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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Water Manager

💰 $ - $

Water ManagementUtilitiesEnvironmentalOperationsPublic Works

🎯 Role Definition

The Water Manager is an experienced operations and technical leader responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating all aspects of municipal or industrial water system operations — including treatment, distribution, regulatory compliance, asset management, capital projects, and staff leadership. This role ensures reliable, safe drinking water and/or properly treated process water by enforcing standards set by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), state regulatory agencies, and local policies while optimizing system performance, budgets, and customer service.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Water Treatment Plant Operator III / Senior Operator
  • Distribution System Supervisor / Crew Lead
  • Environmental or Civil Engineer (water resources entry level)

Advancement To:

  • Director of Water Utilities / Utilities Manager
  • Assistant Director of Public Works (Utilities)
  • Senior Water Resources Manager / Regional Operations Director

Lateral Moves:

  • Asset Management Manager (Water)
  • Regulatory Compliance Manager / Environmental Compliance Lead

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Oversee daily operations of water treatment and/or distribution systems, ensuring continuous supply, system reliability, and compliance with federal and state drinking water regulations (SDWA, MCLs) and applicable permits.
  • Manage and lead multi-disciplinary operations teams including operators, technicians, maintenance staff, and field crews; handle hiring, training, performance reviews, disciplinary actions, and succession planning.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive preventive maintenance programs for pumps, valves, treatment trains, chemical feed systems, and SCADA/PLC equipment to reduce downtime and extend asset life.
  • Establish and monitor water quality sampling programs and laboratory testing protocols, review analytical results, and implement corrective actions to maintain compliance with bacteriological, chemical, and physical water quality standards.
  • Direct and manage SCADA/telemetry systems and HMI operations; coordinate upgrades, cybersecurity protections, alarm management, and remote monitoring strategies for improved system control and incident response.
  • Prepare, administer, and monitor annual operating and capital budgets for the water utility; track expenditures, forecast financial needs, identify cost-saving measures, and present budgetary recommendations to leadership and/or governing boards.
  • Lead capital improvement planning and execution for treatment, distribution, and source water projects: develop scopes, evaluate design options, manage procurement, oversee contractors, and ensure projects meet schedule, budget, and quality requirements.
  • Ensure regulatory compliance by preparing and submitting required reports, permit applications, DMRs/SDWIS data, sanitary surveys, and maintaining accurate regulatory records; act as primary liaison with state primacy agency, EPA, and local health departments.
  • Manage emergency response and contingency plans for water quality incidents, power outages, natural disasters, contamination events, and security threats; coordinate response with incident command, public health, and first responders.
  • Implement and maintain cross-connection control, backflow prevention, and source water protection programs to minimize contamination risk to potable water supplies.
  • Direct leak detection, valve exercising, hydrant flushing, and meter maintenance programs to maintain distribution integrity, minimize non-revenue water, and protect public safety.
  • Oversee procurement and inventory management for chemicals, parts, and critical equipment; negotiate vendor contracts, manage service agreements, and evaluate supplier performance to ensure uninterruptible operations.
  • Coordinate with engineering staff and consultants to review design documents, perform hydraulic modeling (EPANET, H2ONet), and ensure new developments and pipeline replacements meet the system’s operational and regulatory standards.
  • Lead asset management activities including condition assessment, lifecycle planning, criticality ranking, and implementation of computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) such as Cityworks or Maximo.
  • Develop and administer comprehensive safety and training programs including confined space entry, lockout/tagout, CPR/First Aid, and hazard communication; ensure OSHA and state safety compliance and maintain safety metrics.
  • Prepare technical reports, board memos, presentations, and public notices for elected officials, utility boards, and the community; translate technical findings into clear recommendations and communicate project impacts effectively.
  • Oversee billing coordination and meter program improvements by collaborating with finance and customer service teams to ensure accurate metering, rate studies input, and timely customer communications during service interruptions.
  • Manage permitting and compliance for source water withdrawals, discharge permits (if applicable), and construction permits; coordinate environmental reviews and mitigation measures as required.
  • Lead initiatives to modernize operations through digitalization: drive data-driven decision making, implement performance dashboards, and apply predictive maintenance analytics to improve reliability and reduce costs.
  • Coordinate with local planning and development stakeholders to ensure new land uses, stormwater projects, and development approvals protect water sources and align with long-term water supply planning.
  • Administer grants, loans, and funding applications (e.g., state revolving funds, USDA, FEMA) for capital projects and resiliency improvements; manage grant compliance, reporting, and procurement for funded projects.
  • Oversee customer outreach and public education campaigns related to water quality advisories, conservation programs, drought restrictions, and infrastructure projects to maintain public trust and compliance with public notification requirements.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory analysis of operational and water quality data to inform decision-making and regulatory reporting.
  • Contribute to the organization's strategic water management plan, climate resilience initiatives, and long-term capital improvement roadmap.
  • Collaborate with IT and data teams to translate operational needs into SCADA/analytics requirements and prioritize digital transformation workstreams.
  • Participate in multi-departmental planning, emergency preparedness exercises, and community stakeholder meetings to coordinate cross-functional responses.
  • Mentor junior staff and provide subject matter expertise for internships, apprenticeships, and workforce development partnerships with technical schools and colleges.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Valid state Water Treatment/Distribution Operator License (e.g., Class III/IV or Grade II/III) or ability to obtain; familiarity with certification renewal and operator training programs.
  • Deep knowledge of federal and state water regulations (SDWA, CFR 40, state drinking water rules), permit compliance, and laboratory QA/QC protocols.
  • Operational expertise in conventional and advanced treatment processes: coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection (chlorination/chloramination/UV/ozone), softening, and chemical feed systems.
  • Proficiency with SCADA/PLC systems, telemetry, HMI troubleshooting, alarm management, and OT cybersecurity best practices.
  • Experience with hydraulic modeling (EPANET, WaterGEMS, InfoWater) and distribution system analysis including pressure management and fire flow studies.
  • Hands-on knowledge of asset management and CMMS platforms (e.g., Cityworks, Lucity, Maximo) for work order management, preventive maintenance scheduling, and lifecycle planning.
  • Ability to design and manage sampling programs, interpret laboratory data, and apply corrective actions for contaminants and exceedances.
  • Project management skills: preparation of scopes, RFP/RFQ development, contractor procurement, construction oversight, and change order management.
  • Budgeting and financial management: capital forecasting, O&M cost control, grant administration, and rate study participation.
  • Familiar with GIS for mapping infrastructure, assessing service areas, and supporting capital planning and field crew coordination.
  • Practical experience with safety compliance programs (OSHA, confined space, lockout/tagout) and implementation of workplace safety culture.
  • Strong technical writing skills for preparing regulatory reports, engineering memoranda, SOPs, and public communications.

Soft Skills

  • Leadership and people management: coach, motivate, and develop operational teams while fostering accountability and inclusion.
  • Clear verbal and written communication: present technical information to non-technical stakeholders, boards, and the public.
  • Strong problem-solving and critical thinking: evaluate complex operational issues, prioritize root-cause actions, and implement sustainable fixes.
  • Stakeholder engagement and diplomacy: manage relationships with regulators, elected officials, vendors, and community members.
  • Time management and organization: manage multiple concurrent projects and respond to operational emergencies effectively.
  • Decision-making under pressure: maintain composure during system outages, contamination events, and high-stakes regulatory interactions.
  • Continuous improvement mindset: champion process optimization, staff development, and innovation to improve service and reduce costs.
  • Attention to detail and data-driven orientation: ensure accuracy in compliance reporting, budgets, and technical documentation.
  • Negotiation and contract management: secure favorable terms with contractors and suppliers while ensuring delivery and compliance.
  • Training and mentoring: design on-the-job training programs and retain institutional knowledge through documentation and coaching.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate degree in water technology, environmental science, or related field, OR high school diploma with extensive water operations experience and required operator certification.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water Resources, Environmental Science, or Public Administration with utilities emphasis.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Civil Engineering (Water Resources)
  • Environmental Science / Water Technology
  • Public Administration with Utilities Management focus
  • Chemistry or Microbiology (beneficial for lab oversight)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 5–10+ years of progressively responsible experience in water treatment, distribution, or utility operations; including at least 3–5 years in a supervisory or management role.

Preferred:

  • 7+ years of combined treatment and distribution experience, proven record of managing capital projects, regulatory interactions, and a track-record of improving operational efficiency and compliance.
  • Possession of advanced certifications or credentials (e.g., Certified Water Professional, AWWA training, state-specific Class IV operator license) and demonstrated experience with grant-funded projects and digital system upgrades.
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