Water Resources Operations Manager

Description

Your Role & Impact

As the W/R Operations Manager, you will lead supervisors and crews delivering daily construction, maintenance, and emergency response work that protects system reliability and public health. You will align work planning, scheduling, budgeting, contractor performance, safety, and quality standards—partnering with internal teams, external utilities, and regulators to deliver consistent customer outcomes.

What You’ll Do

Strategic & Operational Leadership

- Plan, organize, and direct construction, expansion, and maintenance work for water distribution and wastewater collection systems through subordinate supervisors.

- Prioritize work based on operational needs, project requirements, and available resources to meet service, schedule, and cost expectations.

- Ensure maintenance and construction activities meet applicable plans, specifications, codes, and standards.

- Support emergency response and operational reliability, including on-call/call-back and extended hours as needed.

Safety, Compliance & Quality

- Maintain compliance with federal and state regulations and PWC policies; apply independent judgment to determine appropriate operating methods and controls.

- Lead a safety-first culture by enforcing safety rules, driving training expectations, and working to prevent lost-time accidents.

- Inspect, or delegate inspection of, field work for compliance with contract requirements and professional standards; resolve quality issues in coordination with crews and contractors.

People Leadership & Talent Development

- Lead, coach, and develop geographically dispersed supervisors and crews; set expectations and promote consistent execution across field teams.

- Support staffing actions (interviewing, hiring, promotion/transfer recommendations) and complete performance reviews in accordance with PWC policies.

- Conduct staff meetings to improve communication, address issues, and recommend solutions.

- Delegate authority appropriately while retaining accountability for department outcomes.

Planning, Budgeting & Contractor Management

- Develop annual work plans, programs, staffing and equipment requirements, and related budgets.

- Process requisitions and monitor budgetary expenditures in assigned areas.

- Monitor contractor performance, safety, quality, and budget compliance; coordinate corrective actions as needed.

- Coordinate work with other PWC departments and external utility agencies to minimize service impacts and ensure customer needs are met.

Customer, Stakeholder & Incident Response

- Respond to internal and external customer concerns in a professional and timely manner; escalate issues to leadership when appropriate.

- Investigate and resolve public/customer complaints related to construction and maintenance activities.

- Provide accurate and timely reporting to leadership in assigned areas of responsibility.

What We’re Looking For

What Is Required

- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field and six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in utility design, construction, and maintenance, including two (2) years of supervisory experience in underground utility construction and maintenance; or

- Associate’s degree in Civil Engineering Technology (or related field) and ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience as described above; or

- An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

- Thorough knowledge of safety rules, regulations, and procedures, and the equipment/materials used in the construction, maintenance, and repair of water and sewer lines.

- Working knowledge of management concepts and practices, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and resource prioritization.

- Strong communication skills (oral and written) and the ability to maintain effective working relationships with customers, the public, employees, officials, and contractors.

- Valid North Carolina driver’s license.

What is Preferred

- North Carolina Class A Water Distribution and/or Wastewater Collection Grade IV Certification.

- Professional Engineer (PE) license.

- Demonstrated experience leading geographically dispersed field teams and overseeing contractor work in an underground utility environment.

What You’ll Get

- A competitive total rewards package and compensation package that reflects the scope of role.

- Relocation stipend for candidates moving to the Fayetteville region.

Health & Wellness Benefits

- Medical, Dental, and Vision plan options, with HSA and FSA options.

- Group Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance.

- Wellness Program offering $120 off per month on medical premiums.

- Onsite Gym and Onsite Medical Facility.

Retirement & Financial Benefits

- Pension through the NC Local Government Employees’ Retirement System (LGERS).

- 401(k) plan with employer match up to 3%

- 457 deferred compensation plan option for additional retirement savings.

Grade 417 $119,148 - $194,807 SALARIED/EXEMPT

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