Principal Engineer - Collection & Distribution

Salary: $87,367.00 - $135,428.00 Annually

Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid

Opening Date: 08/05/2026

The City of Durham's Department of Water Management (DWM) wants YOU to join our team of more than 380 talented and dedicated employees that provide critical water and sewer services for the residents and businesses of Durham. Our mission is to provide cost-effective water and wastewater services that meet customers' expectations and all regulatory requirements. If you have a passion for managing vital water resources, protecting the environment, and providing excellent customer service, then bring your skills and talent to Durham! DWM owns and operates two surface water treatment plants, two large high hazard dams, two water reclamation facilities, approximately 1,300 miles of water mains, six water storage tanks, and a collection system with 1,200 miles of gravity mains, 33,000 manholes, and 65 lift stations. The Utility Engineering Division is made up of a highly engaged team of professionals that manage capital projects aimed at improving, expanding, and maintaining these critical assets. We are seeking a self-motivated principal engineer/project manager to assist in this effort. This position will focus primarily on improvements to our collection and distribution systems. With a five-year capital budget of 2.4 billion dollars, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to be part of a wide variety of interesting and important projects. The selected candidate will act as an owner representative for a variety of water/wastewater capital projects from inception to completion. This includes management through all project phases including, but not limited to, scope and budget development, procurement of consultants/contractors, contract administration, engineering evaluation/planning, preliminary engineering, detailed design, permitting, land/easement acquisition, construction bidding, construction, and project close out. Responsibilities will also include preparing agenda items for City Council consideration, negotiating change orders and contract amendments, assisting the Senior Engineering Manager with development of the 10-year CIP budget, coordinating with operations and maintenance divisions, providing support on various environmental regulatory issues, conducing public hearings or outreach efforts, and assisting with staff training. The position requires independent evaluation and analysis of complex engineering issues, and the exercise of professional judgment to progress projects to completion within required timeframes and approved budgets. The position requires working closely with a diverse group of professionals such as inspectors, operations and maintenance staff, finance/accounting staff, and attorneys. Duties/Responsibilities Serves as a lead for capital project management on large, complex projects and/or multiple projects Prepares, reviews, and analyzes engineering request for proposals/qualifications, contracts, agreements, reports, studies, presentations, plans, specifications, bids, and other documentation Develops and administers contracts; develops project scope, budgets, and schedules; reviews design submittals from internal and external staff; provides technical expertise and consultation to City departments and external agencies Drafts City Council and public communications; assists with the coordination of and/or attends public meetings Oversees data collection and analysis; maintains records, logs, and databases; tracks post-implementation project progress and requirements Designs, implements, and evaluates special projects Manages projects, programs, and assigned department operations; develops operational policies and procedures; establishes project and unit goals; creates work plans and processes; identifies locations/areas requiring improvement As assigned, serve as a lead worker, assigning work and monitoring work completion or supervising paraprofessional and support staff. Minimum Qualifications & Experience Bachelor's degree in engineering Five years of engineering experience in the water/wastewater industry or a closely related fieldA North Carolina Professional Engineer Registration or equivalent as determined by the City (or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire) Additional Preferred Skills2 or more years of experience managing public bids for collection and distribution capital projects either in the private or public sector Knowledge of methods used in design and operation of collection and distribution systems Knowledge of applicable laws and regulatory codes relevant to design, permitting, and operation of collection and distribution systems Excellent written and oral communication skills

Pro-rated vacation, pro-rated sick, pro-rated floating holiday, parttime holiday pay (based on scheduled hours for that day) after one year of service01Where did you first hear about this opportunity? City of Durham Website Walk inJob fair Employee referral Professional organization *Please list the organization in "other" box below*Internet posting *Please list the specific web site in the "other" box below*Craig's List FacebookLinkedInGlassDoorgovernmentjobs.com Monster.com Indeed.com Employment Security Commission Magazine/Newspaper Other02If you listed "other" above please give specific web site, organization, or publication.03 Please select your highest level of COMPLETED education. Less than a High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED, HiSET, TASC) High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED, HiSET, TASC) Associates Degree Bachelor's DegreeMaster's Degree Doctoral Degree (PhD, Juris Doctorate)04Is your Bachelor's degree (or graduate degree) in engineering? YesNo05How many years of related engineering experience do you have? No related experience Less than 1 year of related experience 1 year but less than 5 years related experience 5 years but less than 9 years related experience 9 years but less than 13 years related experience13 or more years related experience06Do you have a North Carolina Professional Engineer Registration or equivalent as determined by the City (or the willingness and ability to obtain within 6 months of hire)?Yes, I currently have a North Carolina Professional Engineer Registration or equivalent as determined by the CityNo, I do NOT have a North Carolina Professional Engineer Registration or equivalent as determined by the City, but I AM willing and able to obtain within 6 months of hire No, I do NOT have a North Carolina Professional Engineer Registration or equivalent as determined by the City, and I AM NOT willing or able to obtain within 6 months of hire07Have you performed water/wastewater project engineering or project management for a client or employer? YesNoRequired Question