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Water Distribution Manager Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Distribution Manager

Olathe, KS · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Ready to build your future? We're Groundworks, North America's leading foundation repair and water ... The Distribution Manager at Groundworks is responsible for overseeing the efficient and timely ...

Distribution Manager

Olathe, KS · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Ready to build your future? We're Groundworks, North America's leading foundation repair and water ... The Distribution Manager at Groundworks is responsible for overseeing the efficient and timely ...

Ready to build your future? We're Groundworks, North America's leading foundation repair and water ... The Distribution Manager at Groundworks is responsible for overseeing the efficient and timely ...

Distribution Manager

Olathe, KS · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Ready to build your future? We're Groundworks, North America's leading foundation repair and water ... The Distribution Manager at Groundworks is responsible for overseeing the efficient and timely ...

Water distribution, including pumping and storage * Sewer distribution, collection, and pumping ... Develop and manage detailed project delivery assumption, scope of work, level of effort, and ...

Water distribution, including pumping and storage * Sewer distribution, collection, and pumping ... Develop and manage detailed project delivery assumption, scope of work, level of effort, and ...

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Water Distribution Manager information

What does a water distribution manager do?

A Water Distribution Manager oversees the operation and maintenance of a community's water distribution system, ensuring that clean and safe water is delivered to homes and businesses. Their responsibilities typically include monitoring water quality, managing staff, coordinating repairs, and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. They also develop budgets, implement safety protocols, and may respond to emergencies such as water main breaks or contamination events. The role requires strong leadership, technical knowledge of water systems, and a commitment to public health.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water distribution manager?

To thrive as a Water Distribution Manager, you need expertise in water systems management, regulatory compliance, and typically a degree in civil or environmental engineering along with relevant certifications. Familiarity with SCADA systems, GIS software, and water quality testing equipment is commonly required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating teams and responding to emergencies. These combined skills ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant delivery of water to communities.

What are some typical challenges faced by water distribution managers, and how can they be addressed?

Water Distribution Managers often encounter challenges such as aging infrastructure, unexpected equipment failures, and ensuring compliance with water quality regulations. Proactively addressing these issues involves regular system maintenance, implementing modern monitoring technologies, and staying updated on local and federal regulations. Building strong communication channels with field teams and other departments also helps in quickly resolving operational issues and maintaining service reliability.

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

AspectWater Distribution ManagerWater Treatment Plant Operator
CredentialsWater distribution certifications, relevant licensesWater treatment certifications, operator licenses
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, overseeing distribution systemsPlant facilities, operating treatment equipment
Industry UsageMunicipal water systems, utilitiesWater treatment facilities, municipal or industrial plants

The Water Distribution Manager focuses on overseeing the delivery of potable water through distribution systems, ensuring safety and efficiency. In contrast, the Water Treatment Plant Operator manages the treatment process to produce clean water. Both roles require specialized certifications and are vital in water utility operations, but they differ in daily tasks and work environments.

Is water distribution management a good career?

Water distribution management is a stable career that involves overseeing the delivery of potable water to communities, requiring knowledge of water systems, safety standards, and often certifications. It offers opportunities for advancement and typically involves working in municipal or utility settings with regular hours and the need for technical skills.

What cities in Kansas are hiring for Water Distribution Manager jobs?

Cities in Kansas with the most Water Distribution Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Water Distribution Manager job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution.

$61K - $77K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

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Key responsibilities

  • Monitors water distribution, utility locates, and utility cut activities for safety, efficiency, and accuracy.

  • Supervises and manages division employees, including providing training, conducting performance evaluations, and resolving personnel issues.

  • Oversees repair and maintenance activities such as water leaks, main breaks, hydrants, and system components, and performs administrative duties related to record keeping and program oversight.


Job description

Description

(Regular, Exempt)

Starting Salary Range: $61,932.00 - $77,421.00/annualized                    

Closing Date: Open Until Filled; posting may close at any time. 

Shift/Workdays and Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 


How to apply: Using the "apply" button on this page, please complete the required online application, upload a resume and a list of three professional references with full contact information. For general questions about the position, contact Unique Hiram at (785) 587-2447 or hr@cityofmhk.com.


Summary/Objective

The Water Distribution Supervisor plans and coordinates all city maintenance involving the water distribution system and ensures a safe and effective system and maintenance program and contributes to public health and fire protection by providing an effective and efficient distribution pipe system for potable water for domestic use and for firefighting purposes, with the assistance of subordinate staff, by repairing and maintaining the system.


Essential Functions 


Monitors water distribution, Kansas One-Call utility locates program and utility cut field operations for safety, efficiency and accuracy. 

  • Maintains records of all water distribution, utility locates and utility cut activities.
  • Monitors the Kansas One-Call utility locate program for safety, efficiency and accuracy. Maintains the Damage Investigation Reporting Tool (D.I.R.T.) program.
  • Evaluates subordinates in a fair and accurate manner.
  • Maintains the proper operation of the utility cut program for the department.
  • Oversees subordinates responsible for the repair of water leaks, water main breaks, and fire hydrants. Provides training for new water distribution and utility locating personnel.
  • Assists with citizen inquiries in the field and by telephone.
  • Operates all departmental equipment and vehicles, such as, backhoe/loader, skid steer, trencher, dump truck and trailer, one ton truck, compact excavator, two-way radio, pipe-tapping machine, hand tools, computer, pressure gauges and other related equipment.
  • Ensures proper inventory of supplies and maintenance materials.
  • Maintains all PRV's in the distribution system.
  • Oversees Valve exercise, hydrant and valve replacement, water main replacement, and utility cut programs.
  • Performs administrative duties, budgeting and record keeping.
  • Assists supervisors and other departmental personnel in other projects for the benefit of the City and/or the department.

Supervises and manages division employees.

  • Leads and manages staff with clear and consistent communications.
  • Provides supervision and oversight of applicable staff.
  • Ensures employees supervised demonstrate productivity, competence, and high morale, as well as utilize employees' skills and abilities.
  • Conducts performance planning and evaluations for employees in a timely manner, to include development of goals, objectives, and deadlines.
  • Resolves routine personnel issues or problems.
  • Administers City of Manhattan Policies and Procedures in a consistent manner.
  • Provides recommendations on hiring, termination, promotion, and discipline, as required.

Requirements

Required Education and Experience 

  • High school graduate or GED required. 
  • Minimum of two (2) years of experience as a Water Distribution Maintenance Crew Leader with the City of Manhattan or five (5) years of employment in the utility maintenance field in a comparable position with two (2) years of supervisory experience.  
  • Must currently hold a Class 1 Water Distribution Operator Certification from the Association of Boards of Certification with the ability to obtain a Class 2 Certification within eighteen (18) months of employment. 
  • Three to five (3-5) years of equipment operating experience.
  • Valid Class A commercial driver's license with airbrakes.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Boot, Clothing and Vehicle Allowances, if applicable.
  • City issued Cell Phone, if applicable.
  • Retirement/Pension - City employees are required by statute to contribute to the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS). Voluntary retirement contributions are offered with Nationwide, Mission Square, and Empower KPERS 457.
  • Medical, Dental, Vision - The City offers an excellent benefits package that includes wellness, medical, vision, dental, and prescription drug benefits.
  • Paid Holidays - 10.5 paid holidays per year plus one additional floating holiday.
  • Paid Vacation - 12 to 26 days per year based on years of service.
  • Paid Sick Leave - 12 days per year.
  • Paid Parental Leave - up to 6 weeks of paid leave.
  • Education Reimbursement, Professional Development. Certifications/Licensure - The City will reimburse up to $8,000 per calendar year for tuition and fees. Professional Development funds are based on department budget. Certification/licensure may be reimbursed by the City.
  • Other Benefits - Long-term disability, employer paid group life insurance, basic life insurance, employee assistance program and an array of voluntary benefit options.

The City of Manhattan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and believe the best workplaces bring together employees with diverse skill sets, backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints to achieve common goals. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any basis protected by law. Â