Water Systems Manager

City of West Allis; West Allis (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of West Allis seeks a Water Systems Manager to lead the water distribution team, ensuring safe, reliable potable water delivery. The role collaborates across departments, engages with the community, and guides capital and operation programs.

You will supervise field operations, oversee SCADA/GIS systems, and ensure regulatory reporting, budgeting, and cross‑connection programs are executed effectively. A DNR license and relevant degree or equivalent experience are required.

Qualifications

• Valid Wisconsin DNR Water Distribution Operator License.
• Associate degree in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, or related field with 4 years of public water distribution experience, or a high school diploma with 8 years of experience.
• Experience in public water distribution systems with regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operation, maintenance, construction, and repair of the water distribution system including watermains, valves, hydrants, services, two water towers, reservoir, and pump station.
• Plan, schedule, coordinate, and supervise field operations, maintenance, lab analysis, contractors, and material acquisition.
• Maintain records and supervise SCADA, GIS, and asset management workflow.
• Attend pre-construction meetings and coordinate with contractors on projects affecting water infrastructure.
• Develop training criteria and evaluate performance of Water Distribution staff.
• Monitor compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and prepare required reports.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Regulatory compliance

Education

Wisconsin DNR Water Distribution Operator License

Associate degree in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, or related field

High school diploma or equivalent with 8 years of experience in public water distribution

Tools

SCADA

GIS

Asset management software

Job description

Overview

The City of West Allis is seeking an energetic and highly professional Water Systems Manager who demonstrates direct, effective communication and the ability to build and nurture strong working relationships. We are looking for a collaborative leader who can confidently guide operations while partnering across departments and engaging positively with the community.

The Water Systems Manager oversees the installation, operation, and maintenance of the City’s water distribution system to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of potable water. This role is essential to protecting public health, optimizing system performance, and supporting long‑term infrastructure planning.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the operation, maintenance, construction, and repair of the water distribution system, including watermains, valves, hydrants, services, two water towers, reservoir, and pump station.
• Plan, schedule, coordinate, and supervise all field operations, maintenance, laboratory analysis, material acquisition, contractors, and related activities to ensure efficient use of personnel and resources.
• Oversee the underground utility locating service in response to Digger's Hotline requests.
• Maintain accurate facility, construction, operational, and maintenance records.
• Maintain strong working knowledge of SCADA, GIS, and the City’s asset management and service request software.
• Complete all required operating and maintenance reports, including federal, state, and local regulatory documentation.
• Attend pre‑construction meetings and coordinate with contractors on projects impacting City water infrastructure.
• Assist in developing and executing the utility’s operational and capital improvement program budgets.
• Monitor and interpret local, state, and federal codes, rules, and regulations related to water distribution.
• Develop written standard operating procedures and work methods for water crews.
• Coordinate and supervise the installation of water service taps.
• Oversee the water utility billing function related to metering and administration of the City’s billing services.
• Respond to emergency calls during off‑hours.
• Assist in coordinating the City’s cross‑connection program.
• Collaborate with the Engineering Department on construction projects and the lead service line replacement program.
• Notify water customers regarding interruptions in service.
• Prepare purchase requisitions and material reports.
• Review and approve invoices for payment in a timely manner.
• Develop work schedules for Water Distribution employees.
• Establish standard training criteria for new and existing employees.
• Evaluate the performance of employees under direct supervision.

Qualifications

• Possess a valid Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Water Distribution Operator License and
• Associate degree in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, or a related field and at least 4 years of recent paid experience in public water distribution systems;
• OR High school diploma or equivalent and at least 8 years of recent paid experience in public water distribution systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Public Service Commission requirements
• Experience with water utility billing
• Previous supervisory experience