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Gilder Search Group

Cape Fear Public Utility Authority - Deputy Executive Director

Gilder Search Group, Wilmington, North Carolina, United States, 28412


Cape Fear Public Utility Authority - Deputy Executive DirectorRaftelis (Cape Fear Public Utility Authority) -Wilmington, NC Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) is seeking a Deputy Executive Director to lead and direct the utility’s plant operations, engineering, planning, and construction activities. This top leadership position develops plans and programming, formulates budgetary data, assigns job duties, conducts employee evaluations, prepares contractual obligations, develops educational curriculum, and reports parameters as they relate to the overall programming of the ofce. The Deputy Executive Director serves as a member of the CFPUA leadership team and may act on behalf of the Executive Director in his or her absence.

Find out if this opportunity is a good fit by reading all of the information that follows below.

The Deputy Executive Director ensures the development of effective engineering design and construction standards and oversees the engineering, construction, and inspection of CFPUA built or developer built infrastructure projects. The role requires oversight of the process to track the allocation of system treatment capacity and advises the Executive Director and Board regarding on-going capacity allocation. The Deputy Executive Director ensures design and construction are conducted in a safe and environmentally sound manner, and ensures unsafe work is stopped until de?ciencies are corrected. Further, the Deputy Executive Director oversees the preparation of water and wastewater Master Plans and revises the Master Plans as needed and as conditions change.The Deputy Executive Director leads or participates in the development of various other plans including a CFPUA strategic plan that proactively anticipates future customer and area needs, long-range water resources plan, and a proactive plan to replace collection and distribution lines in advance of significant problems. Further, they will develop and manage annual division goals with and supportive of the CFPUA mission by developing and overseeing division policies and procedures and implementing improvements for programs, the ten-year Capital Improvement Plan for CFPUA, and relevant updates to the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) as conditions and priorities change.The Deputy Executive Director coordinates closely with CFPUA sta?, City and County planners, elected o?cials, and the development community in the development and updating of the CIP. They meet with developers and County and City o?cials on future expansions and the allocation of existing system capacity. This position is required to work in partnership with their own department and all other CFPUA departments toward achieving organization goals. This position is a member of the organization’s management team and is responsible for demonstrating and holding others accountable to the CFPUA values. The Deputy Executive Director provides reports to the CFPUA Board and various subcommittees that meet once per month. This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with all CFPUA policies and procedures.The Deputy Executive Director oversees three operation departments including Water Treatment, Wastewater Treatment, and Centralized Maintenance, as well as the core-corporate Engineering Department. Water Treatment includes two state of the art water treatment plants: the Sweeney surface water facility with a total treatment capacity 44 million gallons per day (MGD) and the Richardson groundwater facility with a total treatment capacity of 7 MGD; and the Monterey Heights well system at 1.63 MGD. Wastewater Treatment includes two publicly owned treatment works; the James A Loughlin (Northside) facility rated at 16 MGD and the M’Kean Maffitt (Southside) facility rated at 12 MGD. Central Maintenace supports both water and wastewater treatment. The Engineering Department includes Development Services (works with developers, builders, and contractors for private development), the Project Management Group, and the Asset Management Group, all reporting to the Chief Engineer (Director of Engineering). The Deputy Executive Director Oversees 120 FTEs (24/7 Operations) with direct reports that include an Assistant Director of Operations (Water Treatment/Wastewater Treatment and Maintenance) and the Chief Engineer (Asset Management, Project Management, and Development Services). This role serves as a sta? coordinator for the Long-Range Planning Committee comprised of four CFPUA Board members. As a CFPUA leader, this position is responsible for creating a culture of belonging and inclusion. This position works in partnership with the Human Resources department to ensure sta? complete all relevant employment training and to ensure compliance with federal and state employment law.PrioritiesDevelop and maintain positive relationships internally throughout the organization.Effectively lead the Development Services Group by maintaining their customer-focused orientation and working with developers in a timely manner all while maintaining building development standards.Address PFAS groundwater contamination by utilizing and prioritizing State appropriated grant funds to extend waterlines to residents who are contaminated on private wells.Implement the largest Capital Improvement Plan in the history of CFPUA, including the Progressive Design-Build delivery of a new 16 MGD Wastewater Treatment Plant to replace the Southside facility.In collaboration with the New Hanover County, manage the largest economic development project in CFPUA history, comprised of 11 growth projects totaling $97 million that are currently in various stages of design or construction.Support a potential utility consolidation with the Town of Wrightsville Beach that may include over $23.5 million in new projects.Maintain key performance in areas of high turnover while balancing recruitment and retention.The Successful CandidateThe ideal candidate for the Deputy Executive Director role must possess exemplary technical skills, demonstrating a commitment to long-term career growth within one or more well-run agencies. Operational experience is crucial, alongside high emotional intelligence to effectively navigate diverse stakeholder interests. Furthermore, they seamlessly integrate into the organization, leveraging a utility management background and a broad spectrum of experience to maintain departmental synergy. Their leadership shines through collaboration and team building alongside effective presentation skills to communicate technical concepts and ensure exceptional interpersonal interactions.The successful candidate excels in communication, delivering difficult messages with finesse and maintaining an even-tempered demeanor and proactive problem-solving approach. Adept at mentoring and coaching staff, they excel in recruitment and retention, serving as a trusted confidant and consensus builder to the Board and within the organization. The successful candidate will drive departmental initiatives, serving as an incident commander in crises and contributing effectively to various committees.

Exceptional customer service, arbitration, and negotiation skills underscore their ability to collaborate with external stakeholders and the 11-member Board of Directors. The Deputy Executive Director will be able to create synergy and maintain the culture of one organization united in public service. With strong interpersonal skills, the ideal candidate will be able to communicate technical concepts to the layperson. Because CFPUA is a national leader in the detection, abatement, and treatment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the successful candidate will be familiar with PFAS issues, PFAS treatment, regulatory structures, and ongoing PFAS research.

QualificationsMinimum requirements

include a bachelor’s degree in engineering, or any related course study as determined by the Executive Director. A master’s degree in engineering, public administration, or business administration, is preferred. Ten (10) years of professional engineering work experience and ?ve (5) years of managerial experience in water utility operations, wastewater operations, or any related work ?eld, is required. The selected candidate will possess a Professional Engineer certi?cation or have the ability to obtain a North Carolina Professional Engineer certi?cation within two (2) years from the date of hire. Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid State of North Carolina driver's license is also required. In the event of an emergency, all employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to perform alternate duties.CFPUA opened in 2008 to provide quality, reliable, and affordable water and sewer services to the people of New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington. CFPUA is a ratepayer-funded, not-for-profit, public entity operated from a business-savvy perspective. CFPUA is a standalone authority and is the ninth largest utility in the State. More than 75,000 homes, businesses, and industries have accounts with CFPUA, serving more than 200,000 people in our community. CFPUA’s annual report can be viewed here .In addition to providing water and sewer services, CFPUA has a Linear Assets Department that operates and maintains over 1,200 miles of water distribution and an 1,100 miles of sewer collection system, an Environmental Management and Sustainability Department that operates our Laboratory and monitors water quality, a Finance Department that manages all meter reading, billing, customer service, enterprise resource planning (ERP), finance and budgeting activities, an Information Technology Department that manages and maintains all other IT/IS infrastructure and a Human Resources Department dedicated to the success and betterment of our most valuable resource, our staff.CFPUA staff of 330-plus works every day to give customers and community the highest quality service at the lowest price practicable with the goal of being recognized as a premier employer. CFPUA is committed to recruiting, retaining, and empowering a competitive workforce that is competent, innovative, and safety focused. We are also committed to developing our workforce for personal and organizational growth. CFPUA strives to create a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We work hard to achieve this by creating programs that will attract, develop, and retain our diverse workforce.AwardsThe National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) Gold Recognition in the 2023 Excellence in Management ProgramNACWA Peak Performance Gold Award for both the Northside Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Southside Wastewater Treatment PlantThe Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance for 2022Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, 14th consecutive yearGFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, 12th consecutive yearNorth Carolina Division of Water Resources Area Wide Optimization Award, 16th consecutive year (Sweeney facility)North Carolina Department of Labor Achievement in Outstanding Health and Safety Gold Recognition: Customer Service, Utility Services (Water Quality and Locate Services), Wastewater Treatment – Southside, Water Treatment (Richardson & Sweeney), Engineering. Environmental Management and Sustainability – Community Compliance & Laboratory Services. Silver Recognition: Utility Services – Pump Station Maintenance & Administrative ServicesThe City of Wilmington and County of New HanoverWilmington, North Carolina, is a captivating destination where history intertwines with coastal splendor. The County seat of New Hanover County is nestled along the Cape Fear River. The City offers a harmonious blend of Southern charm, cultural richness, and natural beauty. Home to over 117,000 residents, Wilmington is the eighth-largest city in North Carolina with a diverse population that contributes to the vibrant tapestry of the inviting community that is filled with enriching culture and tradition.Historic Downtown Wilmington features cobblestone streets that lead to quaint shops, charming cafes, and vibrant galleries. One becomes immersed in the rich heritage while visiting the local iconic landmarks such as the Bellamy Mansion and the Battleship North Carolina. With access to pristine beaches, including Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, spanning over 31 miles of coastline. These picturesque shores attract millions of visitors annually. With over 200 days of sunshine each year and an average temperature of 74°F, Wilmington offers ideal conditions for outdoor adventures year-round. Whether you're hiking scenic trails in nearby state parks or indulging in water sports along our coast, there's always something exciting to explore.New Hanover County is a dynamic community nestled along the stunning coast of the Tar Heel State. With a population exceeding 235,000 residents, New Hanover County offers a lively blend of urban amenities and coastal charm. With a thriving economy, top-rated schools, and a strong sense of community, New Hanover County offers an exceptional quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Join us in exploring the beauty and charm of New Hanover County, where coastal living meets Southern hospitality.Compensation and BenefitsThe expected hiring range is $119,395 to $215,511 with a midpoint of $167,395. The full range will be considered, and compensation will depend on qualifications and includes an excellent benefits package. CFPUA offers a complete benefits package to fit the needs of their employees and their families. Options include, health, dental, vision, supplemental benefits, contributions to the local government retirement system, 401K match, and paid leave. Two medical plans with varying options for health and prescription services are available. Plans are offered by the State Health Plan of North Carolina. The State Health Plan is self-funded with claims administration through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. A moving allowance will be offered as needed. Learn more about our options and employee-based benefits here .How to ApplyApplications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning

July 12, 2024 .

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