Distribution Team Lead

Aqua Virginia; Kankakee (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, seeks a Distribution Team Lead to supervise water treatment facility operations, upgrades and capital projects across our footprint. You will lead technicians, coordinate with vendors, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards, including filtration systems and chemical handling, while promoting safety and reliability.

You’ll apply your engineering background to optimize processes, manage multiple projects, and mentor staff while delivering safe,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, chemistry or related field preferred.
• Minimum 3 years in water treatment operations and/or capital improvement projects; multi-project management preferred.
• 3 years of lead or supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitors and analyzes operation of water purification facilities; ensures regulatory compliance.
• Identifies improvements to enhance performance and cost efficiency.
• Provides technical guidance to technicians and facility operators.
• Assists in cost-effective improvements and manages vendor/contractor services.
• Prepares monitoring reports and maintains facility records and documentation.
• Oversees construction, major repairs, and capital projects; supports complex equipment operation.
• Interacts with vendors, contractors, engineers, and plant staff.
• Assists in capital project cost development and operating budgets.
• Addresses elevated customer questions and concerns regarding water services.
• Coordinates sludge removal and chemical deliveries for facility operations.

Skills

Microsoft Office

GIS software

Communication skills

Customer service

Leadership

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Tools

GIS-based applications

Job description

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people in a variety of roles within our eight-state footprint, ranging from field workers and customer service representatives who are on the front lines working with customers, to scientists and engineers who help ensure we're delivering reliable water and wastewater services to our communities. If you're looking for a rewarding career helping improve our environment and protect our natural resources, we encourage you to join our team!

About Essential Utilities

Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities.

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status - including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as a commitment to career growth opportunities.

We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.

Our company is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S.

The Distribution Team Lead

acts as a technical expert in the operation, maintenance, repair and construction for potable water purification facilities, including but not limited to green sand filters, manganese dioxide filters, radium filters, uranium filters, fluoride filters, nitrate filters, ion exchange facilities, and reverse osmosis facilities. Ensures that all operations are in accordance with all applicable company and regulatory rules and requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Monitors operations of water purification facilities including testing and analysis required for proper operation and reporting to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and industry best practices.
• Makes recommendations on improvements and upgrades needed to improve operational performance and cost efficiency.
• Provides technical advice and guidance to utility technicians and facility operators as needed to address issues and develop skills.
• Identifies, evaluates, and recommends cost-effective improvements in system operations including vendor and contractor services relating to the operation of all assigned facilities.
• Prepares monitoring reports as required for regulatory review. Updates and maintains facility records and related documentation including blueprints, equipment manuals and operating data.
• Oversees and provides the highest level of technical assistance during construction of new installations, major repairs, and capital construction projects including working on the most complex filters, sludge tanks, pumps, motors, blowers and other equipment needed for proper facility operation.
• Interfaces with vendors, contractors, consulting engineers and plant staff regarding water and/or wastewater systems under company ownership.
• Assists in the cost development of capital projects within the water operations and assists in the development of operating budgets.
• Handles elevated responses to customer questions and/or concerns regarding water services.
• Coordinates the removal of sludge and delivery of chemicals and supplies needed for facility operations.
• Leads and/or assists with other tasks or projects as assigned

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function(s).

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, chemistry or a related field preferred. Exceptional work experience may be considered as equivalent to the education requirement at the discretion of the hiring team.
• A minimum of 3 years in water treatment system operations and/or capital improvement projects with demonstrated management of multiple projects preferred.
• Three years previous lead or supervisory experience preferred
• Prior experience managing & reconciling inventory preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Proficient with computers including use of the Microsoft Office Suite, and other maintenance and GIS-based applications
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills; communicate effectively (clearly, concisely and professionally)
• Strong customer service skills
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• A team player able to work effectively in a team fostered multi-tasking environment

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• May be subject to extreme temperatures, noise, wet and/or humid conditions, mechanical, electrical, gas exposure hazards, fumes, dusts, mists, gases and /or poor ventil