Superintendent, Field Operations

American Water Co.; Joplin (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Job summary

American Water seeks a Superintendent, Field Operations to lead day-to-day water and wastewater operations, ensuring safety, compliance, and reliable service. The role manages a team, coordinates between construction, operations, and maintenance, and drives operational efficiency within budget.

Based in Missouri, this on-site leadership position emphasizes people management, regulatory adherence, and continuous improvement while supporting 24/7 operations and regional travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience supervising water and wastewater operations.
• Knowledge of safety and environmental standards.
• Experience leading union workers preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise day-to-day water and wastewater operations in line with policies and laws.
• Coordinate regional construction, operations, and maintenance within budget.
• Train and develop personnel to maintain operational integrity and safety.
• Ensure permits, licenses, and rights-of-way are obtained for compliance.
• Collaborate with other leads to mitigate business risks and improve communications.
• Lead 24/7 operations with local and occasional regional travel.

Skills

Regulated water industry knowledge

Operational leadership

Union coordination

Regulatory compliance understanding

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Share Our Purpose. Be Yourself. Feel Valued.

People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.

We are Beautifully Different . We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role! Click here for more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey.

About American Water

American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

Job Title: Superintendent, Field Operations

Posting Start Date: 10/2/26

Job Description:

Primary Role

Supervises the day-to-day water and/or wastewater operations in accordance with Company policies and procedures and all applicable governmental laws and regulations.

Key Accountabilities

• Supervise and coordinate regional construction, operations, and maintenance within established budget limitations. (10%)
• Assures policies, procedures, programs and performance are adhered to ensure the continuing and increasing operational efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability. (10%)
• Train and develop personnel in proper operational integrity (quality, environment, reliability, health, safety, security, etc.) is maintained. (10%)
• Obtains all required permits, licenses, rights of way, etc. required for proper compliance. (10%)
• May be involved in customer service related issues. (10%)
• Implement and foster the coaching and development of employees, including idea generation, within respective functional areas. (10%)
• Support the Business Development function in the operational analysis pricing and integration of water and wastewater business opportunities in both the regulated and non-regulated markets Supports manger to ensure effective people management policies and practices are developed and implemented (e.g., time and attendance, workforce management, etc.) and ensure resources are developed and deployed appropriately.
• Continue to reinforce the importance of developing a diverse workforce.
• Work collaboratively with other functional leads to mitigate business risks.
• Implement effective communications at all levels of our operations. Provide effective leadership that will enhance our abilities to be flexible to changing business environments. Contribute to effective communication by listening and providing constructive feedback; supporting the creation of an open and honest work environment; cascading and sharing knowledge and information relevant to other members of the team and colleagues across the business. (40%)

Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of the regulated water business and the regulations impacting the business.
• Knowledge of process and operational areas.
• Knowledge of union contracts and the ability to lead union workers.
• Knowledge of regulatory and compliance standards in the water utilities industry.

Experience/Education

• Bachelors or equivalent experience
• Minimum 2-5 years experience in leadership utility operations.

Schedule/Work Environment

• Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm
• Leads a team of 9 union members
• Indoor and outdoor environment.
• 24/7 Operations
• Local and occasional regional travel

Licenses/Certifications

• Valid State drivers license with the ability to pass a motor vehicle report.
• DS3 Water License is preferred, not required.

#LI-BH1#LI-Onsite

Competencies

• Manages Complexity
• Ensures Accountability
• Directs Work
• Develops Talent
• Builds Effective Teams
• Balances Stakeholders

Join American Water... We Keep Life Flowing ™

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they arean individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.