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Water Distribution Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

... distribution and reservoirs, wastewater collection systems, water and wastewater treatment plants ... Manages financial aspects of projects including monitoring budget, invoicing, generating invoice ...

... distribution and reservoirs, wastewater collection systems, water and wastewater treatment plants ... Manages financial aspects of projects including monitoring budget, invoicing, generating invoice ...

... distribution and reservoirs, wastewater collection systems, water and wastewater treatment plants ... Manages financial aspects of projects including monitoring budget, invoicing, generating invoice ...

Experience with water distribution systems, wastewater collection systems, pump stations, force mains, treatment facilities, utility master planning, asset management, and rehabilitation programs.

Showing results 41-60

Water Distribution Manager information

See Virginia salary details

$38.7K

$74.1K

$120.5K

How much do water distribution manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for water distribution manager in Virginia is $74,058.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $82,800.00 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 Virginia are hiring for Water Distribution Manager jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Water Distribution Manager job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,058 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Senior Project Manager (Water/Wastewater)

GHD

Chantilly, VA

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead multi-discipline teams through the planning, design, permitting, and construction of water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects.

  • Manage relationships with municipal clients, develop business opportunities, and support strategic pursuits and proposal strategies.

  • Design engineering solutions, contribute to engineering standards, and ensure projects meet organizational and regulatory standards.


GHD rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The importance of water to the health of our world can't be overstated.

As the frequency and intensity of floods, droughts and storms increases, the water industry must continue to build resiliency and lead from the front. 

Together with our clients, we are thinking and doing things differently to help pre-empt and prepare for what's next. Be a part of this dynamic and committed team of diverse water specialists and drive change for your community. 

You'll be able to apply our powerful global network of skills and decades of experience to create positive water outcomes that respect nature and nurture communities.

Who are we looking for?

GHD's US East Water business is growing, and we're looking for a dynamic Senior Project Manager to help shape the future of water infrastructure across the DC Metro Area. Based in Chantilly, VA, this role offers the opportunity to lead multi-discipline teams through the planning, design, permitting, and construction of critical water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects that support safe, reliable, and resilient communities.

As a trusted client partner and technical leader, you'll play a key role in strengthening relationships with municipal clients, driving strategic pursuits, and delivering innovative solutions across Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced water/wastewater professional who thrives on leading teams, developing business, mentoring talent, and making a meaningful impact through essential infrastructure.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong client strategy mindset with the ability to identify and cultivate new opportunities, deepen relationships with key municipal clients, and partner with regional leadership to shape capture plans, proposal strategies, pricing, scoping, and win themes that support continued growth across the Water business.

 

Working with an energetic and high performing team, this position offers a variety of work and will see you involved in:

  • Client & Customer Management (External): Manage relationships with small clients while also helping senior colleagues manage relationships with larger key clients and customers.

  • Engineering Solutions Design: Design engineering solutions and the associated validation process to enable the realization of a design brief (for example, in terms of functionality, performance, aesthetics, and cost) that conform to organizational and/or regulatory standards.
  • Engineering Standards Specification: Contribute to the analysis of information, the drafting of engineering standards and specifications, and the evaluation of the effectiveness of those standards within own engineering discipline to inform engineering work in the organization and/or of its suppliers, contractors, and consultants.
  • Health, Safety, and Environment: Follow the organization's health, safety, and environment (HSE) policies, procedures, and mandatory instructions to identify and mitigate environmental risks and risks to the well-being of self and others in the workplace. Identify patterns of risky behavior within the team and take appropriate action to resolve them, escalating serious issues as appropriate.

  • Personal Capability Building: Develop own capabilities by participating in assessment and development planning activities as well as formal and informal training and coaching; gain or maintain external professional accreditation, where relevant, to improve performance and fulfill personal potential. Maintain an in-depth understanding of technology, external regulation, and industry best practices through ongoing education, attending conferences, and reading specialist media.
  • Project and Solution Development: Define and deliver services that meet customer needs by selecting the best possible approaches available within established systems.
  • Project Management: Deliver projects while working within an established program management plan.
  • Request for Bid Solicitation/Proposal/Tender Response: Gather information and resources, draft and complete proposals, and fulfill all process requirements (in terms of deadlines, documentation, etc.) in response to bid solicitations, request for proposal, and request for tender to create the best chance of being awarded the contract.

What you will bring to the team:

  • Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license in Virginia (in Maryland and/or Washington DC is a plus)
  • At least 10-12 years of municipal water and wastewater experience including experience in Virginia and Maryland
  • Water and wastewater planning, design, permitting, and construction experience (water distribution systems, booster pump stations, wastewater collection systems, pump stations and force mains)
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills with proven ability to develop, mentor and lead professional technical staff
  • Stormwater system design and permitting a plus
  • Strong business development, proposal preparation, and marketing skills
  • Flexible and able to meet challenging deadlines
  • A self-starter with sound judgment and decisiveness
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills with proven ability to develop, mentor and lead professional technical staff

#LI-JK1

As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, genetic information, national origin, sex (including same sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, age, disability or handicap, citizenship status, service member status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

Take on some of the world's toughest challenges - with GHD supporting you every step of the way.
We'll give you control over your career, empower you to find innovative solutions and help you create a lasting impact.
See where your commitment could take you with GHD.
Our Pledge to You
At GHD, we don't just believe in the power of commitment, we live and breathe it every day.
That's why we pledge to empower our people to make a positive impact. Combining our deep technical expertise with the capabilities of our clients and partners, we respond to some of the most complex challenges facing our planet today. 
See where your commitment could take you.
That's the #PowerOfCommitment
Who we are 
GHD is a global professional services company that leads through engineering, architecture, and construction expertise. We are an employee-owned company with over 11,000 diverse and skilled individuals, across more than 200 offices spanning five continents.
The Power of Commitment is our brand promise. It's what makes us different. We are bound to our stated vision and determination to address humanity's most urgent needs: to make water, energy and urbanisation sustainable for generations to come.

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About GHD

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are committed to solving the world's biggest challenges in the areas of water, energy and urbanisation. GHD is a global professional services company that is a leader in engineering, construction and architectural expertise. Established in 1928, we remain wholly owned by our people. We are 10,000+ diverse and skilled individuals, yet we are proudly 'One GHD' across more than 200 offices, spanning five continents - Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America, and the Pacific region. Delivering extraordinary social and economic outcomes, we are passionate about building lasting relationships with our partners and clients.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Waterloo, ON, CA

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