Operations Supervisor 1 or 2 (Operator of Record)

National Rural Water Association; Washington; On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

NW Natural Water is seeking an Operations Supervisor (1 or 2, Operator of Record) in Coupeville, WA. The role leads field operators, ensures safety, regulatory compliance, and water quality, and coordinates emergency response. The level (1 or 2) depends on qualifications and WA regulatory ability.

The position requires travel and reporting to the Washington Operations Manager. The role supports staff development, performance evaluations, and regulatory documentation, including O&M manuals and

Qualifications

• Two or more years of experience covering all aspects of utility operations.
• Thorough knowledge of water and/or wastewater operations.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Valid driver’s license (or obtain within 90 days if out-of-state) and required certifications/endorsements.

Responsibilities

• Schedule, prioritize, and oversee daily work performed by field operators and technicians.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, water quality, and emergency response readiness.
• Provide leadership through coaching, training, mentoring, and performance management.
• Coordinate work activities to ensure efficient and reliable utility operations.
• Support regulatory inspections and audits as required.

Skills

Utility operations

Regulatory knowledge

Leadership

Driver's license

Job description

Operations Supervisor 1 or 2 (Operator of Record)

Non-Union Position
WTR-Water Services Management Staff-King Water; Coupeville, Washington (US-WA)
Regular FT, Non-Exempt
Posting # 5590

NOTE: Qualified candidates must be able to respond within two hours to their Coupeville, WA reporting location.

About Us:

NW Natural Water owns and operates water and wastewater utilities in communities throughout Texas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Since 2018, we have acquired more than 30 utilities and today serve more than 190,000 people via 76,000 connections.

Our parent company, NW Natural Holding Company (NYSE: NWN) (NW Natural Holdings), is headquartered in Portland, Oregon and has been doing business for over 165 years. The company operates through NW Natural Gas Company (NW Natural), SiEnergy Operating (SiEnergy), NW Natural Water Company (NW Natural Water), NW Natural Renewables Holdings (NW Natural Renewables), and other business interests, serving a combined population of over 2.6 million people.

The Role:

The Operations Supervisor is responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of assigned water and wastewater systems. This position provides leadership, technical guidance, and operational direction to field operators and technicians while ensuring regulatory compliance, water quality, customer service, and emergency response readiness.

Placement as an Operations Supervisor 1 or Operations Supervisor 2 (Operator of Record) will be determined based on qualifications, experience, certifications, and the ability to meet Washington regulatory requirements. Operations Supervisor 2 serves as the designated Operator of Record (OOR) and assumes full accountability for regulatory compliance and system operations.

Day to Day:

• Schedule, prioritize, and oversee daily work performed by field operators and technicians.
• Ensure operational requirements, service levels, and project objectives are achieved.
• Provide leadership through coaching, training, mentoring, and performance management.
• Conduct employee performance evaluations in accordance with company guidelines.
• Develop staff capabilities and support certification attainment and career progression.
• Coordinate work activities to ensure efficient and reliable utility operations.

Regulatory Compliance & Documentation:

• Ensure all compliance sampling, monitoring, and reporting requirements are completed accurately and on time.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Ensure compliance issues and violations are properly communicated, documented, and resolved.
• Maintain operational and compliance documentation, including:
• Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Manuals
• Emergency Response Plans
• Sampling Plans
• Regulatory and compliance records
• Support regulatory inspections and audits as required.

Operator of Record Responsibilities (Operations Supervisor 2 Only)

• Serve as the designated Operator of Record (OOR).
• Maintain accountability for regulatory compliance, system integrity, and protection of public health.
• Ensure compliance with Washington Department of Health requirements and all applicable Operator of Record obligations.
• Provide technical oversight of treatment, distribution, and operational programs.

Emergency Response & System Reliability

• Coordinate and oversee after-hours emergency response activities.
• Dispatch staff, equipment, and resources to address emergencies and operational disruptions.
• Direct responses to system failures, water quality concerns, and urgent service issues.
• Ensure emergency response protocols remain current and effective.

Stakeholder Support & Communication

• Support management of customer, client, and stakeholder communications.
• Coordinate with internal teams, contractors, consultants, and regulatory agencies.
• Complete additional assignments and operational priorities as directed by the Washington Operations Manager.

Safety

• Ensure compliance with all company policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
• Promote a strong safety culture and adherence to operational best practices.
• Maintain compliance with company standards related to workplace conduct, safety, and operational expectations.

Come on your first day with:

Operations Supervisor 1

• Two or more years of experience covering all aspects of utility operations.
• Thorough knowledge of water and/or wastewater operations.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Valid driver’s license (or obtain within 90 days if out-of-state), required certifications/endorsements, and satisfactory driving record.
• Preference for one or more of the following certifications at hire; must obtain a Level 1 certification within one year of employment:
• Water Distribution I or II
• Water Treatment Plant Operator I or II
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I or II
• Cross Connection Specialist (CCS)

Operations Supervisor 2 (Operator of Record)

• Five or more years of progressively responsible water utility operations experience.
• Experience with regulatory compliance, system oversight, and leading field operations.
• Must meet all requirements to serve as an Operator of Record under Washington regulations.
• To meet regulatory requirements for a Satellite Management Agency (SMA) certification in Washington, the following certifications are required at a minimum:
• Water Distribution Manager 2 (WDM 2)
• Water Treatment Plant Operator 2 (WTPO 2)
• Cross Connection Specialist (CCS)
• Ability to maintain certifications in good standing and obtain higher-level certifications as required for system size and complexity.
• Valid driver’s license (or obtain within 90 days if out-of-state), required certifications/endorsements, and satisfactory driving record.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The working environment will be outdoor and indoor conditions depending on the specific supervisory role and need. This position requires decision and leadership ability, at times in emergency situations. Safety procedures must always be followed. Employees may be exposed to hazardous materials, confined space, electrical components, and heavy equipment such as backhoes, dump trucks and sewer flushing vehicles. Employees must be in a physical condition that will allow personnel access into typical industrial processing plant facilities and equipment

What we offer:

Health & Wellness –

• Rich health insurance benefits with competitive employer contribution
• Free access to an online wellness resources platform

Work Life Balance –

• Accrue up to 15 Vacation Days annually
• 13 paid holidays
• 3 weeks paid parental leave

Financial –

• Competitive 401K company contribution and match
• 15% discount on NW Natural stock through Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Up to $5250 a year in tuition reimbursement

Base salary range:

This position may be filled at either level based on qualifications:

• Operations Supervisor 1: $34.37 – $52.24 per hour
• Operations Supervisor 2 (Operator of Record): $38.50 – $51.32 per hour

Deadline: 10/22/26

Disclosure:

We are a drug free workplace and we comply with Federal Drug Free Workplace Act and Department of Transportation regulations. NW Natural Water participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

E-Verify Information

NW Natural participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

NW Natural Water does not accept unsolicited submissions or assistance from search firms for posted positions. Resumes submitted by search firms working under a valid and current written contract with NW Natural Water valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from NW Natural Water HR/Employment will be deemed the sole property of NW Natural Water. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by NW Natural Water as a result of the referral or through other means.