Description

The City of Fayetteville is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking leader to serve as its inaugural Director of Water and Wastewater, a newly created position designed to provide strategic leadership, operational excellence, and long-term vision for the City’s critical water and wastewater systems. This executive-level role will oversee all aspects of water treatment, distribution, wastewater collection, and treatment operations, ensuring the delivery of safe, reliable, and compliant utility services to the community.

Reporting to executive leadership, the Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Fayetteville’s utility infrastructure by developing and implementing operational strategies, guiding capital improvement programs, and ensuring regulatory compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements. This position offers a unique opportunity to build, lead, and enhance a comprehensive water and wastewater program within a growing, progressive community.

The Director of Water and Wastewater provides leadership, direction, and oversight of all utility operations, balancing strategic initiatives with day-to-day operational demands. The position is responsible for supervising staff, managing budgets, ensuring regulatory compliance, and advancing capital improvement projects that support the City’s growth and sustainability.

This role leads the planning, coordination, and evaluation of water and wastewater operations, including treatment plants, distribution systems, and collection systems. The Director ensures that all systems operate efficiently and safely, and comply with environmental regulations, including the Safe Drinking Water Act and other governing standards. The position also oversees the preparation of required regulatory reports, permit applications, and compliance documentation, ensuring the City maintains a strong regulatory posture.

The Director serves as a key representative of the City, engaging with residents, elected officials, regulatory agencies, and professional organizations. This includes responding to citizen concerns, presenting information to City Council, and participating in regional and industry groups such as the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District and the Georgia Association of Water Professionals

The successful candidate will possess:

Extensive technical expertise in water and wastewater systems, including treatment plant operations, distribution systems, and collection systems, with a deep understanding of maintenance and operational best practices 

Demonstrated leadership experience overseeing utility operations, including supervising staff, managing performance, and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement 

Strong operational knowledge of both publicly managed and contracted service delivery models, with the ability to evaluate and implement the most effective approach for the City 

Experience managing organizational change, with the ability to lead restructuring efforts, build systems, and establish clear processes and expectations in a newly created leadership role 

Proven financial and analytical skills, including experience conducting or overseeing rate studies, budget development, and aligning financial strategies with infrastructure needs 

Capital project management experience, including planning, coordinating, and delivering infrastructure projects on time and within budget 

Comprehensive knowledge of regulatory compliance, including state and federal requirements governing water and wastewater systems 

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage elected officials, City leadership, staff, contractors, and the public 

A collaborative leadership style, capable of working closely with City Administration to align departmental operations with broader organizational goals 

A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset, with the ability to make sound decisions, manage competing priorities, and perform effectively under pressure 

Commitment to safety and workforce development, ensuring staff are properly trained, certified, and operating in a safe and compliant environment 

Required certifications, including a Class 1 Wastewater Plant Operator License and/or a Class 2 Water Plant Operator License, or the ability to obtain within one year of hire

Hiring Range

$115,000 - $125,000

Application Process

For more information on this position, including supplementary documents and resources, visit the recruitment webpage at:

https://sumterlocalgovconsulting.com/recruitments/water-and-sewer-director-fayetteville-ga/

The first round of resume reviews will take place on May 29, 2026.

Please refrain from contacting the City of Fayetteville’s staff or elected officials. Please direct inquiries to Sumter Consulting.

Please contact the Executive Recruiter with any questions or concerns: 

Billy Grogan 

Email: billy@sumterconsulting.com

Phone: 770-403-8086 

Website: www.sumterlocalgovconsulting.com