Manager of Maintenance

Middlesex Water Company; Oak Orchard (DE); On-site; USD 84,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Middlesex Water Company is seeking a Maintenance Manager to supervise maintenance for facilities, fleets, and plant equipment. The role ensures safety, regulatory compliance, and effective budgeting, collaborating with Engineering and Operations to optimize preventive maintenance and capital projects.

The position requires a strong background in water/wastewater systems, CMMS experience, and proven leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, or related technical field is preferred but not required.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the water and/or wastewater industry, including at least five (5) years in a management or supervisory role.
• Experience with CMMS, asset management, and maintenance planning is essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance activities for buildings, fleet, equipment, and treatment facilities.
• Lead safety, regulatory compliance, and SOP adherence across the department.
• Coordinate with engineering, operations, and external vendors for preventive maintenance and projects.
• Develop and manage budgets, staffing, and resource allocation for maintenance programs.
• Prepare performance evaluations and mentor maintenance staff to ensure continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Mechanical aptitude

Electrical aptitude

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Science or related field

Tools

CMMS

Microsoft Office

Engineering drawings

Job description

The word RIGHT stands for what we VALUE: Respect, Invest, Growth, Honesty and Teamwork.

Why join our team?

Tidewater Utilities, Inc. has been Delaware's premiere water company since 1964. We have created a work environment that promotes professional development and finding your passion. We understand the importance of our services and the individuals who uphold our reputation.

Joining our team means that you have a multitude of benefits that support you in and out of the workplace such as- full medical, dental, and vision benefits, 401k, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, and more.

The Maintenance Manager supervises and coordinates maintenance activities for Tidewater Utilities, Inc. buildings, fleet vehicles, construction equipment, and treatment plant equipment. These activities are coordinated with other departments, outside agencies, and provided direct and indirect of maintenance staff. Reports to the Director of Production and Maintenance and may assume the duties and responsibilities of the Director, for the Maintenance Department in his absence.

Work Performed:

Regulatory Compliance & Safety

• Under the direction of the Director, monitor, implement, and maintain enterprise-wide Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), policies, OSHA requirements, and other regulatory standards to ensure organizational compliance.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of contingency plans, emergency response plans, and enterprise policies and procedures.
• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture by ensuring compliance with all safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform supervisory on-call duties in accordance with the established rotation schedule and respond to operational emergencies as needed.

Operations & Maintenance Management

• Conduct bi-monthly meetings with the three Area Managers and senior operators to review completed work orders, discuss operational priorities, and coordinate upcoming work schedules.
• Facilitate bi-weekly meetings with Maintenance Supervisors to review service requirements across production areas, address maintenance team needs, and communicate critical operational information.
• Gather, evaluate, and analyze maintenance data and work order trends to establish and improve preventive maintenance programs, standards, and schedules.
• Analyze maintenance performance metrics and prepare the monthly Maintenance Department Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Report for the Director's review.
• Assess work requirements, available resources, budget constraints, and staffing levels to determine the most cost-effective approach for completing work, whether through internal staff or contracted services.
• Provide maintenance support to White Marsh Environmental Services, Tidewater Utilities' unregulated contract business, for both planned and emergency maintenance activities.

Capital Projects & Strategic Planning

• Participate in the development and implementation of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), including project planning, budget development, and recommendations for capital investments.
• Assist in establishing and executing long-range departmental goals, strategic initiatives, and operational objectives.
• Review engineering and design plans for new facilities, capital projects, and plant upgrades in collaboration with the Engineering Department, Assistant Director of Production, and Area Managers.

Budgeting & Financial Administration

• Assist in preparing annual operating budgets, blanket capital budgets, and capital project budgets to support departmental and organizational objectives.
• Review and approve purchase orders for accuracy, completeness, budget compliance, and required supporting documentation.
• Prepare bid specifications and solicit competitive proposals for maintenance-related services, materials, and contracts, including uniforms, janitorial services, and grounds maintenance.

Vendor & Stakeholder Relations

• Serve as the Maintenance Department liaison with internal departments, contractors, regulatory agencies, and other external stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with vendors, contractors, and service providers to ensure effective and cost-efficient service delivery.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and support to Maintenance Supervisors and staff to promote employee development, operational efficiency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Prepare mid-year and annual performance evaluations for direct reports and review supervisory evaluations to ensure consistency, fairness, and alignment with organizational expectations.
• Support workforce development initiatives through coaching, mentoring, performance management, and succession planning efforts .

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, or a related technical field is preferred but not required.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the water and/or wastewater industry, including at least five (5) years in a management or supervisory role.

Technical Knowledge & Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of water and wastewater treatment processes, systems, equipment, and operations.
• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude, including a working knowledge of instrumentation, electronic controls, and process automation systems.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply technical drawings, blueprints, specifications, and engineering documents.
• Experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), work management, and asset management programs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate technical information to a variety of audiences.
• Strong reading comprehension, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage priorities, and collaborate effective with internal and external stakeholders.

Licenses & Certifications

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing maintenance activities in a regulated utility, industrial, or public works environment.
• Knowledge of applicable OSHA regulations, environmental compliance requirements, and industry best practices.
• Experience with capital project planning, budgeting, contract administration, and vendor management.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by any and all employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, stooping, crouching, or bending.
• Ability to lift light or heavy objects up to 50 lbs, uses tools and equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color and utilizes the sense of smell.
• The work is typically performed while indoors or outdoors, sometimes in cold inclement weather. The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, hazardous chemicals, and machinery with moving parts.
• The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.
• Salary Range: $84,000 - $125,0000 annually, based on experience and qualifications.
• Total Rewards Package Includes: - Medical, dental, and vision coverage (effective first of the month after hire).
• 401(k) with company match.
• Company paid life and disability insurance.
• Paid time off and 12 paid holidays.
• Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities.

Americans With Disabilities Act:

• The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, stooping, crouching, or bending.
• The employee frequently lifts light or heavy objects, uses tools and equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color and utilizes the sense of smell.
• The work is typically performed while indoors or outdoors, sometimes in cold inclement weather. The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, hazardous chemicals, and machinery with moving parts.
• The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

Work Authorization & Pre-Employment Requirements

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. All candidates must successfully pass a drug screen, pre-employment physical, background check, and possess a valid driver's license in good standing (if required for the position). Additionally, must be cleared by Department of Defense to access government facility.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Positions

For positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), the use of marijuana (including medical marijuana) or any controlled substances, whether prescribed or otherwise, is strictly prohibited under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Such use is a violation of federal law and will disqualify candidates from CDL-required positions.

Pay Transparency

This job posting complies with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Law (effective June 1, 2025), which requires employers to disclose salary ranges, benefits, and other compensation in job advertisements.

All legitimate communications from Middlesex Water Company and its subsidiaries will originate from the following email domains: @msg.clrco.com or @clearcompany.com.
Any outreach claiming to be from Middlesex Water Company or its subsidiaries that does not come from these domains should be ignored.

Middlesex Water Company and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Please note: No phone calls, please.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.