysis, and hydraulic modeling.
  
  
• Thorough understanding of state and federal regulations governing wastewater and water systems, including NC statutes, NCDEQ rules, minimum design criteria, and environmental codes.
  
  
• Knowledge of County ordinances, utility design standards, and engineering design manuals applicable to infrastructure development and permitting.
  
  
• Skill in applying sound engineering principles to evaluate system capacity, assess risk, and ensure constructability and operational reliability.
  
  
• Ability to prepare clear, detailed technical review comments, documentation, and reports for internal and external audiences.
  
  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for addressing complex site constraints, system limitations, and regulatory compliance challenges.
  
  
• Effective communication skills for coordinating with engineers, developers, contractors, internal County departments, and regulatory agencies.
  
  

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in Civil, Environmental, or Chemical Engineering and three (3) years of direct experience in municipal engineering, public works, or utility infrastructure projects with emphasis on water and wastewater systems.

PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

• NC Water Pollution Control System Operator certifications:
  Grade II Collections and Grade I Biological Wastewater

• Licensed as a North Carolina Professional Engineer (PE)

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina and an acceptable driving record.