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Water Distribution Manager Jobs in Washington (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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Water Distribution Manager information

See Washington salary details

$44.2K

$84.6K

$137.6K

How much do water distribution manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for water distribution manager in Washington is $84,603.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,300.00 and $94,600.00 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 Washington are hiring for Water Distribution Manager jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Water Distribution Manager job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,603 per year, or $40.7 per hour.

Water / Wastewater Engineer - Hydraulic Modeling

HDR

Fulton, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


HDR rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 452 rated engineering


Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' 
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. 
 

We believe water is more than a resource, it's a shared responsibility. As part of our Water Business Group, you'll help shape how communities manage water for generations to come. From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly support public health, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience.  We bring together experts across disciplines to solve complex challenges with bold thinking and technical excellence. Whether you're modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people's lives. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to lead change, drive progress, and leave a lasting legacy.


HDR is looking for a Water / Wastewater Professional Engineer with experience in utility planning using hydraulic modeling to join our team of Engineers, Scientists and Project Managers to support projects for HDR clients in Maryland, DC, and Virginia. This position may be based out of our HDR offices in Fulton (MD), Washington (DC), Vienna, Newport News, or Virginia Beach (VA). 

The ideal candidate will have a background involving the delivery of utility infrastructure engineering master planning, design, and hydraulic modeling projects associated with water distribution, sanitary sewer collection, and water reuse systems. They will be responsible for developing and calibrating water and wastewater hydraulic models, performing GIS data analysis, alternatives analysis, preliminary engineering, cost analysis, and capital project development. Other responsibilities include client interaction in project meetings and presentations, report writing, and developing proposal scopes with level of effort estimates. This role may include task-level responsibility for project teams, mentoring and quality assurance / quality control activities for hydraulic modeling and master planning projects. 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Professional Engineer (PE) license
  • MS in Civil or Environmental Engineering or related field
  • Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in utility hydraulic modeling and infrastructure engineering design
  • Knowledge and experience with wastewater collection system and/or water distribution system hydraulic modeling software
  • Willing to learn and grow technical and professional skills to meet client and market needs
  • Must have excellent communication skills and thrive working in a team environment
  • Prior experience leading teams, managing projects, assisting with project budgeting
  • Proficiency in ArcGIS Pro, mapping and analysis
  • Experience working for a public, municipal, or investor-owned water and/or wastewater utility, public works department, or engineering consulting firm is beneficial 
  • Experience working with clients in Maryland, DC, and Virginia
  • Local candidates are preferred
  • #LI-MJ1
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent field
  • Previous experience designing and creating plans and specifications for water and wastewater projects
  • Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
  • Self-motivated, able to work independently and with a project team to completion of a task
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.


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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917