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Water Executive Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Denver Water

Chief Engineering Officer

Denver, CO · On-site

The Opportunity The Chief Engineering Officer reports directly to the CEO/Manager and serves as a member of Denver Water's Executive Leadership Team. This executive role provides strategic leadership ...

Denver Water

Chief Engineering Officer

Denver, CO · On-site

The Opportunity The Chief Engineering Officer reports directly to the CEO/Manager and serves as a member of Denver Water's Executive Leadership Team. This executive role provides strategic leadership ...

Entranosa Water and Wastewater Association

Be Seen First

Chief Executive Officer CEO

Tijeras, NM · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Entranosa Water Association is in search of a new Chief Executive Officer. Entranosa Water is located in the East Mountains of Albuquerque New Mexico and is the largest member owned water cooperative ...

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Water Executive information

See salary details

$26.5K

$93.6K

$184K

How much do water executive jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for water executive in the United States is $93,552.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $120,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water executive?

Water Executives are senior leaders responsible for overseeing the management, policy, and strategy of water utilities or organizations. They ensure the safe, reliable, and sustainable supply of water, manage budgets, and supervise teams involved in water treatment, distribution, and conservation. Their role often includes engaging with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and the public to address water issues, infrastructure investments, and environmental concerns. Water Executives play a crucial part in shaping water policy and responding to challenges such as drought, contamination, and climate change.

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

To thrive as a Water Executive, you need expertise in water resource management, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning, often supported by a degree in environmental science, engineering, or public administration. Familiarity with water quality monitoring systems, GIS software, and regulatory reporting platforms is typically required, along with relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) or Certified Water Executive (CWE). Leadership, negotiation, and strong communication skills help build consensus among stakeholders and guide organizational direction. These competencies are critical for ensuring sustainable water management, operational efficiency, and regulatory adherence in a complex and evolving sector.

What are some common challenges faced by water executives in managing municipal water systems?

Water Executives often navigate complex challenges such as aging infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and the need to ensure safe, reliable water delivery to the public. Balancing limited budgets while investing in modernization and sustainability initiatives is a frequent concern. Additionally, Water Executives must coordinate cross-functional teams—including engineers, field operators, and public relations staff—to address emergencies and communicate transparently with stakeholders and the community.

What is the difference between Water Executive vs Water Manager?

AspectWater ExecutiveWater Manager
CredentialsOften requires a bachelor's degree in environmental science, engineering, or related field; certifications like PE or WEF are commonTypically holds similar degrees and certifications, focusing on operational management
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, policy development, high-level decision making in water organizationsOversees daily operations, staff management, and project implementation
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large water utilities, government agencies, and consulting firms for leadership rolesCommon in municipal water departments, private water companies, and industrial facilities

The Water Executive focuses on strategic leadership and policy, while the Water Manager handles daily operations and project execution. Both roles require similar credentials and work within water industry organizations, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water jobs?

The most popular types of Water jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Water Executive jobs?

For Water Executive jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Water Executive job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,552 per year, or $45 per hour.

Chief Engineering Officer

Denver, CO • On-site

Denver Water
Utilities • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Denver Waterexternal

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Denver Water rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

This recruitment is being managed by the Giddings Group. For questions, please contact Pete McManus pmcmanus@giddingsgroup.com.
Shape the Future of Colorado's Water Infrastructure
Denver Water proudly serves 1.5 million people across the Denver metro area and is investing more than $1.7 billion in critical water supply and infrastructure initiatives. As Colorado's oldest and largest water utility, Denver Water is recognized nationally for innovation, sustainability, and engineering excellence.
They are preparing for the future by investing in a flexible, resilient operation that's ready to address climate change, population growth, water supply challenges, and evolving regulatory requirements. They have developed world-class capital project construction standards that are used in all 50 states and over 30 countries. They are considered a leader in the effort to remove lead pipes, and their replacement program operates without direct consumer costs. Their new, state of the art 75mgd water treatment plant began operations in 2024, they're nearing completion on a program to raise a dam by 131 feet to increase storage capacity, and they're committed to their Main Replacement Program to address aging infrastructure issues.
The Opportunity
The Chief Engineering Officer reports directly to the CEO/Manager and serves as a member of Denver Water's Executive Leadership Team. This executive role provides strategic leadership for:
  • Engineering
  • Capital Delivery
  • Infrastructure Planning
  • Construction
  • Property Services
  • Surveying & GIS
  • Long-Range Capital Investment Strategy

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field
  • Active Professional Engineer (PE) license
  • 12+ years of progressive leadership experience
  • Executive-level experience guiding complex infrastructure, utilities, public works, or capital delivery organizations

Key Leadership Competencies
  • Strategic Vision
  • Executive Presence
  • Capital Program Governance
  • Fiscal Stewardship
  • Change Leadership
  • Talent Development
  • Stakeholder Engagement

What Denver Water employees say

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