Water Distribution Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The City of West Sacramento is seeking an experienced and service-oriented leader to oversee the operation, maintenance, repair, and reliability of the City's water distribution system. The Water Distribution Supervisor is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and participating in the work of field crews engaged in maintaining critical drinking water infrastructure, including water mains, service laterals, hydrants, valves, meters, pumps, pressure regulating devices, and related facilities. This position serves as a key member of the Public Works Operations & Maintenance leadership team and is responsible for ensuring safe and reliable delivery of drinking water to residents and businesses throughout the community.

The Water Distribution Supervisor provides direct supervision, technical expertise, employee development, and operational oversight while ensuring compliance with State Water Resources Control Board regulations, AWWA standards, and City policies. This position reports to the Water Treatment Plant Superintendent or their designee. The ideal candidate is a knowledgeable and collaborative leader with extensive water distribution experience, strong supervisory skills, sound operational judgment, and a commitment to employee safety, water quality, and customer service.

The successful candidate will possess the ability to balance field operations, regulatory requirements, emergency response, budget considerations, and workforce management while fostering a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement. This position plays a critical role in protecting public health, maintaining essential infrastructure, and ensuring the long-term reliability of the City's water distribution system. While all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following qualifications: Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible experience in municipal water distribution operations.

Three (3) or more years of supervisory experience overseeing water distribution, utilities, public works, or related field personnel. Current California Water Distribution Operator Grade D3 or higher certification. Experience responding to water main breaks, service outages, water quality concerns, and emergency utility incidents.

Experience with water system hydraulics, pressure management, leak detection, valve exercising, and hydrant maintenance programs. Strong knowledge of California drinking water regulations, SWRCB requirements, AWWA standards, and Cal/OSHA safety regulations. Demonstrated success in employee coaching, performance management, and workforce development.

Experience utilizing CMMS systems, GIS platforms, asset management software, and Microsoft Office applications. Possession of a valid California Class A Commercial Driver License. Ability to communicate effectively with employees, contractors, elected officials, regulatory agencies, and members of the public.

DEFINITION: The Water Distribution Supervisor plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and participates in the activities of the Water Distribution Division, including the maintenance, repair, inspection, and construction of the municipal water distribution system. This includes water mains, service laterals, hydrants, valves, meters, pumps, pressure regulating devices, and related appurtenances. The position ensures regulatory compliance, safe work practices, water quality protection, and system reliability while providing leadership and technical guidance to assigned staff.

The Water Distribution Supervisor is an "at will" position and is appointed by and sits at the pleasure of the City Manager. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: The Water Distribution Supervisor receives general direction from the Water Treatment Plant Superintendent or designee. Exercises direct and indirect supervision over water distribution field operations staff, including assigning work, providing training, and evaluating performance.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS: This is a supervisory classification responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations of the water distribution system within the Public Works, Operations & Maintenance Department. The position is distinguished by its responsibility for coordinating daily work activities, supervising personnel, ensuring adherence to safety and regulatory requirements, and responding to emergency situations. The Water Distribution Supervisor is expected to work independently and exercise sound judgment in decision-making.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Layout, assign, supervise, and participate in the construction, relocation, maintenance, and repair of water mains, service laterals, hydrants, valves, meters, pumps, pressure regulating devices, and related appurtenances. Supervise leak detection, main break repairs, valve exercising, hydrant flushing, meter installations, and system testing.

Estimate quantities and order materials, equipment, and supplies; oversee acquisition and purchasing as needed. Maintain work time, equipment, and material records; prepare reports of work performed. Inspect work in progress; assist crews in resolving difficult problems; instruct staff in proper techniques and safe equipment use.

Ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local regulatory, safety, certification, and training requirements including Cal/OSHA, State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), and American Water Works Association (AWWA) standards. Coordinate work with contractors to ensure proper size, location, and placement of water service connections. Respond to and investigate customer complaints and service requests related to water distribution operations.

Coordinate work with other utilities, divisions, and agencies. Assist in locating underground utilities and appurtenances. Assist in budget preparation and administration for water distribution operations.

Determine jurisdictional limits of responsibility in field operations. Supervises, trains, and evaluates assigned personnel, providing guidance and disciplinary action as needed. Implement emergency response plans and coordinate with Police, Fire, and regulatory agencies during major main breaks, service outages, or water quality incidents.

Maintain compliance documentation and regulatory reports. Perform related duties as assigned. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.

Coursework or certifications in public works management, construction technology, or a related field is desirable. Experience: Five (5) years of experience in municipal water distribution system operations, or a related field, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory or lead role. LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS: Possession of a valid Class A California Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements or the ability to obtain one within six (6) months of hire.

Possession and maintenance of a Water Distribution Operator Grade D2 Certificate or higher issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board. Possession and maintenance of a Water Distribution Operator Grade D3 Certificate or higher issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board within twelve (12) months of appointment. WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is primarily performed outdoors in varying weather conditions.

May be required to work extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially during emergency responses. Exposure to hazards such as heavy machinery, traffic, dust, noise, and hazardous materials. May be subject to response by phone and in person in the event of utility emergencies and citywide emergency response events.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Mobility to work in a standard office or construction environment, use standard office equipment and attend off-site meetings. On an intermittent basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time; intermittently walk, stand, bend, squat, twist, and reach while performing office duties; mobility to occasionally traverse uneven terrain, periodically standing, stooping, bending, climbing and kneeling to perform inspections; on occasion may be required to work in exposure to inclement weather. Manual dexterity to use standard office equipment and supplies and small tools and to manipulate both single sheets of paper and large document holders (manuals, binders, etc.); vision to read handwritten and printed material and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and by telephone; ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds such as files, manuals, or small tools and equipment for distances up to 50 feet

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS: Employees partially work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances; and partially work in the field and are occasionally exposed to water, odors, loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confined workspaces, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives, and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. An applicant who qualifies for veterans' preference and successfully places on an eligibility list for initial entrance into employment with the city shall be advanced one rank on the final eligibility list.

Where there are five (5) or less qualified applicants, no veterans' preference shall apply and all applicants shall be placed on the certification list forwarded to the departments for hiring consideration. The exercise of veterans' preference shall be exhausted upon appointment to a regular position from an eligibility list. An official City of West Sacramento application form must be filled out, in its entirety.

It is the applicant's responsibility to explain their qualifications fully and clearly. In addition, applicants must submit a resume and complete the required supplemental questionnaire (if applicable). Incomplete information on the application, resume and/or supplemental questionnaire may be cause for disqualification.

Application packages will be reviewed and screened for qualifications. Additional screening criteria will be developed based on the supplemental questionnaire (if applicable).