OWASA seeks a visionary and collaborative leader to join the team as our Director of Water Resources.  This position is directly responsible for overseeing and managing the operation, including the maintenance, laboratory, source water, forest management, and recreation functions of the water resources department. This includes the Jones Ferry Road 20 million gallon per day water treatment plant, four booster pump stations, five distribution system storage tanks, three water supply reservoirs, three water supply pump stations, and 2,400 acres of forested land.

Key responsibilities: 

·        Leads and manages water supply protection through source water monitoring, development and implementation of forest and land management programs.

·        Leads and manages water treatment facility operations by reviewing operational, maintenance, and laboratory data; serves as the Primary or Backup Operator in Responsible Charge for treatment plant and NPDES permit.

·        Leads and manages water quality and facility management and maintenance of booster pump stations, emergency interconnections, and water storage tanks and facilities.

·        Ensures appropriate emergency preparedness and directs response due to inclement weather, chemical spills, and rising lake levels by maintaining emergency response plans and procedures.

·        Oversees the fire safety systems, security, plumbing, electrical, lighting, construction and renovations, routine maintenance, testing, and inspections, HVAC, grounds maintenance, stormwater requirements, of OWASA facilities.

·        Provides leadership to staff of 23 through coaching and managing employees to achieve organizational and professional goals; foster a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

·        Ensures employee safety.

·        Remains abreast of and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local monitoring and reporting regulations.

·        Develops and oversees Water Resources budget; compiles operational data to track key performance indicators; responds to customer inquiries and concerns; submits monthly facility operational reports; and develops annual Tier II chemical report.

Position Requirements:

·        Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, biology, or environmental science and have at least six years’ experience in water treatment with two years in water utility leadership, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

·        Must have the ability to obtain and maintain the North Carolina Treatment Facility Operator A- Surface, North Carolina Water Treatment Facility Operator C-Well, and North Carolina Water Pollution Control System Operator Physical/Chemical Grade 1 Certifications; a valid NC Driver’s License.

·        Be an action-oriented strategic thinker with exceptional communication and leadership skills. 

·        Excellent interpersonal skills are a must, as is the ability to lead the team to fulfill the mission and goals of the organization while ensuring safe work practices are followed.  

·        Must be a trusted steward of the environment and an innovative problem solver.  

·        A service-oriented attitude, professionalism, and a passion to foster a diverse and inclusive work environment are necessary.  

·        Innovative approach to problem solving while being mindful of the community and our customers.

Team members are our most important resource. Pay and Benefits include: 

·        Salary Range is $122,022 - $183,033

·        Membership in the NC Local Government Employee Retirement System  

·        5% Employer 457 Deferred Compensation contribution; Retirement Health Savings account 

·        Employer paid Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Life, Long-term Disability  

·        Vacation, Sick, Personal, Bereavement and Parental Leave; 12 Paid Holidays  

·        Educational Reimbursement, Bonus Pay for Additional Certifications and/or Education   

·        Cell Phone Stipend 

·        Ability to transfer unused sick leave from preceding NC Local Government or State agency employer 

·        Much, much more!

OWASA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to integrity, reliability, teamwork, safety, stewardship, innovation, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Visit www.owasa.org to learn more about OWASA or to apply for this this excellent opportunity.  This recruitment will close on August 9, 2024.