Project Engineer, Environmental Engineer

Overview

The Town of Clayton is seeking applicants for a Project Engineer for the Water Resources Department. The position requires a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in North Carolina and involves design, development, and long-range planning for municipal infrastructure.

Location:

653 Veterans Pkwy., Clayton, NC (Johnston County). Salary Grade SG 411;
Recruitment Range starting at $81,445. Salary offered will be determined based on directly related experience.

The Town of Clayton employs more than 340 full-time staff in areas including police, fire, and electric utilities, and offers a range of part-time positions in Parks & Rec, Library, and Cultural Arts.

• Provides engineering design, analysis, and oversight for capital improvement programs, ensuring compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and municipal policies.
• Performs detailed engineering calculations, hydraulic modeling, and data analysis to support infrastructure planning and project development.
• Conducts long-range planning for municipal infrastructure, assessing system capacity, condition, and future needs to inform capital improvement planning and funding priorities. Oversees project management, including scope development, scheduling, budgeting, and quality control for Town projects.
• Prepares and reviews engineering reports, feasibility studies, technical specifications, and construction documents for municipal projects. Assists the Director in evaluating cost estimates, resource allocation, and technical feasibility for various projects. Coordinates with internal departments and external agencies to ensure seamless project execution and regulatory compliance.
• Manages consultant contracts, reviews design plans and specifications, and provides technical recommendations to optimize project outcomes.
• Conducts site inspections and field investigations to assess project progress, compliance with specifications, and adherence to engineering standards. Negotiates easement agreements and right-of-way acquisitions with property owners to facilitate project implementation. Provides technical guidance, mentorship, and decision-making support to capital project staff and municipal leadership.
• Assists the Finance Department in ensuring federally funded projects meet compliance requirements and prepares reimbursement requests for grant funding.
• Presents engineering recommendations, project updates, and budget requests to Town Council and other governing bodies.
• Identifies and implements innovative solutions to improve the efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of Town infrastructure.
• Supports enforcement of municipal policies, safety regulations, and engineering best practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the Town’s infrastructure development and strategic goals.

• Bachelor s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of North Carolina, or the ability to obtain licensure within six (6) months of hire.
• Experience with project management, contract administration, and engineering design principles.
• Strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and the 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 the 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 (CIP) 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 (e.g., NCDOT, EPA, DEQ).
• Experience in negotiation and acquisition of easements and rights-of-way.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including mentoring junior staff and leading cross-functional teams.