1

Water Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ability to skillfully manage operations and maintenance personnel to efficiently manage a water treatment facility. * Strong administrative, planning and management capabilities. * Must maintain an ...

Under the direction of the Area Water Operations Manager, the primary function will be to carry out the deveopment and doing of work on behalf of Kleinfelder to identify, position, propose, and win ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Water Operations Manager information

See salary details

$31K

$63.5K

$118.5K

How much do water operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for water operations manager in the United States is $63,456.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

More about Water Operations Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Operations Manager jobs? Cities with the most Water Operations Manager job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Water Operations Manager jobs? The top employers for Water Operations Manager jobs are:
What states have the most Water Operations Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Operations Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Water Operations Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Water Operations Manager jobs are:
Infographic showing various Water Operations Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,456 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Water Operations Engineer (Project Engineer 2)

City of Beaverton

Beaverton, OR

$9.13K - $12.23K/mo

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

The Position The City of Beaverton Public Works Department is hiring a Water Operations Engineer (classification: Project Engineer 2) to optimize the performance, reliability, and efficiency of the city's potable water system. The Water Operations Engineer serves as a key technical leader, applying civil engineering expertise to lead Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) analysis, support capital waterline projects, and ensure compliance with state and federal drinking water regulations. In this position you'll collaborate across the Operations and Engineering divisions to solve complex system challenges, perform advanced technical analysis, and provide engineering field support and operational coordination.

This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys communicating with a broad array of stakeholders, has excellent engineering judgment, and is committed to high-quality customer service in a fast-moving environment. This is a full-time, exempt, Management 2 (M2) position. There is one vacancy.

Please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Beaverton's online portal. You will need to enter your work history and respond to several supplemental questions. Your education, skills, and experience will be evaluated using the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Attaching a resume or cover letter does not replace the requirement to fully complete the application. Responsibilities Support the city's Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), serving as the subject matter expert on system capabilities and integrations. Oversee data collection from the AMI leak detection system, ensuring proper storage and data integrity.

Analyze data from multiple systems and provide reports and analysis. Develop and deliver training programs for water operations staff to build knowledge and skills. Help plan and coordinate capital waterline replacement projects.

Prepare reports and maps that support lead detection and system optimization. Track, coordinate, and monitor hydrant flow testing requests with water operations and external stakeholders. Work with the Finance Department to collect and submit Water Fund payments.

Work with the Direct Responsible Charge (DRC) and operations staff to improve operational efficiency across pump stations, reservoirs, Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) wells, and other system assets. Document institutional knowledge, technical expertise, and historical information about Beaverton's water system. Work with internal and external partners to explore alternative energy generation opportunities for the water system.

Review designs and manage consultants to ensure projects comply with current Oregon Administrative Rules for drinking water. Review engineering plans and ensure compliance with city code, engineering standards, and all other requirements. Participate in land use and development review processes, and provide technical guidance on water infrastructure and fees.

Respond to inquiries from residents, developers, engineers, and staff, providing accurate, prompt, and courteous customer service. Additional duties are outlined in the Project Engineer 2 class specification. Qualifications Minimum qualifications: Bachelor's degree in engineering, and Ten years of engineering experience, including Three years of experience in land use, plan review, or development engineering, and Two years of project management experience that includes public infrastructure, utilities, or capital improvement projects; or An equivalent combination of education and experience enabling the incumbent to perform the essential functions of the position.

Licensing and special requirements Valid driver's license and ability to meet the city's driving standards. Valid Oregon Professional Engineer license. Ability to pass reference checks and education verification, and satisfy the requirements of a background check.

Studies have shown that some candidates forego applying for a position if they do not believe they meet 100% of the hiring criteria. The city's talent acquisition goals include hiring the candidate who is best able to meet the performance objectives of the role. We encourage people with non-traditional skill sets and experiences to apply, even if you believe you do not meet 100% of the qualifications and hiring criteria described.

Compensation Wage range: $9,128.79 - $12,232.17 monthly Starting pay within the posted range is based on a review of your related work experience, as required by the Oregon Equal Pay Act. We compare the experience shown in your application materials with the qualifications for the position. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will start at step one

Applicants whose work history clearly demonstrates additional directly related experience may be placed at a higher step within the range. To ensure an accurate evaluation, please include all relevant work history in your application, including part-time, volunteer, or other roles that show related experience. Total compensation package and benefits In addition to competitive pay, the city offers a wide variety of benefits to regular employees which make up an exceptional total compensation package.

The city pays the full retirement contribution to the Oregon Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) including the employee portion; provides employees with an opportunity to participate in a deferred compensation retirement plan; makes available a public service loan forgiveness program and tuition reimbursement program; and offers excellent health, dental, vision and life insurance coverage. Additional benefits include excellent paid time off (PTO) accrual, PTO cash out options, wellness programs and incentives, an employer-funded Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) VEBA, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and bilingual pay premiums.