Water Distribution Manager

Woodard & Curran; O’Fallon (MO); On-site; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee ownership

Career growth

Professional development support

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Woodard & Curran in Missouri is seeking a Water Distribution Manager to lead a 12-person team overseeing a large, 600-square-mile distribution system serving about 150,000 residents. You will manage operations, maintenance, and capital projects to ensure safe, reliable drinking water.

The role requires at least three years in water distribution leadership, Missouri DS-III certification or ability to obtain it within a year, and strong budgeting and regulatory knowledge.

Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience managing water distribution systems.
• Missouri Drinking Water Distribution Operator Certification Level DS-III or ability to obtain within the first year.
• Experience leading personnel and managing operational budgets.
• Working knowledge of Missouri drinking water regulations and distribution system requirements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record.
• High school diploma or equivalent; technical or vocational training is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of water distribution professionals, fostering safety and continuous improvement.
• Manage an annual operating budget of approximately $1.7 million.
• Oversee maintenance of more than 700 miles of water distribution piping and associated infrastructure.
• Direct a valve maintenance program, handling ~12,000 valves on a five-year rotation.
• Coordinate annual testing of ~5,800 fire hydrants for safety and readiness.
• Manage system flushing programs, including ~1,400 dead-end mains annually.
• Plan, prioritize, and execute maintenance, repair, and capital projects.
• Ensure compliance with drinking water regulations and operational requirements.
• Collaborate with clients, stakeholders, and internal teams to deliver service and performance.
• Support emergency response efforts and reliability initiatives.

Skills

Water distribution management

Budget management

Team leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Driver's license

Education

DS-III Certification

High School Diploma

Job description

Woodard & Curran is an employee-owned engineering, science, and operations firm dedicated to clean water, a safe environment, healthy communities, and happy people. We foster an inclusive, collaborative culture that supports professional growth, flexibility, and meaningful work, empowering our employees to make a lasting impact on our clients, communities, and the planet.

LEAD A TEAM THAT DELIVERS SAFE, RELIABLE WATER EVERY DAY

We're seeking an experienced Water Distribution Manager to lead our operations and maintenance team supporting Public Water Supply District #2 / East Central Missouri in St. Charles County, Missouri. This is an exciting opportunity to oversee critical public infrastructure, lead a talented team, and make a direct impact on the communities we serve.

If you're a hands-on leader who enjoys developing people, driving operational excellence, and managing large-scale water distribution systems, we'd love to hear from you.

Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am until 4:00pm.

What You'll Do:

As Water Distribution Manager, you'll oversee the operation, maintenance, and reliability of a large and complex drinking water distribution system serving approximately 150,000 residents across a 600-square-mile service area.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 12 skilled water distribution professionals, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Manage an annual operating budget of approximately $1.7 million, ensuring efficient and reliable system performance.
• Oversee the maintenance, repair, and reliability of more than 700 miles of water distribution piping and associated infrastructure.
• Direct a proactive valve maintenance program, exercising approximately 12,000 system valves on a five-year rotation.
• Coordinate the annual testing of approximately 5,800 fire hydrants to support public safety and system readiness.
• Manage system flushing programs, including the annual flushing of approximately 1,400 dead-end water mains to maintain water quality throughout the distribution network.
• Plan, prioritize, and execute maintenance, repair, and capital improvement projects across the system.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable drinking water regulations and operational requirements.
• Collaborate with clients, stakeholders, and internal teams to deliver exceptional service and operational performance.
• Support emergency response efforts and system reliability initiatives as needed.

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on critical public infrastructure while leading a dedicated team responsible for delivering safe, reliable drinking water to the communities we serve.

What We're Looking For:

• Three or more years of experience managing water distribution systems.
• Missouri Drinking Water Distribution Operator Certification Level DS-III or the ability to obtain it within the first year of employment.
• Experience leading personnel and managing operational budgets.
• Working knowledge of Missouri drinking water regulations and distribution system requirements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• High school diploma or equivalent; technical or vocational training is preferred.
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record.

Physical Requirements:

This position includes a combination of office and field-based work. Candidates must be able to:

• Regularly lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Walk active job sites and distribution system facilities.
• Climb ladders, stairs, and access utility infrastructure as needed.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Respond to operational and emergency situations when necessary.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow all safety procedures.

Additional Information:

Successful candidates will be required to complete a background check, pre-employment physical, and drug screening prior to employment.

What We Offer:

• Employee ownership and the opportunity to share in the company's success.
• Career growth and advancement opportunities within a national engineering and operations firm.
• The opportunity to lead a high-performing team serving a large and growing community.
• Support for professional development and industry certifications.
• Collaboration with experienced operators, engineers, scientists, and environmental professionals.
• Meaningful work that helps protect public health and ensure reliable drinking water service.
• A culture focused on safety, teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Join Our Team:

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced water professional looking to grow their leadership career while making a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Join Woodard & Curran and help deliver safe, reliable water while leading a team committed to operational excellence.

$95,000 - $105,000 a year

Depending on qualifications and experience.

Woodard & Curran offers a comprehensive benefits package.

For more information about our benefits & workplace policies visit Benefit & Policy Information - Woodard & Curran.

E-Verify Participation: Woodard & Curran participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. As part of this process, we provide access to the Right to Work & E-Verify postings.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accessibility: Woodard & Curran is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to non-discrimination and make employment decisions based on job-related factors. Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact Beth Sweitzer.

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