1

Utility Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... public utility system maintenance, construction, and operations or a related public works area; INCLUDING, Three (3) years of supervisory, management, and/or program administration experience.

Operations Manager

Moreno Valley, CA · On-site

$141K - $198K/yr

Description Power up your career with Moreno Valley Utility. We are looking for an Operations Manager to oversee essential utility systems, optimize field operations, develop operational standards ...

Utility Operations Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$53K - $71K/yr

Our client is a Utility and Natural gas industry Leader looking for high-quality talent to make a ... Maintain and update operational databases, work management systems, and customer information.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Utility Operations Manager information

See salary details

$31K

$63.5K

$118.5K

How much do utility operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for utility operations manager in the United States is $63,456.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Utility Operations Managers face in coordinating maintenance and emergency response teams?

Utility Operations Managers often juggle the complexities of scheduling planned maintenance while ensuring teams are prepared for unexpected outages or emergencies. Balancing these priorities requires strong communication and adaptability, as resources may need to be redirected quickly when issues arise. Additionally, they must coordinate with other departments, such as engineering and customer service, to minimize service disruptions and maintain compliance with safety regulations. Successfully managing these challenges is key to ensuring reliable utility services and efficient team performance.

What does a Utility Operations Manager do?

A Utility Operations Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of utility services such as water, electricity, or gas. Their responsibilities typically include managing staff, ensuring compliance with regulations, maintaining infrastructure, optimizing efficiency, and responding to emergencies or service disruptions. They play a key role in planning, budgeting, and implementing operational improvements. Utility Operations Managers also coordinate with other departments and external agencies to ensure reliable service delivery and customer satisfaction.

What is the difference between Utility Operations Manager vs Utility Supervisor?

AspectUtility Operations ManagerUtility Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple departments, manages budgets, develops strategies, and ensures compliance across utility operations.Supervises daily work of utility staff, ensures safety, and manages operational tasks on a shift or team basis.
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or related field; certifications like CWE or OSHA are common.Often requires a high school diploma or associate degree; relevant certifications may include safety or technical training.
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, field sites, and operational facilities; involves strategic planning and oversight.Primarily on-site in utility plants or field locations; focuses on operational supervision.

While both roles are vital in utility companies, the Utility Operations Manager focuses on strategic oversight and management, whereas the Utility Supervisor handles daily operational supervision. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job opportunity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Utility Operations Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Utility Operations Manager, you need strong leadership skills, a solid understanding of utility operations, regulatory compliance, and a relevant degree such as engineering or business management. Familiarity with SCADA systems, asset management software, and safety certifications like OSHA are typically required. Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and team management skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient utility operations and effective coordination across teams and regulatory bodies.
More about Utility Operations Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Utility Operations Manager jobs? Cities with the most Utility Operations Manager job openings:
What states have the most Utility Operations Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Utility Operations Manager jobs include:
PW Utility Operations Manager

PW Utility Operations Manager

City of Tigard

Portland, OR • On-site

$113K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Overview At the City of Tigard, our talented, industrious, and innovative municipal government professionals have been providing essential services and recreational spaces to Tigard's growing community for over 60 years. City of Tigard team members enjoy meaningful work, a diverse and inclusive culture of belonging, job specific flexibility and opportunities for growth and advancement. Incorporated in 1961, Tigard is Oregon's 12th largest city and is part of the Portland metropolitan area.

OUR VALUES At Team Tigard, we are the ambassadors of our municipal services to the members of our community. We aspire to treat all people with dignity, respect, and care; to demonstrate the equitable and sustainable practices that are environmentally and fiscally sound, and to engage with each other as trusted colleagues to achieve excellence in all we do. We do the right things, and we get things done.

Examples of Duties The city constructed a new water supply source that began operating in 2016. At the time, supply and demand did not warrant completing the entire system build-out. Ten years later, with River Terrace 2.0 planning nearing completion, the water system master plan forecasts a need for additional supply capacity

This position will work with the engineering division project manager to plan, build, construct, and integrate the additional supply into the drinking water system. As a department, we are fortunate to have the city's emergency management program embedded in public works. With that, this position works closely with the emergency management staff to ensure that emergencies, specifically ones directly impacting drinking water, are mitigated by developing long- and short-term strategies.

This position will lead the division and serve as a key stakeholder in developing plans, implementing strategies, and ensuring operational needs are met. Data-informed decision-making is a key component of ensuring the division and the department are correctly resourced. This position will work with other department managers and lead the division to ensure that the organization continues to incorporate modern enterprise asset management tools, concepts, and policies, and proactively promote them to staff.

This position will also use this data to develop longer-term succession and resource planning, as well as annual budgets. The department has adopted and will continue to use modern tools to perform and track tasks, enabling our support staff to efficiently provide services to the community. This position will lead department efforts to understand industry trends, evaluate new technologies, and integrate tools and procedures to enhance service delivery.

The department, with the assistance of the engineering division, is undertaking a CIP to modernize water system assets. This position will be a key stakeholder, acting as the project owner, setting the schedule, managing customer expectations, and working directly with other project stakeholders and elected officials to ensure a smooth transition to new meters, reading methods, and utilization by the city and customers, with regard to the data collected. Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering, construction management, or water management, business or public administration, or a related field AND, Five (5) years' of increasingly responsible experience in public utility system maintenance, construction, and operations or a related public works area; INCLUDING, Three (3) years of supervisory, management, and/or program administration experience. LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS: Possession of a valid driver license with satisfactory driving history. Level IV Water Distribution Operator Certification from the State of Oregon, OR Professional Civil Engineer license to practice in the State of Oregon or the ability to obtain Oregon license within the first six months of employment.

Supplemental Information Union Representation: not applicable for this position. Schedule: This is a management position that needs to be available to staff, other division managers, community members, and elected officials, this position will be required to work on-site, except for one day per week. A typical workweek is four ten-hour days, Monday - Thursday.

How to apply: Please apply online. We do not accept applications via email. Applications must be received by Human Resources by the closing time/date.

IMPORTANT:In lieu of resumes and cover letters, the City of Tigard evaluates each applicant's work history and responses to supplemental questions. Please complete the application and answer the supplemental questions thoroughly to ensure our subject matter experts can appropriately evaluate your experience. ATTENTION VETERANS: To receive veterans' preference, please upload your DD214/Separation documentation.