Organization Description
The City of Durham, North Carolina — a growing and forward-thinking community — is seeking two experienced and trustworthy water resources professionals to join the leadership team in the Department of Water Management (DWM). The Assistant Director – Plant Operations & Maintenance and the Assistant Director – Water Distribution & Wastewater Collection are supported by a knowledgeable and dedicated staff and offer the chance to make a real difference in public service. These are exceptional opportunities for skilled professionals who wish to play key roles in managing and advancing critical water infrastructure systems in a well-funded and highly supported department.

The City of Durham’s Department of Water Management (DWM), with an operating budget of nearly $71 million and over 382 water professionals, delivers clean drinking water to the Durham community. DWM also collects and treats wastewater at water reclamation facilities before safely returning it to the environment. The DWM operates and maintains a vast and complex infrastructure that provides these essential services around the clock. Highly trained response teams are on call 24/7 to fix water main breaks, sewer overflows, and other emergencies.

With consistently high-performing operations and an outstanding compliance record, the DWM is recognized as a regional leader in water resource management, driven by the continued development and implementation of the Jordan Lake Regional Water Treatment Facility and the Mist Lake Facility—a state-of-the-art center focused on employee wellness, training, and professional development.

Job Description
The Assistant Directors Are Two Of The Three Assistant Director Positions Who Work Collaboratively Under The General Direction Of The Water Management Director.

The Assistant Director – Plant Operations & Maintenance Is Responsible For The Safe, Efficient, And Effective Operation And Maintenance Of The City’s Drinking Water And Wastewater Treatment Facilities And Programs. The Drinking Water Facilities Include The Lake Michie and Little River reservoirs, the Brown and Williams Water Treatment Facilities (with a combined Capacity Of 64 Million Gallons Per Day), and the new Jordan Lake Regional Water Treatment Facility, which is currently under development. Wastewater Management Facilities Include the North and South Durham Water Reclamation Facilities (combined Capacity Of 40 Million Gallons Per Day). This Assistant Director Has Six Direct Reports (five Superintendents And A Senior Engineering Manager) And Oversees A Budget Of ~$31.7M with 132 FTEs.

The Assistant Director – Water Distribution & Wastewater Collection Is Responsible For The Efficient And Effective Operation And Maintenance Of The City’s Water And Wastewater Conveyance Systems, Which Include 1,269 Miles Of Water Pipe Ranging In Size Of 4-54 Inches; Water Storage Facilities; The Cross-connection Control Program; 1,367 Miles Of Wastewater Collection Pipe Ranging In Size Of 4-42 Inches; 63 Wastewater Pumping Stations; And The Fats, Oil, And Grease Control Program. This Assistant Director Has Four Direct Reports (two Superintendents, A Senior Engineering Manager, And A Cross Connection Control Administrator) And Oversees A Budget Of ~$23M with 170 FTEs.

Key Priorities For Both Vacant Assistant Directors' Positions Are To Develop Positive And Productive Relationships With DWM Staff, Other City Departments, And Regional Utility Partners; Promote A Team Culture Of Safety, Training, And Professional Development; Engage With Staff To Gain A Thorough Understanding Of The Personnel, Facilities, And Infrastructure In His/her Area Of Responsibility; Support The Development Of The Jordan Lake Regional Water Treatment Facility; Work With Staff And Other Stakeholders For The Orderly Renewal Or Replacement Of Aging Infrastructure; Engage With Staff To Develop And Implement SMART Goals Focused On Efficiency And Performance Excellence; Ensure Full Compliance With All Regulatory Requirements.

Job Qualifications
A Bachelor’s Degree In Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Hydrology & Water Management, Environmental Engineering, Or Related Field Is Required; A Master’s Degree Is Preferred. At Least 6 Years Of Experience In Upper-level Management With A Minimum Of 4 Years Of Budget Development/management Experience Is Required, Or Any Equivalent Combination Of Education, Training, And Experience. Certified Professional Engineer (PE) And/or Water/Wastewater Related Certifications Is Highly Desired But Not Required. Must Possess A Valid Driver’s License. Experience With The Operations And Maintenance Of Water And/or Wastewater Treatment Plants With A Capacity Greater Than 10 Million Gallons Per Day Is Preferred (Asst. Director, Plant Operations And Maintenance). Experience With The Operations And Maintenance Of Greater Than 1,000 Miles Of Water And/or Wastewater Piping With A Staff Of 100+ Employees Is Preferred (Asst. Director Water Distribution And Wastewater Collection).

Job Compensation
The Anticipated Hiring Range For These Positions Is $123,251-$160,000, Depending On Qualifications And Experience.

Additional Information
This recruitment is for two open Assistant Director Positions.

To Apply, Please Visit Https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/developmentalassociates And Click On Assistant Director, Water Resources, City Of Durham, NC. You Can Select Which Position You Are Interested In Within The Application.

All Applications Must Be Submitted Online Via The Developmental Associates Application Portal (link Above) – NOT The Organization’s Employment Application Portal Or Any Other External Website.
-Resumes And Cover Letters Must Be Uploaded With The Application.
-Applicants Should Apply By May 29, 2025.
-The Hiring Team Will Invite Successful Semi-finalists To Virtual Interviews And Skill Evaluations On June 24-25, 2025. Candidates Are Encouraged To Reserve These Dates For Virtual Meetings Should They Be Invited To Participate.

-Direct Inquiries To Hiring@developmentalassociates.com.