Water Resources Director

TOWN OF JEFFERSON
Water Resources Director
Job Announcement

Application Deadline: 3/20/2026

Hiring Range: $68,240 – $98,480 annually,
The hiring salary range is negotiable and will be determined based on the selected candidate’s
qualifications, experience, and internal equity.
How to Apply: Submit a completed Town of Jefferson employment application, resume, and
cover letter to: Charity Curtis, Town Manager, Town of Jefferson, 302 E. Main St. Jefferson, NC
28640. Applications may also be submitted by email to manager@townofjefferson.org.
The Town’s employment application form is available in-person at Jefferson Town Hall or by
email at finance@townofjefferson.org.
Job Title: Water Resources Director
Department: Water & Wastewater Utilities
Reports To: Town Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (Salaried)
General Description
The Town of Jefferson (the Town), North Carolina (population approximately 1,600), is seeking a
qualified Water Resources Director to oversee and perform the daily operation, maintenance,
and repair of the Town’s water distribution and wastewater collection and treatment systems.
The Town of Jefferson’s water system provides service to the local residents as well as small
businesses, the local hospital, and local government buildings. This position functions as a
working supervisor and alternating primary and secondary system operator, responsible for
regulatory compliance, system reliability, and emergency response.
The Water Resources Director serves as the Town’s Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC)
and is expected to be actively involved in fieldwork as well as required administrative and
reporting duties. An employee in this class plans for the operations of plants to treat and provide
potable water and to treat and dispose of wastewater in an environmentally safe manner. Work
is performed in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations.
Work involves public contact, initiative, and judgement. The employee is subject to the hazards
associated with working around raw wastewater and treatment machinery, including hazards of
noise, vibration, proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, exposure to chemicals,
fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, and may be required to enter crawl spaces, sewage and

water line pipes, and other confined spaces, and must use appropriate protective breathing
equipment. The employee is also subject to the final OSHA standards on blood-borne
pathogens in encountering raw wastewater.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Operates, monitors, maintains, and repairs the Town’s water distribution system and
wastewater treatment and collection systems
Serves as Operator in Responsible Charge (or backup Operator in Responsible Charge
as needed) of:
Grade III Wastewater Plant
Grade C Well
Grade B Surface Water Purification Plant
Grade B Distribution System
Grade III Collection System
Performs routine inspections, sampling, testing, troubleshooting, and preventative
maintenance
Responds to system failures, line breaks, service interruptions, alarms, and other
emergencies, including after-hours, weekends, holidays, and on-call response as
required
Locates and repairs leaks, line breaks, pumps, valves, meters, and related equipment
Plans, organizes, and oversees the sludge disposal program for the town
Researches and recommends strategies for meeting new regulatory requirements;
assists with planning and implementation of sludge disposal program
Ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including
required monitoring, sampling, reporting, and recordkeeping
Maintains accurate operational logs, maintenance records, permits, and compliance
reports
Supervises and assists utility staff as applicable; provides on-the-job training and
enforces safety practices
Coordinates with contractors, vendors, engineers, and regulatory officials during
maintenance and repair activities
Assists with preparation and monitoring of the water and wastewater operating budget
Participates with management in planning for current and future capacity needs and
plant modifications for increased efficiency or regulatory compliance
Participates in system upgrades, repairs, and capital improvement projects
Responds to customer service issues related to water and wastewater operations as
needed
Ensures proper use, storage, and handling of tools, equipment, and chemicals

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of water and wastewater treatment
including operations, pretreatment, laboratory analysis, preventive maintenance
practices, and sludge disposal methods and regulations
Working knowledge of water distribution and collection system operations
Working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and electronic trades as applied to
wastewater treatment facilities and equipment maintenance and repair.
Thorough knowledge of the local, state, and federal laws and regulations relating to
water and/or wastewater treatment and related safety practices.
Working knowledge of NCDEQ rules, regulations, and reporting requirements
Ability to diagnose mechanical and system problems and take corrective action
Ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions
Ability to supervise and work alongside other employees, including planning and
organizing work over a broad scope of 24-hour operations
Ability to respond effectively under emergency conditions
Ability to maintain accurate records and complete required report
Knowledge of and ability to use basic computer applications, including email and
Microsoft Office or equivalent software, and to learn job-related technology necessary to
perform assigned duties
Minimum Qualifications
The following NC DEQ certifications are required as a condition of continued employment.
Candidates who do not currently hold all certifications may be considered if they can
demonstrate a clear path to obtaining them; however, full certification must be achieved within a
timeframe established by the Town.
• Certification at Grade III by the State of North Carolina for Wastewater Treatment (NC
DEQ – OCSM).
• Certification at Grade C for Well Water Treatment.
• Certification at Grade B for Surface Water Treatment.
• Certification at Grade B for Distribution System Operation.
• Certification at Grade III for Collection System Operation.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license with an acceptable driving record as
defined by Town policy.
This is a safety-sensitive position. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a
pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check in accordance with Town policy
and applicable law.

Preferred Qualifications

5+ years experience serving as ORC for a municipal utility system
Supervisory experience in water or wastewater operations
Experience working in a small or rural utility system
Additional water, wastewater, or collections certifications
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
The following physical demands are representative of those required to perform the essential
functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation:
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds multiple times per shift
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, including four (4) or more consecutive
hours
Frequent bending, crouching, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, and climbing
Sufficient hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and gross motor skills to operate
tools, machinery, vehicles, and treatment equipment
Ability to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions, including temperatures as low as
-5°F, as well as heat, humidity, rain, and other adverse conditions
Routine exposure to loud noise, vibration, wet or damp conditions, wastewater
environments, chemicals, and potentially hazardous conditions
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE)
Availability for emergency call-back and after-hours response, including nights,
weekends, and holidays
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Town of Jefferson, NC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in
employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age,
disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other
status protected by federal or state law.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Town of Jefferson, NC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and will
provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to
perform the essential functions of the position. Applicants requiring accommodation during the
hiring process should notify the Town at the time of application.

Salary/Compensation: $68,240 - $98,480 per year