Water Distribution Manager

Socket.dev; O’Fallon (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee ownership

Career growth

Professional development

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Woodard & Curran is seeking an experienced Water Distribution Manager to lead a large public water system in Missouri. The role focuses on hands-on leadership, safety, and reliability for approximately 150,000 residents across a 600-square-mile area.

You will manage a 12-person team, a $1.7M operating budget, and more than 700 miles of piping, while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations and coordinating with clients on performance improvements.

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 first year.
• Experience leading personnel and managing operational budgets.
• Familiarity with Missouri drinking water regulations and distribution system requirements.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• High school diploma or equivalent; technical or vocational training preferred.
• Valid driver's license with good driving record.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operation, maintenance, and reliability of a large drinking water distribution system.
• Lead a team of 12 water distribution professionals with focus on safety and continuous improvement.
• Manage an annual operating budget of about $1.7 million.
• Supervise maintenance of over 700 miles of piping and related infrastructure.
• Coordinate valve maintenance and annual hydrant testing programs.
• Plan and execute maintenance, repair, and capital improvement projects.
• Ensure compliance with drinking water regulations and operational requirements.
• Collaborate with clients and internal teams to deliver strong service and performance.
• Support emergency response efforts and system reliability initiatives.

Skills

Water distribution management

Team leadership

Budget management

Regulatory compliance

Safety program

Education

DS-III Certification (Missouri)

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.

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 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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