Project Engineer, Environmental Engineer

Project Engineer – Water Resources Department

Salary Grade SG 411 – Recruitment Range Starting at: $81,445.00. Salary offered will be determined based on directly related experience.

Location:

653 Veterans Pkwy., Clayton, NC (Johnston County).

The Town of Clayton is seeking a licensed Professional Engineer in North Carolina to provide professional engineering expertise and administrative support for capital projects, focusing on design, development, and long‑range planning for the Town. The position requires complex problem‑solving, technical decision‑making, and data‑driven analysis to support infrastructure development and maintenance.

• Provide engineering design, analysis, and oversight for capital improvement programs, ensuring compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and municipal policies.
• Perform detailed engineering calculations, hydraulic modeling, and data analysis to support infrastructure planning and project development.
• Conduct long‑range planning for municipal infrastructure, assessing system capacity, condition, and future needs to inform capital improvement planning and funding priorities; oversee project management, including scope development, scheduling, budgeting, and quality control.
• Prepare and review engineering reports, feasibility studies, technical specifications, and construction documents for municipal projects; assist the Director in evaluating cost estimates, resource allocation, and technical feasibility.
• Manage consultant contracts, review design plans and specifications, and provide technical recommendations to optimize project outcomes.
• Conduct site inspections and field investigations to assess project progress, compliance with specifications, and adherence to engineering standards; negotiate easement agreements and right‑of‑way acquisitions.
• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and decision‑making support to capital project staff and municipal leadership.
• Assist the Finance Department in ensuring federally funded projects meet compliance requirements and prepare reimbursement requests for grant funding.
• Present engineering recommendations, project updates, and budget requests to Town Council and other governing bodies.
• Identify and implement innovative solutions to improve the efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of Town infrastructure.
• Support enforcement of municipal policies, safety regulations, and engineering best practices.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in North Carolina, or ability to obtain licensure within six months of hire.
• Experience with project management, contract administration, and engineering design principles.
• Strong analytical skills and problem‑solving abilities; ability to interpret engineering plans and specifications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical information to non‑technical audiences.
• Valid North Carolina driver’s license or ability to obtain one.

• Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience in long‑range infrastructure planning, asset management, and capital improvement program development.
• Certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP) or similar credential.
• Advanced proficiency in engineering software such as Civil 3D, HEC‑RAS, Water
  
  CAD, or SWMM.
• Knowledge of state and federal funding mechanisms, grant writing, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience in negotiation and acquisition of easements and rights‑of‑way.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including mentoring junior staff and leading cross‑functional teams.

• Minimum of four (4) years of progressive engineering experience related to municipal infrastructure, capital projects, or public works.
• Eight (8) or more years of engineering experience in municipal government, public utilities, or infrastructure planning preferred.

Applicants may be subject to criminal background checks, drug screening, and other standard employment verifications. The Town of Clayton is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers benefits including a retirement pension plan, 401(k) membership, paid vacation, sick and holiday leave, state health plan, and additional benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity – The Town of Clayton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Hiring salary will not exceed the advertised range unless approved by the Town Manager.