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Water Operations Manager Jobs in Bend, OR (NOW HIRING)

Water Operator

Sunriver, OR · On-site

$27.90 - $42.40/hr

Analyze and conduct mathematical calculations following laboratory procedures to make adjustments in the operation of a water/wastewater facility. * Provide effective communication with management ...

Water Services Director

Bend, OR · On-site

$156K - $199K/yr

... support managers, supervisors, and professional staff Advise the Public Works Director on policy, operational, and financial matters related to water services Represent the department in ...

... and water works wholesale distributor, our Branch Managers use their sales leadership, management excellence, and operational expertise to create an exceptional customer experience and grow the ...

... and water works wholesale distributor, our Branch Managers use their sales leadership, management excellence, and operational expertise to create an exceptional customer experience and grow the ...

... and water works wholesale distributor, our Branch Managers use their sales leadership, management excellence, and operational expertise to create an exceptional customer experience and grow the ...

... and water works wholesale distributor, our Branch Managers use their sales leadership, management excellence, and operational expertise to create an exceptional customer experience and grow the ...

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Showing results 1-20

Water Operations Manager information

See Bend, OR salary details

$32.7K

$66.9K

$125K

How much do water operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for water operations manager in Bend, OR is $66,946.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,300.00 and $81,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest salary for water treatment?

The highest salaries for water treatment professionals, including Water Operations Managers, can exceed $100,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-demand regions. Senior roles with oversight of large facilities or multiple sites tend to offer the highest compensation in the industry.

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

To thrive as a Water Operations Manager, you need a solid background in water treatment processes, regulatory compliance, and supervisory experience, typically supported by a degree in environmental science or engineering and relevant operator certifications. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water quality testing equipment, and compliance management software is essential for efficient operations. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing teams and responding to emergencies. These skills and qualifications ensure the safe, reliable delivery of water services while meeting health standards and regulatory requirements.

What are the five responsibilities of an operations manager?

A Water Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing daily water treatment and distribution processes, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations, managing staff and resources, maintaining infrastructure, and optimizing operational efficiency. They often use specialized software and require certifications in water treatment or engineering. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential in this role.

What are Water Operations Managers?

Water Operations Managers oversee the daily operations of water treatment and distribution systems to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant delivery of water to communities or businesses. They manage staff, maintain equipment, monitor water quality, and ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Their responsibilities also include budgeting, reporting, and responding to emergencies such as contamination or equipment failures. Water Operations Managers play a critical role in ensuring the reliable supply of clean water and the protection of public health.

What is the difference between Water Operations Manager vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectWater Operations ManagerWater Treatment Plant Operator
CredentialsOften requires a bachelor's degree in environmental science, engineering, or related field; certifications like CWEA or state licenses are commonTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; certifications such as CWEA Operator Certification are preferred
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple facilities or departments, managing staff and operationsWorks directly at a treatment plant, operating equipment and monitoring processes
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by municipal water agencies, large industrial facilities, and consulting firmsEmployed by municipal water utilities, treatment plants, and private companies

The Water Operations Manager focuses on overseeing overall water system operations, staff management, and strategic planning, while the Water Treatment Plant Operator handles the day-to-day operation and maintenance of treatment equipment. Both roles are essential but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What is the highest paying manager position?

In the water operations field, senior management roles such as Director of Water Operations or Water Utility Director tend to be the highest paying positions, often earning six-figure salaries. These roles typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and relevant certifications, overseeing large teams and budgets within utility or municipal agencies.

What does a water manager do?

A water operations manager oversees the planning, coordination, and management of water supply systems, ensuring safe and efficient delivery of water to communities or facilities. They monitor water quality, maintain infrastructure, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations, often using tools like SCADA systems and requiring relevant certifications. Their role involves supervising staff and managing budgets to maintain reliable water services.

How does a Water Operations Manager typically collaborate with regulatory agencies and internal teams?

Water Operations Managers frequently work with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with water quality standards and environmental regulations. They coordinate internally with engineering, maintenance, and safety teams to implement operational protocols and respond to any issues that arise. Regular communication and documentation are essential, as is participating in audits and inspections. This collaborative approach helps maintain safe, efficient, and compliant water operations while fostering a culture of teamwork and accountability.
What are popular job titles related to Water Operations Manager jobs in Bend, OR? For Water Operations Manager jobs in Bend, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Operations Manager jobs in Bend, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Water Operations Manager jobs in Bend, OR are:
What cities near Bend, OR are hiring for Water Operations Manager jobs? Cities near Bend, OR with the most Water Operations Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Water Operations Manager job openings in Bend, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,946 per year, or $32.2 per hour.

Water Operator

NW Natural

Sunriver, OR • On-site

$27.90 - $42.40/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Water Operator 

Non-Union Position
WTR-Operations Staff-Sunriver 2; Sunriver, Oregon (US-OR)  
Regular FT, Non-Exempt
Posting # 5618  

About Us:

NW Natural Water owns and operates water and wastewater utilities in communities throughout Texas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Since 2018, we have acquired more than 30 utilities and today serve more than 190,000 people via 76,000 connections.

Our parent company, NW Natural Holding Company (NYSE: NWN) (NW Natural Holdings), is headquartered in Portland, Oregon and has been doing business for over 165 years. The company operates through NW Natural Gas Company (NW Natural), SiEnergy Operating (SiEnergy), NW Natural Water Company (NW Natural Water), NW Natural Renewables Holdings (NW Natural Renewables), and other business interests, serving a combined population of over 2.6 million people.

The Role:

Works under general supervision performing a variety of skilled tasks pertaining to the installation, operation and maintenance of a water and wastewater facility, while continuing to gain the education and skills needed to achieve Oregon State Health Division and Department of Environmental Quality Certification.

Day to Day:
  • Compile records and reports in accordance with State and Federal rules and regulations.
  • Analyze and conduct mathematical calculations following laboratory procedures to make adjustments in the operation of a water/wastewater facility.
  • Provide effective communication with management and/or other operators on the technical level required of this position.
  • Conform to all safety policies and participate in specialized training for the safe handling of hazardous materials and confined space entry.
  • Perform all aspects of the daily operation and testing of a 1.5 million gallon per day wastewater treatment facility.
  • Assist in all aspects of utility construction including, but not limited to, excavation, shoring, laying and testing of water and wastewater lines.
  • Efficiently operate all types of equipment used in a water/wastewater field including but not limited to backhoes, dump trucks, forklifts, loaders, sewer flushing truck, mini excavator, vac trailer and tractors.
  • Participate in the design and planning of new and existing water and wastewater projects.
  • Compliance with all State and Federal rules and regulations pertaining to the operation and maintenance of a water/wastewater facility.
  • Performs repair and maintenance on all water and wastewater apparatus, including structures and grounds.
  • Comply with all Company policies, procedures and safety regulations and culture.
  • Comply with Company grooming and uniform policy.
Come on your first day with:
  • High school education or equivalent.
  • Valid Oregon CDL drivers' license, with a tanker endorsement and air brake endorsements. (Must have or be able to obtain within 1 year of date of hire)
  • Must be able to safely lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
  • Must be able to physically accommodate and use respirators and self-contained breathing apparatuses
  • Must be physically able to access and egress trenches, manholes and lift stations as well as water reservoirs and towers.
  • Must have a Class II Certification in one of the water/wastewater fields, i.e. Water Distribution, Wastewater Collections, or Wastewater Treatment.
  • Achieve 10 hours per year of accredited college training pertaining to the water/wastewater field.
  • Must be able to accommodate a weekend or variable shift and/or be on 24-hour emergency call when assigned.
Working Conditions:

The working environment will vary from extreme outdoor conditions to indoor job duties.  Safety procedures must always be followed, as worker will continually be exposed to hazardous materials, confined space, electrical components and heavy equipment such as backhoes, dump trucks, sewer flushing and transporting vehicles.  Worker must be in a physical condition that will allow him or her access into sewer manholes and any number of holding tanks and basins in a water/wastewater plant.

What we offer:


Health & Wellness -

  • Rich health insurance benefits with competitive employer contribution
  • Free access to an online wellness resources platform 

Work Life Balance -

  • Start at 20 Vacation Days 
  • 80 Hours of Sick Time 
  • 13 paid holidays
  • 3 weeks paid parental leave

Financial -

  • Competitive 401K company contribution and match 
  • 15% discount on NW Natural stock through Employee Stock Purchase Program
  • Up to $5250 a year in tuition reimbursement  

Hourly Range: $27.90 - $42.40 per hour, depending on qualifications 
 

Application Process: To be considered for this position, submit a complete electronic application including cover letter and resume via our website.

https://www.careers.nwnatural.com/nwnaturalwater

Deadline: 7/31/26

Disclosure: We are a drug free workplace and we comply with Federal Drug Free Workplace Act and Department of Transportation regulations. NW Natural Water participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

E-Verify Information
NW Natural participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

All applications must be submitted through NW Natural Water's Electronic Application System. Resumes submitted via email, fax or mail will not be accepted in lieu of an electronic application.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.  

NW Natural Water does not accept unsolicited submissions or assistance from search firms for posted positions. Resumes submitted by search firms working under a valid and current written contract with NW Natural Water valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from NW Natural Water HR/Employment will be deemed the sole property of NW Natural Water. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by NW Natural Water as a result of the referral or through other means.