Utility Operations Manager Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Job Description
Provides professional advice, technical assistance, and training on a wide range of water and wastewater utility management issues including regulatory compliance with the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act to city officials (elected and appointed), and their staff in all cities in the state of Tennessee. These positions consult and train on public health issues regarding the Federal Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act. Provides industrial pretreatment, water or wastewater operations, and utility management assistance to Tennessee professional organizations and agencies such as the Tennessee Water and Wastewater Association, Tennessee City Managers Association, Tennessee Municipal League, Public Entity Partners, and Clean Water Professionals. Provides technical assistance to Tennessee municipal customers in water and wastewater issues. This assistance can be industrial pretreatment, plant optimization and troubleshooting, biosolids land application, assistance with mandatory reports to the Environmental Protection Agency and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation; training of municipal staff in water and wastewater operations and regulations, safety, interpretation and implementation of utility laws both Federal and State; develop publications regarding water or wastewater issues, develop and teach training programs for water or wastewater applications. Utility consultants serve as in-house experts to MTAS staff and will provide support to the Finance & Accounting consultants in rate reviews. Performs other special project work as assigned by the Technical Consulting Program Manager or the Executive Director. Assists other consultants in the performance of projects and participates in team projects.
This position provides technical assistance, training, and professional consulting to Tennessee municipalities and partner organizations on water and wastewater utility management, operations, and regulatory compliance. Serves as a subject-matter expert to MTAS staff and municipal officials on issues related to the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and utility operations. Develops training programs, publications, and technical resources to support municipal water and wastewater systems across the state.
Responsibilities

• Provide professional advice, technical assistance, and training to elected and appointed municipal officials and staff on water and wastewater utility management, operations, and regulatory compliance.
• Assist municipalities in achieving and maintaining compliance with the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and related federal and state regulations.
• Deliver specialized technical support in areas such as industrial pretreatment, treatment plant operations, collection and distribution systems, infiltration and inflow analysis, biosolids management, laboratory practices, and utility rates and finance.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with assigned municipalities through on-site visits, facility assessments, communication, and ongoing consultation.
• Design and deliver training programs and continuing education for municipal officials and utility personnel across Tennessee.
• Research, develop, and maintain publications, guidance materials, and online resources on water and wastewater utility issues.
• Serve as an in-house technical expert to MTAS staff and support interdisciplinary consulting projects, including utility rate reviews with Finance and Accounting consultants.
• Provide technical assistance to partner organizations and agencies, including state agencies, municipal associations, and professional organizations.
• Participate in team projects and perform special assignments as directed by MTAS leadership.
• Maintain professional expertise through ongoing training, professional engagement, and participation in relevant meetings and conferences.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in chemistry, Biology, Agriculture, Environmental Engineering or related field
• Experience: At least five years of experience with extensive responsible administrative and supervisory experience in the operation of water and wastewater treatment facilities. Individuals who have a comparable license to the TN grade IV in another state should apply to the Tennessee Operators Certification Board to receive a Tennessee Grade IV license. (must obtain within 6 months)
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Knowledge and ability to diagnose operational deficiencies/issues in a water or wastewater utility.
  • Ability to read and interpret federal or state regulations related to utility operations and management.
  • Skills to offer proper corrective actions in a situation at a utility's operations and industrial pretreatment.
  • Ability to create informative reports and reviews regarding operational, regulatory, and financial function.
  • Ability to recognize a potentially hazardous condition in either drinking water or wastewater operations.
  • Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relating to water or wastewater operations

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree in chemistry, Biology, Agriculture, Environmental Engineering, or a related field
• Experience: Industrial Pretreatment Certification. Distribution/Collection System Operator Certification. Front-line management and operational experience preferred.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Knowledge of industrial pretreatment programs, permitting, enforcement, and best management practices.
  • Skills in electronic regulatory reporting and computer software (MS Word & Excel).
  • Skill in managing multiple complex projects and analyzing data.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  • Ability to facilitate/teach technical utility information.
  • Knowledge of municipal budget practices and administration.
  • Ability project utility needs and priorities

Work Location:

• Location: Knoxville, Chattanooga, or Johnson City, TN

The Institute for Public Service (IPS) supports a formal Alternative Work Arrangement program currently in place and more information can be provided if candidate progresses through the recruitment process.
Benefits

• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions
To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before April 3, 2026.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References

About The College/Department/Division
The UT Institute for Public Service provides outreach and assistance to all of Tennessee. Through our agencies and initiatives, we offer technical assistance, training and consulting on a wide variety of services, including government operations, language services, law enforcement excellence, leadership training, manufacturing excellence, opioid abatement and much more.
About Us
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!