Utility Operations Manager Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $81,975.00 - $159,236.00 Annually
Location : Utility Operations, MD
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 8650
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 06/24/2026
Closing Date: 8/10/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Position Description
As of July 2, 2026, the pay range is $81,975 - $159,237
This posting will be used to fill a full-time, permanent, Safety Sensitive position in the Department of Public Works, Utility Operations, Wastewater Division. This is managerial and technical work managing a team of Wastewater Systems Technicians performing operations, maintenance and laboratory work in a wastewater plant.
Note: This position will initially be routing at the different wastewater treatment plants for orientation and determination as to where it will be permanently assigned.
NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK
An employee in this classification is responsible for performing the full range of managerial and supervisory duties in wastewater plant operations, developing policies and procedures to facilitate team effectiveness, and to establish long-range plans in conjunction with the team members. Work involves considerable contact with county employees, county citizens and representatives from regulatory agencies. Work involves responsibility for planning, assigning, coaching, training and supervising Wastewater Systems Technicians and/or maintenance specialists. Employees manage the maintenance programs for operation of wastewater treatment facilities in an assigned area of the County or affecting the quality of wastewater services provided to the citizens in the county. Work is performed with considerable independence within established policies, procedures, technical standards, federal and state laws and regulations and is evaluated by the Utility Operations Administrator through inspections, conferences, review of reports and achievement of team performance goals. Employees are expected to independently direct, decide and act on any unusual problems within their service area. Employees in this classification are designated essential employees, and must report to work under all weather conditions with frequent exposure to outdoor temperatures. This position requires bending, stooping, reaching, walking, crawling in tight spaces and may involve lifting heavy items weighing up to fifty pounds.
Examples of Duties and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
(Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential functions of all positions in the class).
Coordinates the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities.
Leads a team of Wastewater Systems Technicians and/or maintenance specialists.
Facilitates team activities such as planning, scheduling, prioritizing, delegating work and conducting team meetings.
Coaches, mentors, instructs and trains employees engaged in plant operations, maintenance and related activities.
Coordinates the training and certification activities of team members, ensuring each member of the team consistently practices flexibility in non-traditional skills.
Prepares and conducts employee performance appraisals, disciplinary actions, hiring and terminating of team members.
Prepares and monitors operating, maintenance and capital budgets and performs cost analysis.
Develops, implements and ensures team members exercise safe operating procedures; ensures safety, regulatory and quality issues are addressed by team members. Facilitates, maintains, and administers maintenance of wastewater standard operating procedures.
Recommends methods for conservation and control of energy consumption.
Oversees quality control performance within the laboratory.
Coordinates the creation, maintenance and submission of reports and records to ensure compliance with state, federal and local laws and regulations.
Assists team members in identifying and solving work area problems, develops performance measurements, facilitates the direction/vision for the team and makes final decision on unresolved team issues.
Reviews and participates in capital program projects.
Coordinates construction activities.
Coordinates communication, cooperation and quality customer service with other facilities, divisions, organizations and customers.
Attends meetings of and responds to citizen associates.
Develops contingency plans and service level agreements.
Manages workers' compensation cases and provides guidance to Risk Management.
Reconciles procurement card discrepancies/interface with banking institutions to resolve.
Coordinates extensive surveys and other data requests.
Provides guidance to Project Managers and consultants during all project phases.
Performs other related duties.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Advanced knowledge of the principles and practices of the operation and maintenance of Utility plants and related facilities, and of work hazards and precautionary measures. Advanced knowledge of the technical operation and maintenance of the processes involved in water or wastewater treatment equipment and facilities.
Advanced knowledge of mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and plumbing skills used in wastewater plant operations and maintenance.
Thorough knowledge of Federal, State and local codes, regulations and guidelines pertaining to the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment equipment and facilities. Thorough knowledge of the principles of mathematics, chemistry and biology as applied to wastewater treatment processes and testing.
Thorough knowledge of the proper safety techniques and procedures such as confined space, lockout/tagout and hazardous materials.
Thorough knowledge of Computerized Maintenance Management System including predictive, preventative and corrective practices, planning, and scheduling complex projects.
Skill in computer software applications such as spreadsheets, databases and word processing.
Ability to read and interpret wastewater plant, electrical and mechanical plans and blueprints.
Ability to observe and analyze complex information and make decisions. Ability to learn new operating systems, equipment and procedures.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to lead others in a team environment by coaching and mentoring team members.
Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments of various trades.
Ability to develop and implement training program for upward mobility of employees.
Includes developing contingency plan for substitution of Team Manager.
Minimum Qualifications
An associate's degree or sixty (60) college credits with college course work in civil or sanitary engineering, environmental science, or a related field; four (4) or more years experience in the maintenance, repair, and operation of water or wastewater treatment plants and facilities; two (2) or more years supervisory experience; Class 5A State Licensure for Wastewater Operations; and a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license.
NOTE: The Associate's degree or sixty (60) college credits with college course work in civil or sanitary engineering, environmental science, or a related field may be substituted on a year for year basis with up to two (2) years of experience for a total of six (6) years experience in the maintenance, repair, and operation of water or wastewater treatment plants and facilities. NOTE: This position is Safety Sensitive and employees in this position are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing.
NOTE: This position is Safety Sensitive and employees in this position are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing.
NOTE: Candidates who possess equivalent licenses from other states must obtain reciprocity for the required State of Maryland Superintendents License for Class 5A Wastewater Treatment Plants issued by the Maryland Department of the Environment within six (6) months of hire.
Supplemental Qualifications
NOTE:
Preference will be given to candidates with the following:
1) Possession of a State of Maryland Superintendent's License for Class 5A Wastewater Treatment issued by the Maryland Department of the Environment. N
NOTE: Candidates who do not possess the State of Maryland Superintendents License for Class 5A Wastewater Treatment issued by the Maryland Department of the Environment must obtain this license within six (6) months of hire. In order to obtain this license, candidates must currently possess a Class 5A Wastewater Treatment License.

• Medical/Health Insurance Plans
  • BlueChoice Advantage EPO
  • BlueChoice Advantage PPO
• Dental Insurance
  • CIGNA Dental PPO (Buy-Up)
  • CIGNA Dental PPO (CORE)
  • CIGNA Dental HMO (DHMO)
• Vision Insurance
  • EyeMed
• Employee Life Insurance
  • Term insurance of up to 2 times salary ($100,000 maximum) for employees at no cost.
  • Ability to purchase Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance
• Disability Income Insurance
• Pension Plan
  • Normal retirement after 30 years of service or Age 60 and 10 years of service or election to enroll in the Employees Retirement Savings Plan.
• Deferred Compensation Section 457 Plan
• Direct Deposit
• Credit Union
• Holidays
  • Twelve days provided per year, thirteen in general election year
• Annual Leave
  • Less than 3 years - 13 days
  • 3 to less than 15 years - 20 days
  • 15 years or more - 26 days
• Disability Leave
  • Accrual at a rate of 15 days a year
• Personal Leave Day, 5 per calendar year
• Leave Sharing
• Employee Assistance Program
  • Free, confidential counseling for employee and family members 4X per year per problem per family member; also counseling on legal and financial issues; assistance in locating childcare and elder care
• Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Dependent Care Reimbursement
  • Health Care Reimbursement
• Voluntary Benefits
  • Provides you an opportunity to enroll in any or all of the benefits listed below with the convenience of payroll deduction
  • Universal Life Insurance with Long Term Care Rider
  • United Legal Benefits

01
The supplemental questions are a very important first step in our screening process. Therefore, you are required to accurately and completely respond to each question by providing the information asked in each question. Your responses will be used to initially determine your qualifications and eligibility for this position. Do not indicate "See Resume" in response to the supplemental questions. This response and a lack of detail and explanation in the supplemental questions and in your application may result in failure or disqualification for this position. THIS MEANS YOU MAY BE INELIGIBLE FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION IN THIS RECRUITMENT PROCESS. Please check "yes" to show that you have read and understand this statement.

• Yes
• No

02
This position requires an associate's degree or sixty (60) college credits with college course work in civil or sanitary engineering, environmental science, or a related field. Do you possess this educational requirement?

• Yes
• No

03
Please indicate how you possess an associate's degree or sixty ( 60) college credits with college course work in civil or sanitary engineering, environmental science, or a related field
04
If you do not possess an associate's degree or sixty (60) college credits with college course work in civil or sanitary engineering, environmental science, or a related field you may substitute the college on a year for year basis with up to two (2) years of experience for a total of six (6) years experience in the maintenance, repair, and operation of water or wastewater treatment plants and facilities. Does this substitution language apply to you?

• Yes
• No

05
If the substitution language applies to you then please detail how you meet the substitution language. Please indicate employers, positions held, duties performed and dates/length of employment.
06
Do you possess four (4) or more years experience in the maintenance, repair, and operation of water or wastewater treatment plants and facilities?

• Yes
• No

07
Please describe how you possess four (4) or more years experience in the maintenance, repair & operation of water or wastewater treatment plants and facilities? Please detail this experience by including employers, positions held, duties performed and dates/length of employment.
08
Do you possess two (2) or more years supervisory experience? (Note: "Supervisory" experience is work that involves issuing formal disciplinary reminders, warnings and reprimands; reviewing work frequently; recommending hiring, promoting and firing; approving leave; determining and resolving procedural problems within a unit; serving as a spokesperson for subordinates; explaining and enforcing policies and directives from management; and conducting formal performance appraisals.)

• Yes
• No

09
Please describe how you possess two (2) or more years supervisory experience (as described above) by detailing employers, positions held, duties performed, and dates/length of employment. Please include examples of supervision to illustrate your experience.
10
Do you possess a Maryland Class 5A Licensure for Wastewater Operations issued by the Maryland Department of the Environment?

• Yes
• No

11
Please indicate the license number and expiration date.
12
Do you possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license?

• Yes
• No

13