Listing Summary

Bryan County is hiring a new Water and Sewer Director.  Bryan County is one of the fastest growing counties in the United States due to its proximity to Atlantic Coast, ports, and to Savannah, Georgia. Bryan County is unique in that it is completely bisected by Fort Stewart and because of this, has County facilities in two locations. Bryan County’s transportation infrastructure includes Interstates 95 and 16 that create easy access to the cities of Richmond Hill in the southern portion and Pembroke, the county seat, in the north.  Five county district commissioners and a countywide Chairman are elected as Bryan County’s governing authority to serve a four-year term. Bryan County’s day-to-day operations are overseen by a County Administrator who is appointed by the Commission. The 2023 annual budget is $261 million with over $150 million dedicated to water and sewer infrastructure due to the current rapid industrial expansion with the announcement of a Hyundai Electric Vehicle Metaplant. The incoming Hyundai plant, in addition to other large warehouse and production industries, is estimated to bring over 10000 jobs which will also spur residential growth in the area along Interstate  16.   The unincorporated area in northern Bryan County is largely rural and is expected to grow quickly. This growth necessitates a new membrane bioreactor wastewater treatment plant, new wells in an adjacent county, and required pipelines to expand for the needs of Hyundai and others. The engineering and construction bids for some of these projects have been completed. The total in planned improvements by 2024 is $300 million in infrastructure investment for water and sewer. This system will continue to expand to keep up with the current growth.  The Southern portion of Bryan County, including Richmond Hill, is also expanding with residential, commercial, and residential properties. Bryan County has an approved sewer agreement to redirect flow to a Richmond Hill water treatment plant and a new line is in the works for this purpose. As more subdivisions are constructed, considerations for integration with Richmond Hill and Bryan County infrastructure will need assessment.  Bryan County is growing and has developed plans to ensure that water and sewer availability keep up with the demand.  The Water and Sewer Director is responsible for managing the operations and maintenance of the County water and sewer systems  infrastructure and treatment facilities, including but not limited to, water wells and associated distribution systems, wastewater treatment plants, lift stations and related sewer collection systems infrastructure. The Water & Sewer Director reports to the County Administrator with daily work coordination through the Director of Engineering.

 

Find details about the position expectations by reviewing the recruitment brochure at www.mercergroupassociates.com

 

Bryan County is seeking an energetic and driven leader to serve as their next Water and Sewer Director. The successful individual must be a strong and visionary leader who is team-oriented, possesses exceptional communication skills, and utilizes a management style that supports mutual trust and openness among community stakeholders, City/County government officials, and outside review/permitting agencies. The successful candidate will have proven skills, knowledge, and experience in the management of a water/sewer department, providing a high level of expertise in the operations of the systems, asset management, and customer

responsiveness.  The successful candidate will be expected to articulate a vision of excellence, establish credibility, and consistency in delivery of services, motivate others within the department, and provide creative problem solving in response to water and sewer operational issues. Exceptional interpersonal skills and communication skills are critical in this role. The ideal candidate will have high energy and will seek opportunities to grow and develop the Water and Sewer Department, as well as building the foundation for implementing asset management and operational programs. The new Director must be a proven leader with the ability to function as an integral part of the management team under the direction of the County Administrator and working closely with the Engineering Director. A strong work ethic is a must for this position that requires involvement during normal operating hours as well as during emergencies in order to ensure the delivery of water and sewer services to the residents of Bryan County on a 24/7 basis.

 

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering, Public or Business Administration
• Five years previous experience in water and/or wastewater operation, maintenance, and construction activities; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience related to the management of public water and sewer systems, including a minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience.
• Georgia Class III Wastewater and Georgia Class III Water Treatment Operator Licenses required; Georgia Class I Wastewater Treatment Operator License preferred or must obtain within eighteen (18) months from date of hire.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Compensation & Benefits:  The expected starting salary range for this position is $95,000 - $110,000 (depending on qualifications of the selected candidate), with a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, long & short-term disability and life insurance.   Relocation expenses negotiable.  How to Apply:  Interested candidates must submit by email a cover letter, resume, at least five job related references with email and phone numbers, as well as salary history no later than February 2, 2023:  Lisa Ward, Senior Associate, Mercer Group Associates, at lisaward912@gmail.com. Any questions please call 706-983-9326.

 

Alan Reddish, Senior Associate, 107 Indigo Lane, Athens, GA 30606, Cell:  706-614-4961