Director of Water Resources

Summary

• Develop and execute strategies for the city's water resources to meet current and future needs, including anticipating municipal growth and preparing for long-range planning.

• Lead all administrative functions for the department, including budgeting, grant proposals, and personnel matters.

• Ensure all water resource operations comply with federal, state, and local regulations.

• Oversee crews and projects for all city utility work.

• Manage the department's asset management program, including a computer-generated refurbishment and replacement program.

• Direct all aspects of the department's ISO 14001 certification and Homeland Security protocols for water infrastructure.

• Manage the department's computer systems, including GIS and GPS, for tasks like leak detection and mapping.

• Oversee the preparation of plans and specifications for new water main installations.

• Develop and monitor annual goals, objectives, and evaluation procedures for the department.

• Manage and monitor a comprehensive meter strategy to identify and address water loss and revenue issues.

• Direct the state-mandated backflow and cross-connection programs.

• Review and approve engineering plans and specifications for new installations and system upgrades.

Benefits:

• Hiring range: $120,769.73 to $145,000.00 DOQ, plus a very competitive fringe benefits package.
• 13 paid holidays, plus you will earn paid sick and vacation hours.
• Full access to the City of Asheville's benefit suite including Medical, Dental, and Life insurance options.
• Enrollment in the North Carolina State Pension Plan and NC State 401K with company matching funds.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Civil Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field. (Master's degree in public administration or registration as a Professional Engineer preferred)
• Professional Experience: Six to nine years of progressively responsible utility administration or related experience. Alternatively, an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
• Valid Driver's License: Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

• Expertise in Utilities Management: Extensive knowledge of public utilities administration principles and a strong grasp of the latest trends and developments in the field. Knowledge of Asheville's unique water system is a plus as the distribution and production is based on gravity fed sources with pressures in excess of 500lbs.

• Strategic Planning and Financial Acumen: The ability to navigate financial challenges, particularly in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene, secure resources, and possess strong strategic planning and budgeting knowledge to ensure the long-term resilience and reliability of the water system.

• Leadership and Supervision: Proven ability to plan, assign, and coordinate the work of a large professional and technical staff, as well as a solid understanding of the principles of public administration and organization.

• Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Exceptional ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with various officials, developers, and contractors. As well as internal partners and direct reports. Must be able to express ideas clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Technical Proficiency: Competence in using common office software for word processing, spreadsheets, and file management.

• Safety Awareness: A thorough understanding of occupational hazards and safety precautions related to utilities installation and maintenance.

Other things to know:

• Application must include resume and cover letter.
• Initial review of applications will occur on 10/24/2025. This position will remain open until filled 11/07/2025 or until a sufficient number of applications are received.
• More details can be found Here (Download PDF reader).

Some positions may require a fingerprint-based SBI background check after a conditional offer and before your start date; HR will provide instructions if applicable.

For benefits-eligible positions, explore our full benefits at AshevilleBenefits.com.

About us:

The City of Asheville is dedicated to providing quality service for the residents and visitors of our beautiful city, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Asheville, NC is a thriving mountain city that has a culture enriched by its diversity.

The City’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment. Applicants will be assured of fair treatment in all aspects of recruitment and selection without regard to a person’s age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, genetic information,or disability, except where certain physical and mental requirements are Bona Fide Occupational Qualifications (BFOQ). The City of Asheville is proud to be a second chance employer.

The City of Asheville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.