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Manager Water Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Water Field Operations Manager

Anaheim, CA ยท On-site

$162K - $243K/yr

Assume management responsibility for assigned services and activities of the Water Field Operations Division including water transmission and distribution, water production, water system operations ...

Ardurra is seeking a Project Manager - Water/Wastewater to join our team ideally in Newport Beach, CA ., but could be based out of any of our California offices. The Project Manager should have ...

Ardurra is seeking a Project Manager - Water/Wastewater to join our team ideally in Newport Beach, CA ., but could be based out of any of our California offices. The Project Manager should have ...

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Showing results 1-20

Manager Water information

See California salary details

$24.5K

$82.3K

$148.4K

How much do manager water jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager water in California is $82,288.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,388.00 and $106,735.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Manager Water vs Water Treatment Plant Supervisor?

AspectManager WaterWater Treatment Plant Supervisor
CredentialsBachelor's in Environmental Engineering or related field; often requires management experienceTechnical diploma or degree in water treatment or environmental science; relevant certifications preferred
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects or facilities, manages teams, and develops policiesSupervises daily operations of a water treatment plant, ensuring compliance and safety
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipalities, water utilities, environmental firmsWater treatment facilities, municipal water departments
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Manager Water typically holds a broader leadership role, overseeing multiple projects or facilities and developing policies, often requiring management experience and higher-level credentials. In contrast, the Water Treatment Plant Supervisor focuses on daily operational supervision of a specific water treatment plant, ensuring safety and compliance. Both roles are essential in the water industry but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Manager Water?

To thrive as a Manager Water, you typically need a degree in civil or environmental engineering, water resource management, or a related field, along with experience in water utility operations. Familiarity with water distribution systems, SCADA software, GIS, and regulatory compliance frameworks is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help manage teams and coordinate with stakeholders effectively. These competencies ensure the efficient, safe, and regulatory-compliant management of water resources and services.

What does a Manager Water do?

A Manager Water is responsible for overseeing the operation and maintenance of water supply systems within an organization or municipality. Their duties typically include managing teams, ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations, budgeting, and coordinating water treatment and distribution processes. They also develop policies to improve efficiency and address water quality issues, and often serve as the main point of contact for regulatory agencies and the public. Strong leadership, technical knowledge, and problem-solving skills are essential for this role.

What are some typical challenges a Manager Water faces in coordinating with multiple departments on water management projects?

As a Manager Water, one of the main challenges is ensuring clear communication and collaboration among various teams, such as engineering, environmental compliance, and operations. Projects often require input from multiple stakeholders, and aligning their goals and timelines can be complex. Additionally, navigating regulatory requirements while balancing budget constraints and resource availability adds to the challenge. Effective project management and strong interpersonal skills are essential to successfully coordinate these efforts and achieve project objectives.
What are the most commonly searched types of Water jobs in California? The most popular types of Water jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Manager Water jobs? Cities in California with the most Manager Water job openings:
Infographic showing various Manager Water job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,288 per year, or $39.6 per hour.

Construction Manager - Water Facilities

Cordoba Corporation

San Jose, CA โ€ข On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Overview

Cordoba Corporation is a leading engineering and program management firm based in California. We are seeking a Construction Manager to join our Water sector to manage a $180 million water treatment plant upgrade project. The Construction Manager will act as the owner's representative providing expert advice to the client as needed and oversee specific construction management functions including safety, risk, quality assurance, as built drawings and asset management. The position will also manage a SCADA and electrical inspection subcontractor as well as a plant shut down and start up specialist. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in construction management of potable water treatment facilities.

Responsibilities
  • Support the owner's team in managing construction activities for the potable water treatment plant upgrade, ensuring work follows project plans, specifications, and regulatory requirements.
  • Review submittals, RFIs, and change requests; maintain organized project records including logs, reports, and asbuilt documentation.
  • Assist with daytoday field coordination across civil, mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation/control disciplines, escalating issues to senior staff when needed.
  • Assist with cost tracking, pay application reviews, and quantity verification to support accurate forecasting and budget management.
  • Track construction progress against the schedule, identify potential delays, and communicate impacts to the project team.
  • Coordinate with plant operations staff and specialty subcontractors to plan and support shutdowns, tieins, testing, and startup activities.
  • Conduct field inspections, document deficiencies, and verify corrective actions in accordance with the project's quality management plan.
  • Participate in project meetings, prepare meeting notes, and follow up on action items with contractors, engineers, and client staff.
  • Ensure construction activities comply with potable water treatment standards, environmental requirements, and facility safety protocols.
  • Collaborate with SCADA and electrical inspection subcontractors to track progress, review findings, and ensure documentation is complete and accurate.
  • Maintain strong communication with the client, design team, regulatory agencies, and plant operations to ensure alignment and timely decisionmaking.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Construction Management required; Civil Engineering preferred
  • 1 year of professional engineering experience
  • 1 year of experience managing construction projects from RFI/submittal reviews and change orders to commissioning and closeout
  • Experience with safety and risk management on construction projects
  • Knowledge of current potable water treatment processes, systems, and regulations
  • Experience managing construction and inspection of potable water facilities including treatment and distribution systems
  • Experience interpreting specifications, preparing cost estimates and schedules for potable water infrastructure
  • Experience in developing and implementing quality management plans\
  • Experience with Bluebeam Revu and automated scheduling software
  • Proficiency using the Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Project
  • Ability to manage projects and collaborate with diverse teams of client and subconsultant technical and non-technical staffย 

Pay Range: $80,000 - $120,000 per year

Work Location: Onsite 5 days per week in Los Gatos, CA

Visa Sponsorship: Legal authorization to work in the U.S.A. on a full-time basis without sponsorship

Physical Requirements: Ability to pass a pre-authorized physical including a drug-screening and background check

Our Company

Cordoba Corporation, Making a Difference

Cordoba Corporation is a nationally recognized civil engineering, construction management, program management, and planning firm. Our expertise spans diverse sectors, including education and facilities, transportation, water, and energy. Collaborating closely with our clients, we have successfully delivered complex and high-impact infrastructure projects across California.

National Recognition - Cordoba's efforts have garnered national acclaim. Engineering News-Record (ENR) has consistently ranked us as a "top 100 construction management firm" and a "top 50 program management firm." Additionally, ENR recognized Cordoba as a "top 100 design firm" in California in 2018. Our business model emphasizes efficiency, fostering a dynamic work environment. We approach projects with multifaceted strategies, ensuring successful outcomes.

Statewide Presence - With headquarters in Los Angeles, Cordoba maintains a strong statewide presence. Our offices extend to San Francisco, Sacramento, San Ramon, Chatsworth, Santa Ana, Ontario, and San Diego.

Enhancing Employee Well-Being

Benefits and Perks: We offer multiple medical and dental insurance plans, as well as vision insurance. Plans are subsidized for both employees and dependents with coverage effective the first month after hire.ย  Additionally, Cordoba provides employees with paid AD&D and life insurance, a 401k with an industry leading employer match, generous vacation and sick leave accruals, 9 paid holidays, and other forms of paid time off.ย  We also offer flexible spending accounts (FSA's) including medical care reimbursement, dependent care reimbursement, and commuter benefit plans. Employees are also eligible for our employee assistance program and well-being benefits that include stress management, nutrition, and financial well-being.

ย 

Cordoba Corporation provides equal employment opportunities, promoting diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.

Harassment-Free Workplace: We strictly prohibit workplace harassment based on any factor, including race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Cordoba is committed to fostering a healthy and happy lifestyle for our employees, both within and beyond the workplace.

For inquiries or accommodations, please contact our HR Department at: (213) 895-0224.

Join Cordoba Corporation and be part of shaping California's future!

#LI-Onsite

Employment Type: FULL_TIME