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Water Distribution Manager Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Water/Wastewater Engineer

Saint Louis, MO ยท On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Design water distribution and wastewater collection systems, pump stations, and treatment units. * Perform hydraulic calculations and pump sizing. * Prepare and manage plans, specifications ...

Lead the planning, design, and execution of water distribution, wastewater collection, and ... Proven track record of managing municipal or utility projects from concept through construction

Lead the planning, design, and execution of water distribution, wastewater collection, and ... Proven track record of managing municipal or utility projects from concept through construction

Lead the planning, design, and execution of water distribution, wastewater collection, and ... Proven track record of managing municipal or utility projects from concept through construction

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Showing results 1-20

Water Distribution Manager information

See Missouri salary details

$36.6K

$70.1K

$114K

How much do water distribution manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for water distribution manager in Missouri is $70,068.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,900.00 and $78,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Missouri are hiring for Water Distribution Manager jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Water Distribution Manager job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $70,068 per year, or $33.7 per hour.

WATER DISTRIBUTION OPERATOR II

City of Walla Walla

Center, MO โ€ข On-site

$31.75 - $40.52/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Description NATURE OF POSITION Performs journeyman level operator duties of Group A, Class 3 Water Distribution System. Performs a variety of skilled duties related to the most significant and complex construction and maintenance repairs of the City's water operations systems. Works with assigned crew on projects such as meter maintenance and installation, leak repairs, flushing, valve exercising and fire hydrant maintenance; to include the operation of heavy equipment and the performance of manual labor.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED Supervision is provided by the Water Distribution Supervisor; general direction and oversight is provided by the Water Operator III and Lead Operator positions. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Employees of the City of Walla Walla are expected to model and foster the City's core values: Service - Integrity - Collaboration - Equity - Leadership - Community Provide exemplary customer service to all individuals; actively participate in maintaining a positive customer service environment. Perform underground excavation in residential and commercial areas including confined space entry; operate heavy equipment including wheel loader, backhoe, and excavator.

Perform responsibilities related to general water distribution operation and maintenance; flush and clean water distribution systems; install and repair fire hydrants. Install new meters including large meters; execute new and existing service assignments including meter repairs and replacements. Operate leak detection equipment including electronically enhanced listing devices; utilize underground electronic locator equipment, valve exercising equipment, and other tools used in system maintenance programs.

Perform welding for fabrication and repairs. Collect, capture, process, and report utility data using electronic work order software in combination with GIS mapping. Ensure the adherence to safe work practices and procedures by operations personnel.

Assist in training assigned water distribution operators in maintenance, repair methods and techniques; inspect work and recommend modifications as appropriate. Maintain detailed and comprehensive records and drawings related to the water distribution system operations, including installation, repair, and maintenance activities. Respond to public inquiries with tact and courtesy; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.

Participate in the inspection of the water distribution systems. Request City utility locates with 811 One Call Center, providing township, range, location, and type of work to be performed including start dates. May assist in locating underground City-owned utilities.

Respond to customer inquiries, complaints, and emergency calls; respond to service calls for main line breaks, service/meter leaks and system wide pressure and flow problems. Participate in the seven (7) day on-call rotation. Respond to emergency calls off-hours for operations and repair of the Water Distribution system.

May provide back-up services and/or assist other City Departments/Divisions. May be assigned responsibilities for Water Distribution Operator III in his/her absence. OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS Demonstrate punctual, regular, and reliable attendance which is essential for successful job performance.

Present a positive, professional image; maintain cooperative and effective working relationships; assure excellent customer service with internal and external customers. Execute assignments, projects, and job responsibilities efficiently and within defined timeframes; work independently and effectively with little direction. Demonstrate good judgment and employ critical thinking to execute duties, identify issues, seek solutions, and recommend improvements in support of departmental goals.

Provide assistance to staff and higher-level management; participate in resolving operational or interpersonal concerns; participate in training, meetings, and on committees as assigned. Respect the value of diversity in the workplace and the community. Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of applicable federal, state, local laws, codes, and regulations; occupational hazards and standard safe work precautions; safety measures related to excavation; precautions related to work in traffic. Demonstrate knowledge of public works water systems, underground water, power and street lighting systems, and understanding of the operational characteristics of water including gravity, pumped delivery, pressure control and reduction. Technical and analytical skills to operate specialized equipment including sensitive computerized instrumentation devices to extract data and accurately utilize device outputs for analysis.

Ability to coordinate logistics and navigate the layout of systems using Water Distribution, Sanitary Sewer, Street Lighting, and Stormwater mapping; read and interpret operational and technical manuals, maps, blueprints, drawings, and diagrams; prepare as-built drawings for atlas updates. Demonstrated knowledge of metal detectors; atmospheric tester tools; ability to operate GPS recording devices, meter testing, and chlorine residual analyzer equipment. Utilize software programs, electronic browsers, SCADA, and Computer Maintenance Management Systems; coordinate and implement new installations for water distribution systems.

Familiar with business management principles and able to perform administrative work including record keeping, reporting, and budget control, familiar with modern office procedures, methods, computers and standard office equipment operations. Diagnose and troubleshoot problems; independently perform difficult and complex tasks. Ability to operate and maintain hand tools, power tools and a variety of specialized equipment.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED A variety of hand tools, power tools, and specialized equipment including valve exercising equipment, water pumps, hand pumps, and industrial gas-powered pump units. Electronic devices and sensitive equipment such as atmospheric testers and metal detectors. Heavy equipment vehicles such as dump trucks, backhoes, excavators, and wheel loaders.

Standard office equipment such as desktop and laptop computers, copiers, scanners, and phones. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Walking, standing, bending, or crouching or kneeling down for extended periods of time; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized equipment and execute repetitive hand movements; Sitting for extended periods of time; seeing and hearing to identify information; speaking and writing to exchange information; pushing, pulling and lifting up to 75 pounds with assistance; operating assigned equipment and vehicles. WORK ENVIRONMENT Outdoor work environment exposed to seasonal conditions and inclement weather, including driving a vehicle to conduct work in all weather conditions.

Work may be performed around and within the proximity of moving objects including vehicles and related traffic hazards; excavations and confined space; dissatisfied or aggressive individuals. REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS High school diploma, GED or equivalent, and 12 months Water Distribution or Treatment Plant experience and an additional 24 months of direct water system related experience. Three years of heavy equipment operation in residential and commercial settings.

Valid state driver's license and proof of good driving record. Class A, CDL with air brakes and tanker endorsement. Valid State of Washington Department of Health Water Distribution Manager Level 2 certification.

Certificates in Competent Person for excavation and confined space. Any equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS State of Washington Department of Health Water Treatment Plant Operator Level 2 certification.

Foreman or lead experience of a field crew in a water distribution system. Bilingual in Spanish. This organization participates in E-Verify, click the link below to view more information: Click here to see more information regarding E-Verify.