Catawba County is seeking a Utilities & Engineering Director to lead water and sewer, solid waste, building services, and engineering operations. This is a senior leadership role for a professional who can balance day-to-day operational oversight with long-range infrastructure and financial planning in a growing county. The position is vacant due to the retirement of our current Director.  

The Director reports to the Assistant County Manager and serves as a strategic advisor to the County Manager and Board of Commissioners on solid waste, utilities, building code compliance, engineering, and infrastructure matters. This position works closely with municipal partners, the Economic Development Corporation, Planning Department, developers, contractors, and state and federal agencies to maintain, protect, and expand County services and infrastructure. The new Director will immediately be involved in 
ongoing and upcoming projects, including continued development of the Southeastern Catawba County Water & Sewer District, landfill construction and expansion, and management of the County’s franchise agreement for solid waste collection and disposal.

For more information:  
https://www.catawbacountync.gov/site/assets/files/2591/job_listing_u-e_director_2026_vf.pdf

Likely hiring range:  $150,000 - $175,000.  

Responsibilities:

• Direct Solid Waste operations, including landfill operations, leachate and gas control, air quality, and groundwater remediation. 
• Manage resource recovery and Franchise Agreement.
• Oversee Building Services operations, including plan review, permitting, and building code compliance.
• Supervise water distribution and wastewater collection operations, wastewater treatment plant, including SECC utility development and management.
• Develop and maintain a multi-year water and sewer capital plan, coordinating with municipalities and recommending project priorities.
• Manage Engineering operations, including zoning code enforcement, erosion and sediment control, stormwater, and roadway improvement programs.
• Manage water, sewer, and landfill construction projects from consultant selection and bidding through field inspection and completion.
• Develop long-range financial and operational plans for department infrastructure; identify cost savings and funding options and pursue grants.
• Work collaboratively with Planning to advise the County Manager and Board of Commissioners, assist the Economic Development Corporation with industry expansion projects, and as appropriate, development related matters.
• Supervise five direct reports with full responsibility for all personnel matters