Water Distribution Manager: Lead Team, Ensure Safe Water

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 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.