Operations Manager

Coastal Water Authority; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Coastal Water Authority is seeking a full-time Operations Manager based in Houston, TX to oversee daily water transport, facility maintenance, and system reliability. You will lead operational staff, coordinate schedules, and ensure safety, regulatory, and environmental compliance across CWA facilities.

Responsibilities include monitoring performance, reviewing reports, and implementing process improvements while collaborating with engineering, finance, and partners such as Houston Public

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• Experience overseeing water/utility or infrastructure operations.
• Knowledge of safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements for public utilities.
• Strong leadership, supervision, and staff development abilities.
• Analytical mindset with ability to interpret operational data.
• Effective collaboration with internal teams and governmental partners.
• Proficiency with operational software and reporting tools.
• Experience in a governmental or regulated utility environment is beneficial.
• Ability to work on-site in Houston, TX and support after-hours activities as needed.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations related to water transport and facility maintenance.
• Manage operational staff, schedules, and resource allocation.
• Ensure safety, regulatory, and environmental compliance across facilities.
• Monitor performance, review reports, and implement efficiency improvements.
• Collaborate with engineering, finance, and external partners including Houston Public Works.
• Develop and enforce standard operating procedures and emergency response programs.
• Contribute to long-term planning for infrastructure and resource management.

Skills

Operations management

Team leadership

Analytical skills

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Software proficiency

Strategic planning

Public sector experience

On-site work

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations management, public administration, or related field

Job description

Company Description

The Coastal Water Authority (CWA) is a governmental agency and political subdivision of the State of Texas serving Harris, Chambers, and Liberty Counties. Established in 1967 as a conservation and reclamation district, CWA is responsible for transporting and delivering water, and for acquiring, constructing, and operating facilities necessary to support these services. CWA finances its operations through revenue bonds payable from water conveyance contracts and does not have taxing authority. The organization is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors appointed by the Mayor of Houston and the Governor of Texas, ensuring regional representation and oversight. CWA also operates the Lake Houston Dam and Reservoir and collaborates closely with Houston Public Works to support reliable water infrastructure for the region.

Role Description

The Operations Manager is a full-time, on-site role based in Houston, TX, responsible for overseeing daily operations related to water transport, facility maintenance, and system reliability. This role manages operational staff, coordinates schedules and assignments, and ensures compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards across CWA facilities. The Operations Manager monitors operational performance, reviews reports and data, and implements process improvements to optimize efficiency and service delivery. They collaborate with engineering, finance, and external partners, including Houston Public Works, to support projects, address operational issues, and maintain strong stakeholder communication. The position also involves developing and enforcing standard operating procedures, supporting emergency response efforts, and contributing to long-term planning for infrastructure and resource management.

Qualifications

• Operations management skills, including facility oversight, scheduling, and resource allocation.


• Experience with water, utility, or infrastructure systems and familiarity with maintenance practices.


• Knowledge of regulatory compliance, safety standards, and environmental requirements relevant to public utilities.


• Strong leadership abilities, including team supervision, performance management, and staff development.


• Analytical and problem-solving skills for interpreting operational data and addressing complex issues.


• Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with internal teams, contractors, and governmental partners.


• Proficiency in using operational software, reporting tools, and basic office productivity applications.


• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations management, public administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience.


• Experience in a governmental, public sector, or regulated utility environment is beneficial.


• Ability to work on-site in Houston, TX and participate in occasional after-hours or emergency response activities as needed.