Job Description

About Us

Position Closes May 30 2026

View the Recruitment Brochure HERE

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 Towns 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 2300 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 Departments strategic planning efforts improving infrastructure systems and enhancing operational efficiency while maintaining reliable service delivery.

About the Community:

Located in western North Carolina in Caldwell County Granite Falls sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and serves as the southernmost municipality in the county. Just five miles from Hickory the Town is conveniently positioned near major transportation routes including U.S. Highway 321 and within easy reach of both Hickory Regional Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The Town is home to roughly 5000 residents and is surrounded by the scenic landscapes of Caldwell County known for its rolling hills rivers and proximity to the mountains offering a blend of small-town charm and natural beauty.

Established in 1791 and incorporated in 1899 Granite Falls has deep historical roots tied to early industry and natural resources. The Town takes its name from the falls and massive granite boulders along Gunpowder Creek where early settler Andrew Baird built a successful iron works in the 1790s. Today that history is preserved at the Granite Falls History and Transportation Museum housed in the historic Baird House one of the oldest homes in the county.

Granite Falls location provides convenient access to destinations such as Charlotte Asheville Blowing Rock and the Blue Ridge Parkway while still offering a peaceful community-oriented environment. The Town has benefited from steady residential growth due to its affordability and proximity to Hickory along with increasing commercial development along the Highway 321 corridor.

Outdoor recreation is a defining feature of the area supported by immediate access to both Lake Hickory and Lake Rhodhiss which border the Town and provide opportunities for boating fishing and kayaking. Within town both Lakeside and Neighborhood Park provide additional greenspace walking trails and picnic space. The William B. Shuford Recreation Center is a cornerstone of the Towns parks system featuring a swimming pool fitness rooms tennis courts gymnasium multi-purpose fields and an ADA-accessible playground along with recent upgrades and ongoing enhancements that continue to expand its offerings. Nearby Riverbend Park offers miles of trails for hiking and biking along the river and South Mountains State Park provides a more expansive outdoor experience with waterfalls backcountry camping and mountain scenery.

Granite Falls downtown area is centered around its town square where a large granite slab monument reflects the Towns namesake and history. The downtown district includes locally owned shops restaurants and distinctive architecture that contribute to a welcoming small-town atmosphere. The Town is also home to unique attractions such as the Antique Vending Company showroom which houses one of the worlds largest collections of soda pop memorabilia.

The region is supported by access to healthcare providers and medical facilities in nearby Hickory and Lenoir while educational opportunities include Caldwell County Schools along with nearby institutions such as Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute Catawba Valley Community College and Appalachian State University. Median household incomes are in the mid-$50000 range and relatively affordable housing continues to attract new residents.

Duties/Responsibilities

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 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 Fallshere.

The Public Utilities Department is responsible for the maintenance and operation of Granite Falls critical infrastructure systems. Organized into two primary divisionsStreet/Sanitation and Water/Wastewaterthe department delivers a wide range of essential services that support daily operations and long-term community 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 Towns 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 Towns 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 Towns 510-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.

Key Position Priorities:

• Successfully lead the process of introducing training and implementing the following systems to support sustainability asset management and operational efficiency within the Public Utilities Department and the organization:
  • Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) for water and electric systems;
  • GIS (Geographic Information system) for digitizing the Towns water wastewater and streets infrastructure.
  • CMMS (computerized maintenance management system) for the utility systems including streets.

• Intentionally develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders Town administration and staff and work collaboratively to guide the development and execution of a comprehensive Capital Improvement Plan and other key projects.
• Steadily strengthen departmental operations with a focus on safety efficiency and performance while demonstrating a commitment to cross-training employees ensuring staff have the required certifications and skills to safely operate the utility systems.
• Strategically address the Towns infrastructure challenges associated with aging systems growth and inflow and infiltration.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

The following are required:

• Graduation from an accredited college with a bachelors 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 Drivers License. A commercial Drivers 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.

The Successful Candidate is:

• proficient in the preparation and management of budgets reports and the effective use of technology to support efficient operations;
• demonstrates expertise in the principles operations and maintenance of water and wastewater transmission and distribution systems; street and stormwater infrastructure; and the materials and equipment used in their construction and maintenance;
• knowledgeable of applicable federal and state laws and regulations as well as Town policies and practices related to public works operations budgeting purchasing and procurement;
• an honest professional of high integrity who earns the trust and respect of staff leadership and the community;
• fair and consistent in leadership approach treating people and departments equally without favoritism;
• approachable and accessible maintaining an open-door environment and building strong working relationships across departments;
• an effective communicator and active listener who keeps others informed seeks feedback and communicates well at all levels of the organization;
• a team builder and team player who promotes coordination cooperation and a sense of shared purpose;
• supportive of staff advocating for their needs promoting safety and encouraging training and professional development;
• a visionary leader who inspires motivates and encourages others while supporting a positive and collaborative team environment;
• calm and steady under pressure able to resolve issues and problems in a timely and effective manner; and
• a strategic thinker and doer who can balance long-term planning with day-to-day operational needs.

Additional Information

Salary and Benefits

The expected hiring range for the position is $107000$110000 with a full salary range of $89678$125550 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 to be eligible for a take-home vehicle. Relocation expenses will be negotiated for the selected candidate if applicable.

To apply please visit 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 Towns 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

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

Required Experience:

Director

Job Tags

Similar Jobs