Program Manager (Water Plant Manager)

City of Wichita; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Wichita seeks a Plant Manager for its new water treatment plant, overseeing operations and ensuring compliance with regulations. This role involves leading a skilled team to deliver safe drinking water to the community while driving operational excellence and innovation.

Qualifications

• Five years of water utility experience required.
• Three years of supervisory experience in a utility or industrial setting.

Responsibilities

• Oversees operations of a new water treatment plant.
• Develops budgets and controls expenditures.
• Implements safety programs and ensures compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory Compliance

Operational Excellence

Education

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Master’s degree

Job description

Are you ready to take on a key leadership role in Wichita’s water utility operations? The City of Wichita is seeking a forward-thinking Plant Manager for the Pumping and Production Division to oversee the successful startup and operations of a new, state-of-the-art water treatment plant. As the designated Operator in Responsible Charge, you’ll be at the helm of delivering safe, high-quality drinking water to over half a million residents. This leadership role offers a rare opportunity to be involved in the startup of the largest drinking water plant in Kansas, drive operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and continuous innovation in public utility services. You’ll supervise a skilled team, direct treatment operations, collaborate cross-divisionally, and represent the City in key strategic decisions—ensuring our community continues to thrive with reliable, safe drinking water. Your work matters here, and your expertise will be recognized, trusted, and valued.

Current Openings

Workdays and Hours - Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm

Bargaining Unit: Employee Council

Posting may close at any time

Responsibilities:

1. Develops and maintains processes to assure compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements.
2. Directs treatment and testing procedures to maintain required water quality.
3. Establishes policies and procedures and oversees all operations and maintenance of the water treatment plant and on-site pump station.
4. Troubleshoots complex treatment problems associated with pH, solids level, mixing intensity, chemical dosage, and biological processes and directs appropriate corrective actions.
5. Coordinates major plant activities to minimize disruption.
6. Coordinates with Distribution division to ensure water quality and pressures are maintained.
7. Develops budgets and controls expenditures.
8. Determines most cost-effective means to accomplish projects and tasks.
9. Plans, coordinates, and schedules projects in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
10. Oversees contractor activity for complex projects.
11. Oversees quality control and continuous improvement in the water plant, including responsibility for audits to ensure compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.
12. Optimizes treatment and distribution systems through modeling and scenario planning.
13. Implements safety programs and ensures conformance with safety regulations.
14. Supervises and evaluates shift supervisors.
15. Reviews and recommends additions or changes in personnel, facilities, equipment, and materials.
16. Prepares specifications and requisitions for purchase of equipment, contractors, chemicals, and other supplies.
17. Conducts research and provides consultative services as needed.
18. Assumes responsibilities of the Water Production and Supply Division Manager in their absence.
19. Monitors weather and forecasts daily water consumption and production requirements.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree or a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, or a bachelor’s degree in any field with five years of water utility experience.
• Three years of supervisory experience in a utility, utility plant, or industrial plant setting.
• Kansas Class IV Water Supply System Operator certification or equivalent; out-of-state candidates must obtain Kansas reciprocity within six months.
• Valid Kansas Driver’s license.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree.
• Eight years of supervisory experience in utility operations or plant management.
• Experience leading water utility capital projects, plant startups, and regulatory audits.

Offers are contingent upon passing a pre-employment physical, drug screening, and criminal record check.