Water Operations Manager

NW Natural; Coupeville (WA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 139,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Wellness platform access

Vacation days: 15 annually

Paid holidays: 13

Parental leave: 3 weeks

401K match

Stock purchase discount: 15%

Tuition reimbursement: up to $5250

Job summary

NW Natural Water is seeking a seasoned operations manager for Whidbey Island service area. You will oversee water distribution and treatment, manage client relationships, and lead staffing, budgeting, and policy adherence to deliver reliable service.

The role requires at least five years in utility operations, relevant certifications, and a focus on safety and regulatory compliance. Compensation includes strong benefits and potential for career growth.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of experience in covering all aspects of utility operation.
• Demonstrated leadership and direction for projects, initiatives, or teams, with or without formal supervisory responsibility.
• Comprehensive knowledge of laws and regulations that apply to various governing agencies.
• Thorough knowledge of water and wastewater system operations, as applicable.
• Valid driver’s license and required certifications, and satisfactory driving record.
• WDM1, WTPO1 and CCS certifications are required; WDM2/WTPO2/CCS preferred.

Responsibilities

• Administer the operation of water distribution and water treatment for clients within department service area.
• Manage client communications, including written status reports, email, phone, and in-person meetings.
• Facilitate preparation of annual client budgets and midyear adjustments; coordinate approvals and manage contracts.
• Maintain knowledge to ensure compliance with all federal and state rules and regulations.
• Develop and manage operations team; hire per staffing plan and complete training and certifications.
• Conduct scheduled employee staffing performance evaluations.
• Manage department budget through personnel utilization and other metrics.
• Comply with company policies, procedures, and safety regulations; grooming and uniform policy.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Client communications

Regulatory compliance

Staff development

Education

WDM 1 (Water Distribution Manager) certification

WTPO 1 (Water Treatment Plant Operator) certification

CCS (Cross Connection Specialist) certification

WDM 2 and WTPO 2 certifications (preferred)

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Non-Union Position; Up to 2 positions
WTR-Water Services Management Staff-King Water; Coupeville,Washington (US-WA)
Regular FT, Exempt
Posting # 5720

About NW Natural Water

NW Natural Water owns and operates water and wastewater utilities in communities throughout Washington, Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Texas. Since 2018, we have acquired more than 30 utilities and today serve more than 190,000 people via 76,000 connections.

About the Whidbey Island Team

Our Whidbey Island operations team plays a critical role in delivering safe, reliable water service to residential, agricultural, and commercial customers throughout Whidbey Island and portions of Island, Skagit, and Snohomish counties. With a local presence dating back to 1991, our team is responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair, and improvement of vital water infrastructure while ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. If you're looking for an opportunity to make a direct impact on the communities you serve while working alongside a dedicated team, we'd love to hear from you.

Position Summary:

Administer client relationship and operations management responsibilities pertaining to service agreement scope fulfillment in the areas of system operation, utility management, and management of client relationships. Major areas of management include staffing, water systems compliance, budgeting, and revenue generation.

• Administer the operation of water distribution and water treatment for clients within department service area. Execute all contractual deliverables in the areas of field operations and management services.
• Manage client communications, including preparation of written status reports, email, phone, and in person meetings as required.
• Facilitate preparation of annual client budgets and midyear budget adjustments. Coordinate client budget approvals and manage service contracts to meet budgets.
• Maintain current knowledge and understanding in order to ensure strict compliance with all federal and state rules and regulations.
• Develop and manage operations team, including responsibility to hire in accordance with staffing plan, develop staff to effectively provide services, and to complete training and gain certifications in accordance with company policy.
• Conduct scheduled employee staffing performance evaluations within Company guidelines.
• Manage department budget through personnel utilization and other metrics.
• Comply with all Company policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
• Comply with Company Grooming and uniform policy.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Qualifications:

• Five or more years of experience in covering all aspects of utility operation.
• Demonstrated experience providing leadership and direction for projects, initiatives, or teams, with or without formal supervisory responsibility.
• Comprehensive knowledge of laws and regulations that apply to various governing agencies.
• Thorough knowledge of water and wastewater system operations, as applicable.
• Valid driver’s license (or obtain within 90 days if out-of-state), required certifications/endorsements, and satisfactory driving record.
• WDM 1 (Water Distribution Manager), WTPO (Water Treatment Plant Operator) 1, and CCS (Cross Connection Specialist) certifications required.
• WDM 2 (Water Distribution Manager), WTPO (Water Treatment Plant Operator) 2, and CCS (Cross Connection Specialist) certifications preferred.

Working Conditions:

The working environment will vary from extreme outdoor conditions to indoor job duties. This position requires decision and leadership ability, at times in emergency situations. Safety procedures must always be followed. Employees may be exposed to hazardous materials, confined space, electrical components, and heavy equipment such as backhoes, dump trucks and sewer flushing vehicles. Employees must be in a physical condition that will allow personnel access into typical industrial processing plant facilities and equipment.

What we offer:

Health & Wellness –

• Rich health insurance benefits with competitive employer contribution
• Free access to an online wellness resources platform

Work Life Balance -

• Accrue up to 15 Vacation Days annually
• 13 paid holidays
• 3 weeks paid parental leave
• Competitive 401K company contribution and match
• 15% discount on NW Natural stock through Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Up to $5250 a year in tuition reimbursement

Base salary range:$86,674.00-$138,678.00 per year, depending on qualifications

Deadline: 10/6/26

Disclosure: We are a drug free workplace and we comply with Federal Drug Free Workplace Act and Department of Transportation regulations. NW Natural Water participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

E-Verify Information
NW Natural participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

All applications must be submitted through NW Natural Water’s Electronic Application System. Resumes submitted via email, fax or mail will not be accepted in lieu of an electronic application.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

NW Natural Water does not accept unsolicited submissions or assistance from search firms for posted positions. Resumes submitted by search firms working under a valid and current written contract with NW Natural Water valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from NW Natural Water HR/Employment will be deemed the sole property of NW Natural Water. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by NW Natural Water as a result of the referral or through other means.

NW Natural Water is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and embrace our candidates’ diversity and take affirmative action to employ and advance individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, marital status, genetic information, and all other legally protected characteristics. We forbid discrimination and harassment in the workplace based on any protected status or characteristic. A criminal history is not an automatic bar to employment with NW Natural Water. Instead, we make individualized assessments regarding qualifications and backgrounds. NW Natural Water is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation as part of the application process, please contact us at [e-mail].