Water Operations Manager: Client Relations & Compliance

National Rural Water Association; Washington; On-site; USD 87,000 - 139,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Rich health insurance benefits

Online wellness resources platform

Vacation and holidays

Paid parental leave

401K matching

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

NW Natural Water is seeking a Water Operations Manager to oversee service delivery for Whidbey Island clients, administering operations, budgeting, and staffing to ensure safe, compliant water service.

This is a non-union, regular full-time exempt role based in Coupeville, WA. Requires five+ years in utility operation with WDM1, WTPO1, CCS; WDM2/WTPO2/CCS preferred. Base salary $86,674–$138,678 with full benefits. Deadline: 10/31/26. Includes health, retirement, and paid time off.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Leadership experience

Budgeting

Regulatory knowledge

Water distribution management

Water treatment knowledge

Driver's license

Job description

NW Natural Water is seeking a Water Operations Manager to oversee service delivery for Whidbey Island clients, administering operations, budgeting, and staffing to ensure safe, compliant water service.

This is a non-union, regular full-time exempt role based in Coupeville, WA. Requires five+ years in utility operation with WDM1, WTPO1, CCS; WDM2/WTPO2/CCS preferred. Base salary $86,674–$138,678 with full benefits. Deadline: 10/31/26. Includes health, retirement, and paid time off.