Salary : $106,958.00 - $160,436.00 Annually
Location : Carrboro, NC, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 234
Department: Engineering
Opening Date: 08/06/2026
Closing Date: 8/30/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Description
OWASA is seeking a Planning and Development Manager to join our Engineering teamThis position conducts special projects and long-range planning to ensure efficient administration of OWASA resources with particular emphasis on water supply, develops projections of future water and wastewater demand, and oversees and facilitates certain land management efforts.

Examples of Duties
Key Responsibilities

• Analyzes service area development and water use trends by compiling data and maintains projections of long-term future demand requirements.
• Manages and implements OWASA's Long-Range Water Supply Plan.
• Manages the annual updates and submittal of OWASA's Local Water Supply Plan.
• Manages the updates, related analysis, and periodic submittal of OWASA's Water Shortage Response Plan.
• Manages the development and presentation of OWASA's annual Operating Trends Report.
• Manages and oversees water supply and watershed protection studies and models.
• Manages and/or supports long-range planning activities for and analysis of wastewater collection system, water treatment, wastewater treatment, reclaimed water and biosolids management.
• Oversees or facilitates certain land management efforts, including acquisition of real estate and easements, inspection/enforcement of conservation easements, and certain forest stewardship initiatives.
• Leads the strategic direction, development and implementation of the Climate Adaptation Plan and related activities.
• Serves as Liaison Officer during Emergencies.
• Coordinates planning efforts with regional partners through Western Intake Partnership, Triangle Water Supply Partnership, and other regional/state efforts. Meets and corresponds with researchers from universities.

Typical Qualifications
Qualifications

• Requires bachelor's degree in an engineering or environmental science and a minimum of six years' experience working with engineering practices and/or long-range planning for a public water and wastewater system.
• Candidates should be self-motivated and have excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with a proven ability to effectively manage projects.
• Service-oriented attitude, professionalism, and a passion to foster a diverse and inclusive work environment are necessary.

Supplemental Information

• Membership in the NC Local Government Employee Retirement System
• 5% Employer 457 plan contribution
• Retirement health savings account
• Employer paid Health, Dental, Vision, Life insurance, Long-term Disability
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Vacation, Sick, Personal, Bereavement, and Parental Leave?
• Monthly Cell Phone Stipend
• Educational Reimbursement
• Bonus Pay for Additional Certifications and/or Education
• Ability to transfer unused sick leave from previous NC Local Government or State agency employer
• Much, much more!

We provide competitive pay and benefits in a safe, rewarding work environment. Visit to apply for this excellent opportunity.
Please click to find a summary of OWASA's employee benefits.
01

Position requires a Bachelor's degree (Master's degree preferred) in a specialized technical field such as engineering or environmental science with a minimum of six years' experience working with engineering practices and/or long-range planning for a public water and wastewater system. Describe your relevant experience towards meeting this requirement.
02

Please describe an experience you have in organizing various stakeholders of different expertise around a common long-range planning effort.
03

Please describe a specific project or task you have completed that best demonstrates your technical skills relevant to the position's duties.
04

What elements of job satisfaction does this position offer?
Required Question