Water Distribution Manager

West Des Moines Water Works; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

West Des Moines Water Works is seeking a Water Distribution Manager to lead the Distribution Department, overseeing operations, maintenance, repairs, and improvements of the distribution system. The role includes budgeting, staff management, safety, and regulatory compliance, reporting to the Superintendent and General Manager.

The successful candidate will supervise staff, plan work, manage inventory and assets, coordinate construction activities, and respond to emergencies.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications not explicitly stated in the ad; candidates should have strong leadership and supervisory experience in water distribution operations.
• Experience directing maintenance, repair, and improvement of a distribution system and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Establishes goals and objectives for the distribution department.
• Develops and implements distribution system practices meeting industry standards and regulations.
• Directly supervises Distribution Department employees and manages staffing, training, and evaluations.
• Schedules, assigns, and inspects water mains, valves, hydrants, and appurtenances work.
• Determines equipment and materials needed for distribution maintenance and procurement.
• Assesses asset condition and prioritizes maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement.
• Maintains accurate records including GIS and asset-management data.
• Responds to water service complaints and checks for leaks.
• Oversees contracts and ensures work meets specifications, safety, and schedule.
• Participates in annual budget development and monitors expenditures.
• Provides leadership during water distribution emergencies and coordinates response.
• Operates maintenance equipment as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Operations planning

Budgeting

Regulatory compliance

Safety management

Asset management

Emergency response

Personnel management

Scheduling

Stakeholder coordination

Tools

GIS

Asset management software

Job description

West Des Moines Water Works is now accepting applications for the Water Distribution Manager position. Under the general direction of the Superintendent and General Manager, plans, directs, manages, and evaluates the operations, maintenance, repair, and improvement of the West Des Moines Water Works distribution system. The Water Distribution Manager is responsible for the overall performance of the Distribution Department, including personnel management, work planning and scheduling, emergency response, regulatory compliance, safety, asset maintenance, budgeting, inventory, equipment, and coordination of distribution construction and maintenance activities. Exercises independent judgment and decision‑making within established policies, budgets, regulations, and organizational objectives. Provides direct supervision and leadership to Distribution Department employees and performs related duties as assigned.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Establishes goals and objectives for the water distribution department to ensure adequate operation and maintenance of the system and efficient use of existing staff resources
• Develop and implement distribution system construction, maintenance, and repair practices that meet or exceed industry standards; comply with applicable state and federal regulations; ensure efficient use of labor, materials, and equipment; and deliver high-quality services to utility customers
• Directly supervises Distribution Department employees, including assigning and reviewing work, establishing performance expectations, conducting performance evaluations, coaching and developing employees, addressing performance and conduct issues, participating in hiring and disciplinary decisions, approving leave and work schedules, and ensuring appropriate staffing and training
• Schedules, assigns and inspects repair work on water mains, valves, hydrants and appurtenances and on water service pipes, when necessary
• Determines equipment, materials and tools required for water distribution system maintenance work and recommends purchase of such equipment, materials and tools
• Evaluates the condition and performance of distribution system assets and develops short and long-term maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement priorities in coordination with the General Manager, Superintendent, Principal Engineer – Distribution and Development, and other appropriate staff
• Ensures that distribution system asset, maintenance, inspection, repair, and operational records are complete, accurate, and appropriately maintained, including GIS and other asset-management systems
• Assures customer satisfaction by responding to water service complaints through personal visits and checks water distribution system, including checking for leaks
• Orders equipment and materials needed for installation and repair of water distribution system in accordance with the approved budget and the applicable purchasing policy
• Ensures availability of an adequate inventory of water distribution system materials
• Ensures that safety practices are maintained in accordance with Federal, State of Iowa and Water Works standards within the water distribution system operations and promotes a safety culture within their work group
• Maintains a productive and close working relationship with the Water Distribution Coordinator, Water Production Manager, and Principal Engineer – Distribution and Development as well as other coworkers and other managers
• Provides leadership and direction during water distribution emergencies, including major main breaks, service disruptions, system pressure events, natural disasters, and other incidents; coordinates personnel, equipment, contractors, customer response, and communication with management and other agencies as appropriate
• Coordinates and oversees contractors performing work affecting the distribution system; monitors work for compliance with WDMWW specifications, safety requirements, schedules, and contractual requirements
• Participates in development and administration the annual Distribution operating and capital budget; identifies anticipated staffing, equipment, vehicle, material, contractual service, and infrastructure needs; monitors departmental expenditures against budget; and recommends future capital and operating requirements
• Operates water distribution system maintenance equipment, when necessary
• Performs other duties as assigned