Chief Water Operator

Madison Utilities; Madison (AL); On-site; USD 75,629 - 125,549; Full time

Job summary

Madison Utilities is seeking a Chief Water Operator to lead and oversee daily operations of our water treatment plants, wells, storage tanks, and booster stations in Madison, Alabama. This leadership role supervises a team of 12–15 employees, ensuring reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance while driving operational excellence.

The ideal candidate has a track record in water treatment operations, strong leadership, and outstanding communication skills, with ADEM Grade IV certification and

Qualifications

• Valid ADEM Grade IV Water Treatment Operator Certification.
• 5 years of utility operations and supervisory experience preferred.
• High school diploma or GED; associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to train and lead a team while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Ensuring compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.
• Compiling and submitting monthly reports to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM).
• Overseeing laboratory testing conducted in-house and through outside laboratories.
• Ensuring all safety policies and procedures are followed.
• Reviewing ongoing and completed projects.
• Identifying opportunities to improve operations and efficiency.
• Implementing initiatives that support the department's long-term success.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Water treatment operations

Team supervision

Communication

Education

ADEM Grade IV Water Treatment Operator Certification

High school diploma or GED

Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Join the Madison Utilities team as our Chief Water Operator and play a vital leadership role in providing safe, reliable drinking water to the community. If you are detail-oriented, possess strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, and have a proven track record in water treatment operations, we encourage you to apply. As the Chief Water Operator, you will oversee and coordinate the daily operation and maintenance of Madison Utilities' water treatment plants, wells, storage tanks, and booster stations. In this rewarding leadership position, you will supervise a team of approximately 12–15 employees, providing direction, training, task delegation, and performance oversight while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is a knowledgeable water treatment professional with demonstrated leadership experience and a commitment to operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and employee development.

Responsibilities

• Ensuring compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements
• Compiling and submitting monthly reports to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM)
• Overseeing laboratory testing conducted both in-house and through outside laboratories
• Ensuring all safety policies and operational procedures are consistently followed
• Reviewing ongoing and completed projects
• Identifying opportunities to improve operations and efficiency
• Implementing initiatives that support the department's long-term success

Qualifications

• Candidate must possess valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• A high school diploma or GED is required; Preference for candidates with associate’s or bachelor’s degree
• ADEM Grade IV Water Treatment Operator Certification (required)
• Five (5) years of utility operations and supervisory experience preferred
• Strong leadership, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Ability to effectively train, mentor, and lead a team while maintaining compliance with all applicable regulations

Compensation

$75,629 - $125,549 yearly