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Water Distribution Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

With over a century of experience serving the energy, federal government, transportation, and water ... This position also has the potential to be involved in other distribution engineering services ...

Works with contractors and engineering firms on projects requiring short notices for main line turn ... A Level 2 Water Distribution System Operators License as issued by FDEP is required. * A Level 1 ...

Serves as functional team leader/coordinator for all water distribution, maintenance and engineering services in the executive office. Because the Authority has a primary responsibility to serve the ...

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Water Distribution Engineer information

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$16

$44

$70

How much do water distribution engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for water distribution engineer in the United States is $44.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.86 and $51.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a water distribution engineer do?

A Water Distribution Engineer designs, maintains, and oversees systems that deliver clean water to homes, businesses, and industries. They ensure the reliability, efficiency, and safety of water distribution networks, addressing issues like water pressure, pipe integrity, and regulatory compliance. Their work often involves analyzing water demand, managing system upgrades, and responding to emergencies such as leaks or contamination. Water Distribution Engineers also collaborate with other engineers, city planners, and public officials to ensure sustainable and cost-effective water delivery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water distribution engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Distribution Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or environmental engineering, often supported by a bachelor’s degree and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Familiarity with hydraulic modeling software, GIS tools, and SCADA systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, project management skills, and effective communication help you excel in coordinating with teams and stakeholders. Mastery of these skills ensures the safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of water to communities while meeting regulatory standards.

What are common challenges faced by water distribution engineers in maintaining system reliability?

Water Distribution Engineers often encounter challenges such as aging infrastructure, fluctuating water demand, and ensuring compliance with stringent water quality standards. They must proactively identify and address leaks or pressure issues, often collaborating with field technicians, GIS specialists, and municipal planners. Staying ahead of potential disruptions requires strong analytical skills, familiarity with hydraulic modeling software, and the ability to coordinate emergency response efforts during service interruptions. Regular communication with both internal teams and external stakeholders is key to maintaining system reliability.

What is the difference between Water Distribution Engineer vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectWater Distribution EngineerWater Treatment Plant Operator
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil, Environmental Engineering or related field; Engineer license often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training or certification often required
Work EnvironmentDesign, oversee, and maintain water distribution systems in the field and officeOperate and monitor water treatment equipment at treatment facilities
Industry UsageUsed in municipal water systems, consulting firms, and engineering companiesPrimarily employed by water treatment plants and municipal agencies

While both roles focus on water management, Water Distribution Engineers design and maintain water delivery systems, whereas Water Treatment Plant Operators focus on operating treatment processes to ensure water quality. Both roles are essential in maintaining safe and reliable water services but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

Are water distribution engineers in demand?

Water distribution engineers are in demand due to ongoing infrastructure upgrades and the need for sustainable water management. They typically require knowledge of hydraulic systems, GIS tools, and relevant certifications, and employment opportunities are expected to grow with urban development and aging infrastructure maintenance.
More about Water Distribution Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Water Distribution Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Water Distribution Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Water Distribution Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Water Distribution Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Water Distribution Engineer jobs?

For Water Distribution Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Water Distribution Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,574 per year, or $44 per hour.

Sr Engineer Distribution (Water)

Orlando, FL • On-site

Orlando Utilities Commission
Utilities • 501 - 1,000 employees

$95K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Orlando Utilities Commission rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Purpose:     

Assist the Water Engineering Manager with engineering business goals and functions such as consultant and contractor procurement, agreements, and budgets. Act as the water system planner, performing analyses to determine type, size, quantity, timing, and cost of long-range water system infrastructure improvements, including production, transmission, and distribution networks. Review plans and specifications for compliance with OUC design guidelines. Recommend and discuss plan and specification design changes with field departments. Coordinate with Water Production and Water Distribution Construction and Maintenance groups.

Primary Functions:         

  • Perform Project and Construction Management for Water Distribution and Transmission System Projects:
    • Conceptualize, as well as design, estimate, procure, and manage OUC-initiated water transmission and distribution system improvements. These projects may include capital expansion, capital improvement (pipeline) and roadway construction coordination projects. Negotiate potential cost and schedule impacts with multiple parties. Provide engineering solutions to resolve unforeseen construction conflicts under time sensitive conditions. Take action to mitigate problems, avoiding claims and disputes. Review and monitor project budget, provide updates and recommendations to management and field personnel to ensure projects remain within budget. Review and provide payment approval;
    • Administer and execute regulatory permits such as: City of Orlando, Orange County, City of Belle Isle, Railroad authorities, Central Florida Expressway Authority, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida Department of Transportation, etc. Prepare engineering calculations and detailed reports required for specific permitting items such as engineering hydraulic analysis reports, comprehensive utility work schedules and selection of maintenance of traffic indexes;
    • Provide customer support, review plans, estimate costs, permit and manage projects for customer-initiated water distribution system improvements;
    • Create billing and tracking documentation (Order Requisitions and Work Orders) in multiple internal software platforms (i.e. E1 and ePETS)
    • Create agenda item documents for Commission approval of OUC, customer and internally initiated projects. Prepare written documentation and paperwork including memos, graphs, tables, etc. that clearly and concisely states the project information and costs for approval by managers and commission and the preparation of purchase orders;
    • Perform construction site visits to include inspecting actual conditions and coordinate with project- related construction personnel and customers;
    • Represent OUC with key engineers, OUC personnel, and high-level officials of other organizations and companies;
    • Attend seminars and conferences to develop knowledge;
    • Coach and mentor intermediate and entry level engineers in project planning and design;
    • Perform other duties as assigned.
  • Perform Water System Analyses:
    • Perform computer simulation hydraulic model runs to determine pipe pressure and water quality analyses, long range planning, and periodic Insurance Services Organization Inc. (ISO) evaluations;
    • Maintain the hydraulic model through routine pipe and demand updates, as well as license management;
    • Periodically create, reference, interpret, and reevaluate OUC Water Master Plan for use in water distribution, transmission, and production system infrastructure improvements;
    • Periodically manage modeling update projects to improve, calibrate, and expand models for hydraulic and water quality applications.
  • Provide Inter and Intra - Departmental Support:
    • Provide OUC inter-departmental assistance to groups such as Water Production, and Regulatory Compliance, relating to water quality, master planning, Consumptive Use Permit (CUP) compliance, and hydraulic modeling, etc.;
    • Communicate with OUC Water Engineering staff by providing technical assistance, receiving information pertaining to best construction methodology, and providing assistance during absences;
    • Prepare budget projections for projects, including schedule and cash flow analysis. Assist the manger to prepare department capital improvement budgets.
    • Recommend improvements and schedules for project delivery necessary to maintain system integrity. Utilize internal documentation and software such as the Master Plan, Asset Management, and hydraulic model in order to develop this schedule and budget information.
    • Assist the Manager, Water Engineering with consultant selection processes, budgetary information, consultant scopes, and technical specifications. Assist in the update and application of OUC Specifications, Material Standards and Construction Standards;
    • Recommend changes to the OUC policy manual and prepare documentation for submittal;
    • Provide informational support to Water Construction including Water Inspection on customer- initiated projects;
    • Review and negotiate agreements for engineering services including scope of work and fee proposal. Review and negotiate agreements with Orange County, City of Orlando, and other interfacing government organizations;
    • Act as a liaison between the Commission and customers, developers, engineers, contractors, and governmental agencies;
    • Prepare OUC for participation in Joint Participation Agreements with local agencies in order to initiate simultaneous construction of water systems with other public utility projects such as roadway improvements, sewer, storm sewer and any other utilities when roadway restoration is required. Prepare conflict matrix for newer water systems in order to coordinate improvements. Prepare replacement programs for projects which have ended their useful life. Prepare agreements for approval and plans for project delivery;
    • Perform other duties as assigned.

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