Supervisor, Field Operations

American Water Co.; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water seeks a supervisor to oversee daily operations of water and wastewater facilities and distribution systems, ensuring safety, environmental compliance, and reliable service. You will lead a team, monitor performance against budgets, and implement improvements across operations.

The role requires a 2- to 4-year degree and 3–5 years of supervisory experience in water/wastewater or utilities, with a focus on regulatory targets and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the regulated water/wastewater business within the region and the regulations impacting the business
• Understanding of management theories, practices, and trends in operations

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of water and/or wastewater plant(s), operations and/or distribution systems.
• Ensure local operations meet regulatory targets and standards.
• Implement cost-effective solutions to improve efficiency and customer service.
• Lead and develop employees, including time and attendance and workforce management.
• Collaborate with other functional leads to mitigate business risks and drive performance.

Skills

Water systems knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Leadership

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's degree

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.

Manages the day-to-day operations of water and/or wastewater plant(s), operations and/or distribution systems in accordance with Company policies and procedures and all applicable governmental laws and regulations.

Key Accountabilities

• Assist with preparing and controlling local construction, operations, and maintenance within established budget limitations.
• Establish a program that will ensure all EPA Partnership for Safe Water Goals will be met on a period-by-period basis.
• Ensure local water and/or wastewater operations meet the required standards and are in compliance with regulatory targets.
• Supervise 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.
• Develop and direct cost effective solutions to meet customers’ expectations and technical requirements and to encourage best practice and innovation throughout all operational areas.
• Implement effective reporting processes. Provide analysis and support to Production and/or Network Director 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

Experience/Education

• 2 year or 4 year degree in operational discipline, management, or related technical discipline or equivalent.
• 3-5 years experience in supervising operational areas and operating units, and managing and meeting performance targets preferrably in the water/wastewater industry or utilities sector.

Schedule

• Monday - Friday 7am - 3pm
• On call responsibilities one week a month

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.