Superintendent, Operations

American Water Co.; Pacific Grove (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water in Pacific Grove, CA is seeking an Operations Superintendent to direct day-to-day management, development, and operations of water and/or wastewater facilities and staff. This role focuses on achieving reliable service, safety, and regulatory compliance while driving efficiency and value for customers.

The position requires overseeing regional construction and maintenance planning, managing budgets, and fostering collaboration with stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of regulated water/wastewater operations and regulatory trends.
• Strong leadership, coaching and people-management abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience managing operational targets and budgets is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Direct day-to-day management and operations of water/wastewater facilities and staff.
• Plan regional construction, operations and maintenance within budget.
• Ensure operational integrity, safety and environmental compliance.
• Lead performance improvements and cost-effective solutions.
• Engage with stakeholders, regulators and community partners.
• Provide analysis for reports, budgets and business plans.
• Develop and coach employees to build a diverse, high-performing team.
• Support business development opportunities in regulated and non-regulated markets.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Leadership

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Team building

Education

Bachelor's degree in operational discipline

High School Diploma

Tools

Microsoft Excel

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.

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity. In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k),Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!

• #LI-Onsite
• #LI-MR23

Primary Role

The Operations Superintendent directs the day-to-day management, development and operations of the facilities and personnel of the Company engaged in the functional area of water and/or wastewater operations.

Key Accountabilities

• Assists in planning regional construction, operations, and maintenance within established budget limitations
• Lead the implementation of standards, targets, policies, and plans to ensure the continuing and increasing operational efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability
• Ensure that operational integrity (quality, environment, reliability, health, safety, security, etc.) is maintained
• Controls materials through the preparation and recommendation of economical and efficient programs to meet cost effective solutions to meet customers’ expectations and technical requirements and to encourage best practice and innovation throughout all operational areas
• Involved in establishing and managing personal relationships and rapports with political, civic and key stakeholders within area of responsibility. Could interface with regulatory entities and represent company positions at regulatory proceedings and hearings
• Provide analysis and support to manager with information required for various reports, budgets, and business plans
• Implement and foster the coaching and development of employees, including idea generation, within respective functional areas.
• 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

Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of the regulated water/wastewater business within the region and the regulations impacting the business as well as applicable regulations, requirements, and trends within water/wastewater business
• Knowledge of company policies and procedures and management theories, practices, and trends.Expert knowledge of process and operational areas
• Knowledge of company policies and procedures and management theories, practices, and trends.
• Ability to manage a geographically diverse and dispersed organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (e.g., fluency, report writing, developing materials and presentations).
• Strong interpersonal skills (e.g., persuasion, negotiation, listening, cooperation, tact, diplomacy, problem solving, internal consulting, etc.)
• Excellent leadership skills and presence and strong team building, collaboration, and talent evaluation skills.
• Excellent quantitative skills (e.g., analytical, technical, problem solving).

Experience/Education

• Bachelor’s degree in operational discipline, management, or related technical discipline or equivalent experience preferred.
• High School Diploma or GED required
• 3-5 years managing operational areas and operating units, and managing and meeting performance targets.
• Previous experience managing a team is preferred.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Strong computer skills, especially Microsoft Office. Microsoft Excel skills preferred.

Travel Requirements

• Position is onsite Monday through Friday
• Role reports to: 511 Forest Ldg Rd,Ste 100 Pacific Grove CA 93950
• Local travel within service territory
• Availability for on-call duties is required at all times, including weekends and holidays.
• Frequent exposure to chemical and waste odors
• Must be clean shaven at all times while on duty.

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.