1

Water Distribution Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water Distribution Technician

Smithfield, NC · On-site

$43.68K - $68.84K/yr

... Management. The Public Utilities Department is seeking a full-time Water Distribution Technician. An employee in this class performs a variety of unskilled to semi-skilled work as a member of a crew ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Water Distribution Manager information

See salary details

$39K

$74.7K

$121.5K

How much do water distribution manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for water distribution manager in the United States is $74,699.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $83,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Distribution Manager, and why are they important?

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 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 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.

What cities are hiring for Water Distribution Manager jobs? Cities with the most Water Distribution Manager job openings:
What states have the most Water Distribution Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Distribution Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Water Distribution Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 37% Full Time, 58% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,699 per year, or $35.9 per hour.
Water Distribution Operator I or II (12.26)

Water Distribution Operator I or II (12.26)

Golden State Water Company

Los Alamitos, CA • On-site

$22.41 - $33.71/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Golden State Water Company is one of the largest investor-owned water utilities in the United States. We deliver quality, reliable water to more than 1 million people in over 80 communities throughout California. Golden State Water has been in business for more than 90 years because we put customers first.
THIS POSTING IS FOR ONE OPEN POSITION WE ARE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR WATER DISTRIBUTION OPERATOR I / II. POSITION OFFERED WILL DEPEND ON THE CANDIDATE'S QUALIFICATIONS.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities for all levels of Water Distribution Operator
• Learns to perform the various tasks associated with the maintenance and operation of a water distribution system.
• Learns the proper use of tools and equipment required to perform the job.
• Under direction, participates in the installation, repairs and replacement of water mains, water services, valves, fire hydrants and water meters.
• Interacts with customers and acts as a representative of the Company.
• Performs basic customer support activities associated with the installation, modification, service and repair of water distribution equipment and facilities.
• Locates water main and service lines.
• Installs, repairs and replaces water mains, water services, water meters, valves, fire hydrants and other water distribution system appurtenances.
• Performs routine maintenance activities such as system flushing, valve exercising and fire hydrant maintenance.
• Inspects and tests equipment and records accurate details of working order.
• Performs fire flow tests and accurately records all data.
• Notifies customers of scheduled and emergency outages.
• Develops and implements shut-downs of the water distribution system for planned and emergency work.
• Familiar with the basic duties and tasks associated with the operation and maintenance of a water distribution system.
• May operate heavy machinery including dump truck and back hoe.
• Familiar with basic safe-work practices including but not limited to traffic control, personal protective equipment, basic trench shoring, hazardous materials, confined space and electrical safety.
• Performs meter reads, ons and offs and field investigations.
• Performs collection activities of delinquent accounts.
• Participates in routine maintenance activities such as system flushing, valve exercising and fire hydrant maintenance.
• Under direction, follows established policies and procedures in repair of equipment to ensure proper working order.
• Operates company vehicles and equipment according to established safety procedures and policies.
• Prepares daily logs and reports on work performed.
• May require after hour work due to 24-hour operation
• Available for emergency response, 24 hours/day, seven days/week
• Must reside within 25 miles of the nearest water system boundary where assigned in order to respond to emergencies.
• Performs other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications for a Water Distribution Operator I and II
• High school diploma or equivalent
• General PC skills
• Good communication (both written and verbal) and organizational skills
• Valid California driver license
Certification Requirements for a Water Distribution Operator I
• Not Applicable
Certification / Experience Requirements for a Water Distribution Operator II
• SWRCB Grade 1 Water Distribution Operator Certificate
• Two years as a Water Distribution Operator I or equivalent experience in the water utility industry
Qualities of a Successful Distribution Operator I and II
• Trustworthy; strong personal integrity
• Demonstrates strong level of accountability and ownership
• Collaborative/Team oriented
• Emotional Maturity
• Exhibits professionalism with internal and external customers
• Organized with strong attention to detail and time management skills
• High degree of initiative; self-starter
May include working in all weather conditions, during all hours of the day. Physical demands include but are not limited to standing, climbing, walking, lifting, bending, pulling and/or pushing, grasping, reaching, stooping and crouching, sitting, typing, walking, reading, writing, color determination, speaking and listening for extended periods of time.
BENEFITS
Our Company supports our employees with rich benefit programs and resources to help them thrive today and prepare for tomorrow. Benefit options include medical, dental, and vision plans with the Company currently paying 85% of the monthly premium for employees and their eligible dependents. We also offer paid vacation and sick time and twelve Company paid holidays per year. To help our employees plan for the future, we offer both a 401(k) retirement plan as well as a Defined Contribution Profit Sharing retirement plan. Additional benefits include life, AD&D, and LTD insurance as well as health savings account and flexible spending plans.
COMPENSATION INFORMATION
The compensation range provided is in compliance with state specific laws. Multiple factors are used to determine the actual starting rate of pay for all of our positions, including specific skills, years of experience, education, certification(s), and other job related factors.
The responsibilities of this position will involve access to information that may be considered confidential, private and sensitive. Therefore, the individual filling this position will be required to both allow and pass a background check.
NOTE: Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with special needs to perform the essential functions.