Position Closes May 30, 2026

The desirable western NC Town of Granite Falls is seeking a dynamic, personable, and experienced public works/utility professional to lead the Public Utilities Department as its next Public Utilities Director. Town leadership invites you to apply for this valuable position if you…

• have demonstrated success leading utility and public works operations, capital projects, and departmental priorities in a resource-conscious environment;
• are a strategic thinker who effectively plans for the long-term needs of aging infrastructure while supporting continued growth and increasing service demands;
• value teamwork, communication, and staff training and development, and are energized by the opportunity to build on a culture of strong morale and collaboration; and,  
• are an effective communicator and collaborator known for working cohesively with staff, Town leadership, and the community to advance key initiatives and achieve service delivery goals.

The next Granite Falls Public Utilities Director is highly-skilled and effective in project management, and is responsible for overseeing operations of the Town’s infrastructure: Water Treatment Plant: 2.5 million gallons per day (MGD) capacity; Water Distribution: 70 miles of water mains and three elevated storage tanks that serve 2,300 residential and 300 commercial customers; Wastewater Collection:  52 miles of wastewater pipe; Wastewater Treatment Plant:  0.9 MGD capacity; and, 19 wastewater pumping stations, 35 miles of streets, and 6 miles of sidewalks. 

This position is for the service-minded professional who maintains professionalism under pressure, establishes roots in an organization, invests in the community and takes pride in providing essential services to community residents. Granite Falls’ next Public Utilities Director is a visionary leader who will have the privilege of strengthening the Public Utilities Department’s strategic planning efforts, improving infrastructure systems, and enhancing operational efficiency while maintaining reliable service delivery.

About the Organization, Department and Position: 

The Town of Granite Falls operates under the Council-Manager form of government and is governed by an elected Mayor and six-member Town Council serving staggered four-year terms. Guided by its mission “to build community pride and enhance the quality of life for all citizens by providing timely, cost-effective services delivered honestly, professionally, and respectfully”, the Town nurtures a culture that is focused on service excellence.

Granite Falls employs 82 full-time and part-time staff along with 63 seasonal staff and delivers a full range of municipal services through departments including administration, police, fire, public works, and parks and recreation. In addition to general government functions, the Town operates enterprise services such as water, sewer, and electric utilities. The adopted FY 2026 operating budget totals approximately $19.4 million  ($8.1M General Fund, $3.9M Water & Sewer Fund, and $7.2 Electric Fund) representing an 8.4% increase over the prior year to support strategic priorities and service needs. Learn more about the Town of Granite Falls here.

The Public Utilities Department is responsible for the maintenance and operation of Granite Falls’ critical infrastructure systems. Organized into two primary divisions—Street/Sanitation and Water/Wastewater—the department delivers a wide range of essential services that support daily operations and long-term community sustainability. In addition, the Public Utilities Department is responsible for stormwater management, fleet maintenance, capital improvement project support, and emergency response related to public infrastructure. The Granite Falls Public Utilities Department is committed to operating efficiently and effectively while providing the best possible services to the Town’s residents. Learn more about the Public Utilities Department here.

Reporting to the Town Manager, the Public Utilities Director oversees a department of 22 employees, including 20 full-time and 2 part-time staff, and supervises four direct reports: the Street Crew Leader, Water and Sewer Crew Leader, Water Treatment Plant Supervisor, and Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor. The Director is responsible for the leadership, planning, and operation of the Town’s public works and utility systems, including water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, solid waste services, and the maintenance of streets, sidewalks, and stormwater infrastructure. The department has an adopted FY2026 budget of $4.6M.

The Director leads capital improvement planning and execution, including development and annual updates to the Town’s 5–10-year Capital Improvement Plan, and provides leadership for major operational and system improvements across the department. Responsibilities for the next Director include establishing performance goals; developing and managing operating and capital budgets; and ensuring staff are trained and supported to work safely and efficiently. The position also provides oversight of field operations, equipment and fleet management, and service delivery, while coordinating with other Town departments, contractors, engineers, and vendors on infrastructure projects. Additional responsibilities include prioritizing capital needs and presenting funding requests to the Town Manager and Town Council, ensuring compliance with applicable state and federal regulations, recommending policies and procedures, and responding to inquiries from the public and Town Council.

Following the hiring of the next Director, the Town anticipates adding an Assistant Public Utilities Director to support key initiatives and enhance departmental capacity.

Qualifications: 

The following are required:

• Graduation from an accredited college with a bachelor’s degree in civil or environmental engineering, water resources management, public administration, business management, or a related field.
• Three to five years of progressively responsible leadership or supervisory experience in public works, utilities, or a related field.
• Considerable experience with publicly owned and operated utility and/or public works systems including supervision in maintenance and construction of streets, storm drainage systems, water distribution and sewer collection systems, or an equivalent of experience and education. Prior local government experience is preferred.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina Class C Driver’s License. A commercial Driver’s License is preferred.
• Grade B Water Distribution Certification and a Grade II Sewer Collection System Operator Certification or be able to obtain both within one year of employment. This position is designated as safety sensitive in accordance with North Carolina Department of Transportation regulations.

Salary and Benefits

The expected hiring range for the position is $107,000–$110,000, with a full salary range of $89,678–$125,550, depending on qualifications. A 5% pay increase is provided upon successful completion of six months of service. The Town provides a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, long term disability, and life insurance; Local Government Employees Retirement System (LGERS) contribution; annual vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays. Additional benefits include bereavement, education reimbursement, and longevity pay.

There is no residency requirement for this position, however, the selected candidate must live within 50 miles of town limits to be eligible for a take-home vehicle. Relocation expenses will be negotiated for the selected candidate, if applicable.  

To apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/developmentalassociates and click on the Public Utilities Director – Town of Granite Falls, NC title.

• All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal (link above) – NOT the Town’s employment application portal or any other external website.
• Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application.
• Applicants should apply by May 30, 2026.
• Successful semi-finalists will be invited to participate in interviews and skill evaluation on June 25-26, 2026. Candidates are encouraged to reserve these dates for meetings should they be invited to participate.
• In-person interviews with the Executive Team will follow quickly at a subsequent time.
• Direct inquiries to hiring@developmentalassociates.com

The Town of Granite Falls, NC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The recruitment and selection process is being managed by Developmental Associates, LLC.