Director of Water Resources

Job Title

The purpose of this assignment is to manage all functions of the water resources department.

Job Description

The City of Wilson is known for innovation and outstanding service. We have top-rated, nationally accredited police, fire and recreation departments. Our parks and sports facilities are among the best in the nation, and our Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park is a unique and beautiful attraction that hosts concerts, farmers markets and the N.C. Whirligig Festival among other events. Our downtown ballpark proudly serves as the home of the Milwaukee Brewers minor league affiliate. The team celebrated its inaugural Opening Night on April 14, 2026, marking an exciting new chapter for our community and downtown district.

Wilson has the strongest manufacturing base in our part of the state, including tire manufacturing, pharmaceutical and other industries. The Greenlight citywide broadband services help technology-based companies flourish.

In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a best-in-class benefits package that brings additional value to your total compensation. To learn more about our benefits package, click on the 'Benefits' tab above.

The hiring range for this position is $115,303.88 (minimum salary) to $158,790.99 (midpoint of range) dependent upon qualifications.

Job Responsibilities

Major Duties

• Oversees the operation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance of wastewater and water treatment facilities, a wastewater collection system, and a water distribution system.
• Reviews work, creates reports, makes long range plans, and inspects new construction.
• Participates with the Lower Neuse Basin Association, the Water Environment Association, the American Waterworks Association, the North Carolina Waterworks Operators Association, and the Eastern Wastewater Network and Operators Association.
• Oversees the construction, maintenance and operation of storm water lines, catchbasins, and the city's drainage system.
• Oversees design, approval, construction, payment, legal issues, and incorporation of all water and wastewater projects performed by outside contractors; seeks grants, state loans, bonds, and other funding methods.
• Prepares and reviews EPA, Corps of Engineers, and NCDENR reports.
• Prepares and oversees budgets for four divisions.
• Manages personnel functions; trains, assigns, directs, supervises, evaluates, and disciplines personnel.
• Attends planning sessions and meetings.
• Directs tours; prepares and makes presentations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Guidelines include relevant state and federal laws, city codes and ordinances, city and department policies and procedures, EPA, Corps of Engineers and NCDENR guidelines, the Safe Drinking Water Act, Consumer Confidence Reports, OSHA requirements, and other regulatory standards. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

This position develops department guidelines.

The position has direct supervision over Administrative Assistant (1), Water Treatment Manager (1), Distribution and Collection Manager (1), and Water Reclamation Plant Manager (1).

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Experience Requirements

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a master's degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.
• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the subunits in the division/department in order to direct and coordinate work within the division/department, usually interpreted to require three to five years of related experience.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain an appropriate state-certified license for water or wastewater treatment or distribution as appropriate.

Knowledge Requirements

• Knowledge of city and department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the principles and theories of water, storm water, and wastewater management.
• Knowledge of the construction and operation of wastewater and water treatment facilities, waste water collection systems, storm water collection systems, and water distribution systems.
• Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of accounting and budgetary practices.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques used in the construction cost estimation of public works projects.
• Skill in administering contracts for public works projects.
• Skill in planning, organizing, and prioritizing work.
• Skill in performing mathematical computations.
• Skill in the use of a computer.
• Skill in supervision.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• The work is typically performed in an office and at field sites where the employee may be exposed to inclement weather, contagious or infectious diseases, or irritating chemicals.
• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, bending, or crouching.
• The employee occasionally lifts light objects and must be able to distinguish between shades of color.

Benefits

The City of Wilson is dedicated to providing unique benefits that meet the needs of our employees and their families, while being competitive and cost effective. We offer the following benefits:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Paid holidays (maximum 12 per year)
• Health/dental/vision insurance
• Membership in the North Carolina Local Government Employees' Retirement System
• 5% 401(k) contribution
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for medical and childcare expenses
• Paid Life Insurance
• MD Live (Cigna's Telehealth)
• Supplementary benefits including critical care, cancer, accident, medical bridge, long and short term disability and term and whole life insurance.