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Water Department Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Water Department information

See Indiana salary details

$13

$21

$32

How much do water department jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for water department in Indiana is $21.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $24.47 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.

What are popular job titles related to Water Department jobs in Indiana? For Water Department jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Department jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Water Department jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Water Department jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Water Department job openings:
Water Department jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Department job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,924 per year, or $21.6 per hour.
Director of Distribution

Director of Distribution

City of South Bend, Indiana

South Bend, IN • On-site

$85K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Description
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements list below are representative of the knowledge, education, skills and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Ensures that all EPA and IDEM regulatory requirements and standards are consistently met for operating the distribution system.
  • Actively supports the mission statements of the City and the Water Department.
  • Responds to emergency situations related to water infrastructure.
  • Reviews project scopes and drawings to ensure it meets City standards.
  • Assist with hiring, training, team building, and evaluation of water personnel.
  • Recognizes good work performed by employees. Recommends employees for promotion.
  • Looks for and makes recommendations for improvement.
  • Implements, oversees and maintains the City of South Bend's personnel procedures and policies.
  • Follows the City's progressive discipline practices as necessary. Assumes administrative duties (timecards, vacation schedules, overtime assignments, record keeping and reporting) as necessary.
  • Maintains schedules and reviews jobs for completeness and correctness.
  • Confirms appropriate manpower for each planned job to assure appropriate skills composition of each assigned crew or individual for effective work execution.
  • Participates in weekly coordination meetings to ensure that each week's scheduled activities are mutually agreed upon and have the right priority.
  • Ensures that good housekeeping and safe work practices are followed.
  • Actively leads safety and information sharing meetings
  • Identifies and provides training for staff.
  • Writes SOP's and provides technical assistance and expertise to management on how best to operate and maintain the treatment equipment.
  • Supports the maintenance and development of water distribution GIS data
  • Provides timely progress reporting to management on all performance data with regular updates on relevant issues. Participates in the budgeting process.
  • Actively uses maintenance management software for service requests, work ordering review, parts ordering, and inventory.
  • Oversees the meter service personnel and practices
  • Makes recommendations for continuous improvement of the processes and systems used in operations.
  • Ensures that all contact with customers is adequately documented in the customer service software
  • Maintain professional and sound regulatory, governmental, media, community, customer and employee relations and communications.
  • As a member of the Water Department leadership team, the Director of Distribution will be a leader in efficiency, accountability standards, and continuous improvement concepts.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
  • Provides oversight to the Service Line Repair Program Cross Connection & Water Loss, Construction & Maintenance and Meter Services.
  • Direct Reports - Manager of Construction and Maintenance, Manager of Cross Connection & Records, Manager of Meter Service, Manager of Service Line Repair
  • Responsible for budget recommendations and accountability; supports the operation & maintenance activities of the Water Department in the distribution system.
  • Accountable to direct and support the 24 hour operation of the distribution system

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITY:
  • Strong interpersonal and problem-solving abilities.
  • Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
  • Strong computer and software skills (Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Project)
  • Knowledge of EPA and State of Indiana water regulations.
  • Strong operations background with specific technical knowledge of water systems
  • Strong analytical skills.
  • Team Player.
  • Self-reliant and able to lead change.
  • Ability to be self-motivated and work with very little direction and oversight.
  • Leadership skills
  • Operational knowledge of electrical, mechanical, pumps principals, and related equipment.
  • Ability to read and understand operational manuals and technical materials.
  • Must be physically capable of performing the position duties and working in adverse weather conditions.
  • Must perform all job functions with honesty and professionalism.
  • Must interact with coworkers fairly and with impartiality.
  • Must have excellent communication skills to be able to communicate with vendors and City of South Bend accounting department.
  • Must be able to plan and direct the work of others.
  • Must be able to document personnel records.
  • Must be able to read, write, and interpret O & M manuals.
  • Must be able to work around open and unprotected water.
  • Must be able to climb elevated storage tower.
  • Must have knowledge of operation, repair and maintenance of water system equipment
  • Must interact with coworkers and public with tact and diplomacy.
  • Must wear steel toed boots and winter wear as well as approved safety equipment as needed
  • 24 hour on-call for emergencies

EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree preferred with work in public administration, environmental sciences, or sanitary engineering.
  • 5 years of increasingly responsible experience in water, wastewater, environmental services, or utility operations and maintenance preferred.
  • Considerable knowledge of distribution systems operations, maintenance practices, planning, policies, procedures, and concepts.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
  • Valid United States Driver's License required.
  • Must have or receive as soon as practicable, a State of Indiana Distribution System - Large certification. Certification will need to be maintained for as long as employment with the City of South Bend is desired. Other certifications may be required as the demands of the department evolve.

EQUIPMENT:
Vehicle, computer, telephone, copier, small and large hand tools, electronic trouble shooting and calibration equipment, various safety equipment, valves, motors, pumps, and various other process control and maintenance equipment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and walk, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to fingers, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required in this job include close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in a standard office setting and in the field. Some exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, noxious odors, gases, and all types of weather and temperature conditions; work and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain. Work environment is both formal and informal, team oriented, having variable tasks, pace, and pressure.
UNION AFFILIATION:
N/A
REQUIRED:
Driver's License
Pre-Employment Drug Screen
Employee Background check
DISCLAIMER:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The City of South Bend is an at-will employer.
Requirements
Essential Duty: Uphold Core Values
All employees of the City of South Bend are expected to uphold and actively demonstrate the City's Core Values in their daily work, which are summarized below:
  • Excellence - Deliver high-quality service and strive for continuous improvement.
  • Accountability - Take ownership of responsibilities and outcomes.
  • Innovation - Seek creative solutions and embrace new ideas.
  • Inclusion - Promote a respectful, equitable, and welcoming environment.
  • Empowerment - Support and encourage others to grow and succeed.

This duty is fundamental to fostering a positive workplace culture and delivering exceptional public service.
These values shape our culture, inform our decisions, and inspire our work every day.

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