Assistant Water Resources Director

Salary: $77,450.26 - $96,812.77 Annually
Location : Newton, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00294
Department: Public Works - Coll. & Dist.
Opening Date: 10/30/2026
Job Details: Salary is commensurate with experience, education, and skills. May be eligible for probationary increases totaling up to 5% within the first 6 months, depending on performance.

Description
Primary Reason Why Classification Exists

Provides professional engineering and project management. Oversees the planning, design, review, coordination, and implementation of municipal infrastructure and capital improvement projects and assists the Water Resources Director with departmental administration and operations.
Distinguishing Features of the Class

This classification functions as the Assistant Director in managing capital and non-capital improvement projects. Responsibilities include coordinating engineering activities, reviewing development plans, managing contracts and budgets, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing staff. Exercises independence and professional judgment in resolving problems, establishing priorities, and planning for future infrastructure needs. Directly supervises assigned personnel.
The position coordinates with consultants, contractors, developers, regulatory agencies, City departments, and the public to ensure effective project delivery and compliance with applicable standards and requirements. Work is performed under the general direction of the Water Resources Director and is evaluated based on the achievement of individual and work unit objectives, adherence to approved budgets and safety regulations, employee morale, and other established performance criteria. May act on behalf of the Director in their absence.

Illustrative Examples of Work
Illustrative Examples of Work

• Manages capital improvement projects, including scheduling, budgeting, consultant coordination, construction administration, and project documentation
• Reviews development plans, engineering designs, specifications, calculations, permits, and other technical documents for compliance with City standards, engineering practices, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations
• Provides professional engineering recommendations for municipal infrastructure, including water distribution, wastewater collection, stormwater management, drainage, streets, and other public improvements
• Evaluates engineering problems and infrastructure proposals, recommends solutions to design and construction issues, and ensures compatibility with existing systems and the City's long-term infrastructure plans
• Monitors engineering and construction projects through site visits and inspections to verify compliance with approved plans, specifications, schedules, budgets, contract requirements, quality standards, and regulatory requirements; documents findings and recommends corrective actions as needed
• Provides technical guidance and engineering oversight to staff, consultants, and project teams on infrastructure planning, design, and construction
• Represents the department at interdepartmental meetings, community committee meetings, City Council meetings, and other public meetings to present technical information and address project-related concerns
• Coordinates with consultants, contractors, utility companies, developers, regulatory agencies, and City departments to facilitate project planning, design, permitting, and construction
• Assists with contract administration, including reviewing change orders, payment applications, construction submittals, and contractor compliance with contractual requirements
• Assists the Director with departmental management, including coordinating operations, managing resources, supporting administrative functions, and implementing departmental goals, policies, and priorities
• Manages, directs, and evaluates assigned personnel, supports staff development, and monitors performance
• Serves as Water Resources Director in the Director's absence and represents the department as needed
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices related to municipal infrastructure, including water distribution, wastewater collection, stormwater management, drainage, streets, and public improvements
• Knowledge of engineering design standards, construction specifications, applicable regulations, permitting requirements, and environmental and safety standards
• Knowledge of capital improvement project management, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, cost estimating, contract administration, and construction oversight
• Knowledge of municipal government operations, public administration, procurement, personnel management, and departmental budgeting
• Skill in reviewing engineering plans, specifications, calculations, development proposals, permits, and construction documents for compliance with applicable standards and requirements
• Skill in evaluating engineering problems, developing solutions, managing project costs and schedules, and ensuring project quality and regulatory compliance
• Skill in coordinating and communicating effectively with staff, consultants, contractors, developers, regulatory agencies, City departments, elected officials, and the public
• Skill in preparing technical reports, project documentation, budgets, presentations, and engineering recommendations
• Skill in supervising personnel, delegating assignments, evaluating performance, resolving conflicts, and supporting staff development

• Ability to represent the department within the City, to the public and business community, and to other agencies
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Ability to attend meetings outside of scheduled work hours or required to report after work hours during times of emergencies and/or disasters

Requirements
Physical Requirements

Work in this classification is defined as light work requiring the ability to perform work primarily in an office environment, with periodic visits to construction sites, water and wastewater facilities, drainage systems, and other municipal infrastructure locations. The employee must be able to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, and navigate uneven terrain; operate standard office equipment; and review engineering plans, technical documents, and computer-generated information. The position requires effective verbal and written communication and the ability to safely access construction sites and infrastructure facilities under varying environmental conditions. Occasional lifting and carrying of materials or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds may be required. The employee must be able to attend meetings outside normal working hours and respond to emergencies or disasters as needed.
Working Conditions

Work of this type is considered administrative and managerial with work typically performed in environmentally controlled workspaces with hazards consistent with similar administrative positions. Work may also be performed outside. While working outside, the employee may be subject to workplace hazards including exposure to operating mechanical equipment, fumes, odors, dusts, and extreme cold and heat for extended periods of time. Employee is subject to noise levels requiring workers to shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level. In addition, the employee may be subject to injury from walking through or standing in a construction site.
Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an accredited college or university
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in North Carolina
• Four to six years of progressively responsible experience in water resources, water and wastewater utilities, engineering, construction management, or public works
• Experience supervising employees, managing engineering projects, administering contracts, and overseeing infrastructure improvements
• Valid North Carolina driver's license

Please visit our to learn more about benefits offered at the City of Newton.