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Water Department Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water Department Manager

Toms River, NJ ยท On-site

$160K - $195K/yr

The Department Manager will lead water teams across North, Central, and South Jersey and work closely with market leaders to develop business strategies that align with overall company goals. This ...

Water Department Manager

Mount Laurel, NJ ยท On-site

$160K - $195K/yr

The Department Manager will lead water teams across North, Central, and South Jersey and work closely with market leaders to develop business strategies that align with overall company goals. This ...

Water Department Manager

Bloomfield, NJ ยท On-site

$160K - $195K/yr

The Department Manager will lead water teams across North, Central, and South Jersey and work closely with market leaders to develop business strategies that align with overall company goals. This ...

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Water Department information

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How much do water department jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for water department in the United States is $22.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does the Water Department do?

The Water Department is responsible for providing clean and safe drinking water to residents and businesses, maintaining water infrastructure, and ensuring water quality meets regulatory standards. They manage water treatment plants, repair water main breaks, monitor water usage, and handle billing for water services. The department also implements water conservation programs and responds to customer inquiries about water service. Their work is essential for public health, environmental protection, and community well-being.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Water Department position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Water Department role, you generally need knowledge of water systems, plumbing, and environmental regulations, often supported by relevant certifications or a background in utilities or engineering. Familiarity with SCADA systems, GIS mapping software, and water quality testing equipment is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for this position. These skills ensure the safe and efficient delivery of water services, regulatory compliance, and prompt resolution of system issues.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a Water Department, and how can these be managed?

Professionals in a Water Department often encounter challenges such as responding to emergency water main breaks, managing aging infrastructure, and ensuring compliance with strict safety and environmental regulations. These challenges require strong problem-solving skills, the ability to work well under pressure, and effective communication with both team members and the public. Staying current with training and best practices, as well as fostering a collaborative environment, helps teams manage these issues efficiently and provide reliable water services to the community.

What is the difference between Water Department vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectWater DepartmentWater Treatment Plant Operator
CredentialsVaries; may include certifications in water systemsTypically requires a state certification/license in water treatment
Work EnvironmentMunicipal or public water systems, fieldwork, office tasksWater treatment facilities, plant operations, equipment monitoring
Industry UsagePublic utilities, municipal agenciesWater treatment facilities, public utilities
Common Search/ComparisonBroader role overseeing water servicesSpecific role focused on water treatment processes

The Water Department generally oversees water services and infrastructure, while a Water Treatment Plant Operator specifically manages the operation of water treatment facilities. Both roles are essential in ensuring safe and reliable water supply, often working closely within the same industry and requiring similar certifications.

More about Water Department jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Department jobs? Cities with the most Water Department job openings:
What states have the most Water Department jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Department jobs include:
Infographic showing various Water Department job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,210 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Water Department Superintendent

Washington City

Washington, UT โ€ข On-site

$82K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Title: Water Department Superintendent Department: Public Works Division: Water

Annual Pay Range: $82,865 - $103,581 (DOE)


GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs a variety of general administrative and first-line supervisory duties related to the construction, installation, maintenance, and repair of city water distribution systems, including lines and connections, hydrants, pump stations, and operational duties related to overseeing daily operations of the city water treatment plant and water production system, including wells, springs, etc.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under general supervision of the Water Operations Project Manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Provides close to general supervision to Water Distribution Supervisor, Water Treatment Supervisor and AMI technicians/meter readers providing direction and assistance as needed on a day to day basis; also serves as the direct supervisory role of System Operator(s) IV, III, II, I Water Treatment Operator(s) IV, III, II, I during absences of Water Distribution and/or Water Treatment Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Assists in the overall general management of the division; assists with budget development and makes recommendations for capital improvements and equipment acquisition; helps monitor department expenditures to assure compliance with fiscal constraints and guidelines; recommends administrative policies and standard operating procedures; receives and coordinates various service requests; establishes project priorities; Oversees the daily project and work activities of the Water Plant and related production operations within the City including all aspects of the culinary water system, water purification and treatment; prioritizes and schedules projects such as well house construction and repair, treatment plant maintenance, pump maintenance and installation. Lines up project and crew, delegates work assignments; oversees work quality and assures timely completion of assigned projects; determines needed materials and equipment; coordinates efforts with other department divisions; makes field decisions as needed to remedy problems and emergencies; directs cleaning of reservoirs, etc.; manages interactions with public; conducts field training as needed to enhance crew efficiency and effectiveness.

Supervises Treatment Plant and Water distribution personnel; implements department policy and rules; informs personnel of new procedures and policy changes; makes recommendations affecting employment status, including retention, advancement, discipline and termination.

Assists in the development of department budget; purchases supplies, chemicals and materials used in the installation and /or repair of the water systems; assists in monitoring expenditures of the division.

Coordinates, assigns and performs water sampling duties; schedules various sampling locations and establishes sampling routine; collects samples and assures timely delivery to state labs.

Coordinates ongoing programs and training related to providing a safe working environment for the Water Division.

Oversees daily treatment of water sources with chlorine; monitors processes and procedures to assure safe and efficient treatment; assures proper concentrations of chemicals.

Maintains production records; prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual reports; reviews monthly water samples and sends the report to the E.P.A. and the Board of Health; implements changes to achieve the desired results; ensures reports are completed accurately and completely.

Serve as a project leader; reviews emergencies and makes decisions related to project design, water system requirements, traffic control methods and the maintenance of pressure zones; performs general troubleshooting.

Oversees and assists with installation or repair of water service connections and pipelines; performs water line repairs, repair or replacement of pressure regulators and fire hydrants; repairs water mains; supervises cleaning and maintenance of storage tanks; conducts water sampling.

Responds to emergency calls twenty-four hours a day; assists in determining necessary personnel and materials needed to resolve problems; assists in maintaining daily records of all work performed.

Coordinates "blue stake" projects to assist contractors and property owners to dig and access service lines safely; participates in work zone safety procedures; flags oncoming vehicles to protect the public and workers; sets up warning signs and signalization equipment.

Assists in monitoring division supplies; conducts inventory of parts and equipment; reports results to supervisor.

Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Education and Experience: . A. Graduation from high school; plus two (2) years of specialized training and the completion of level "IV" Water Distribution Operator Certification and "IV" Water Treatment Certification as well as prior DRC status with State DDW

AND

B. Ten (10) years of experience in construction, maintenance or repair of water distribution systems;

OR

C. An equivalent combination of education and experience

2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of water supply and distribution systems; surface drainage and water collection practices; principles of supervision; construction requirements for water distribution and pumping systems; hazards associated with water treatment chemicals; hazards and precautions associated with trench work and water line construction; state or federal regulations governing installation and maintenance of water systems; water quality laws; considerable knowledge of budget preparation and fiscal management-working knowledge of interpersonal communication skills.

Ability to analyze water system(s), identify problems, and determine optimum solutions; make accurate decisions in emergencies where consequences of error could be costly; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; plan and organize work of subordinate personnel; evaluate employee performance and make related decisions for the good of city service; enforce related policies, procedures, regulations, and standards without partiality; develop effective working relationships with public and private managers, department heads, subordinates, and the public

  1. Special Qualifications:

Must possess a class IV Water System Operator certification. Class IV Water Treatment certification. Must possess a valid commercial driver's license. Must be able to lift 50-75 pounds. Must be willing to work on-call duty and 24-hour standby.

  1. Work Environment:

Tasks require a variety of physical activities, generally involving muscular strain, related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, and reaching. Talking, hearing, and seeing are essential to performing required job functions. Common eye, hand, and finger dexterity exist. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, and discriminating thinking. Daily local travel required in the normal course of job performance.


As per Washington City policy and/or procedures, a background check, and drug screening evaluation will be required for potential new hire candidates prior to an offer of employment. I understand that if I am under the age of 18, I must have my parent or my legal guardian grant their permission for the background check and drug screening test to be performed.


Job Posted by ApplicantPro