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Water Plant Manager Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

The Plant Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for departments within the ... water quality, waste management, and hazardous materials. * Lead sustainability initiatives and ...

The Plant Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for departments within the ... water quality, waste management, and hazardous materials. * Lead sustainability initiatives and ...

The Plant Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for departments within the ... water quality, waste management, and hazardous materials. * Lead sustainability initiatives and ...

Wastewater Operator

Millsboro, DE · On-site

$68K - $83K/yr

Manufacturing - Plant Management Ideal Candidate * The ideal candidate is open to working the ... Operation of the Water Treatment system, able to maintain maintenance schedule and respond to ...

Wastewater Operator

Millsboro, DE

$19 - $26.25/hr

Manufacturing - Plant Management Ideal Candidate * The ideal candidate is open to working the ... Operation of the Water Treatment system, able to maintain maintenance schedule and respond to ...

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Showing results 1-20

Water Plant Manager information

See Delaware salary details

$40.5K

$116.5K

$179.2K

How much do water plant manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for water plant manager in Delaware is $116,521.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,100.00 and $140,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a water plant manager do?

A Water Plant Manager oversees the operations of a water treatment facility to ensure safe and efficient processing of water for public use. Responsibilities include managing staff, monitoring water quality, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. They also develop budgets, implement safety protocols, and coordinate with government agencies to address water supply issues. The manager plays a critical role in delivering clean and safe water to the community.

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

To thrive as a Water Plant Manager, you need expertise in water treatment processes, regulatory compliance, and operational management, often supported by a degree in environmental science, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing equipment, and relevant state or national operator certifications is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help you manage teams and respond effectively to emergencies or operational challenges. These skills and qualifications are critical to ensuring safe water quality, regulatory adherence, and efficient plant operations.

What are some common challenges faced by water plant managers in maintaining regulatory compliance?

Water Plant Managers often encounter the challenge of staying up-to-date with evolving federal, state, and local water quality regulations. Ensuring that all testing, reporting, and operational procedures meet these standards requires ongoing staff training, investment in updated equipment, and meticulous documentation. Additionally, responding to unexpected incidents, such as equipment malfunctions or sudden changes in water quality, demands quick problem-solving and effective communication with regulatory agencies. Successfully navigating these challenges is crucial for ensuring safe water delivery and avoiding costly penalties.

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

AspectWater Plant ManagerWater Treatment Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in environmental science, engineering, or related field; certifications like Water Treatment Operator license are commonUsually requires a high school diploma or equivalent; certifications such as Water Treatment Operator license are often needed
Work EnvironmentOversees entire water treatment facility, managing staff and operationsOperates and monitors water treatment equipment, performing routine tasks
Industry UsageUsed in municipal, industrial, and private water facilitiesCommonly employed in water treatment plants, water utilities, and industrial settings

The Water Plant Manager focuses on overseeing the entire water treatment process, managing staff, and ensuring compliance, while the Water Treatment Operator handles daily operational tasks and equipment monitoring. Both roles require certifications, but the manager's role is more supervisory and strategic, whereas the operator's role is more technical and hands-on.

What are popular job titles related to Water Plant Manager jobs in Delaware?

For Water Plant Manager jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Water Plant Manager jobs in Delaware look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Plant Manager jobs in Delaware are:

What cities in Delaware are hiring for Water Plant Manager jobs?

Cities in Delaware with the most Water Plant Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Water Plant Manager job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,521 per year, or $56 per hour.

Plant Manager

Perdue Farms

Milford, DE • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Perdue Farms rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 99 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

312th of 445 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we're committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.
Summary
Perdue Farms has a great career opportunity for a Plant Manager at our Milford, DE facility. The Plant Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for departments within the manufacturing facility. This role is accountable for achieving multiple department goals in safety, quality, productivity, cost control, and associate development. The Plant Manager oversees departmental functions, including production, maintenance, quality assurance, supply chain, and engineering. They serve as the primary liaison between the Director of Operations and plant operations, driving multiple department initiatives, and continuous improvement. This role emphasizes building a high-performance culture, developing future leaders, and ensuring operational excellence across all levels of the organization.#LI-LB1
Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities
People Development and Leadership
  • Lead, mentor, and develop departmental leaders including Superintendents, Supervisors,
    and support staff to achieve plant objectives.
  • Oversee workforce planning, succession development, and talent acquisition strategies to
    build a robust leadership pipeline.
  • Champion a culture of accountability, inclusion, and engagement aligned with company
    values and leadership principles.
  • Drive associate retention and performance through strategic development programs and
    coaching

Safety and Risk Management
  • Establish and enforce a proactive safety culture across departments, ensuring full
    compliance with safety, food safety, and environmental regulations.
  • Lead safety initiatives and audits, and ensure continuous improvement in risk mitigation.
  • Ensure safety compliance and regulatory adherence within the facility.

Food safety, Quality Standards and Continuous Improvement
  • Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and company policies, including HACCP,
    GMPs, and sanitation protocols.
  • Lead cross-functional teams to implement quality assurance programs and SOPs that
    exceed industry standards.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, enhance product quality, and
    prevent recalls.
  • Champion lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to optimize plant performance.

Environmental Compliance
  • Ensure full compliance with environmental laws and regulations across the facility,
    including air and water quality, waste management, and hazardous materials.
  • Lead sustainability initiatives and collaborate with corporate teams to meet environmental
    goals.

Production Oversight
  • Provide strategic oversight of manufacturing operations to meet production schedules,
    customer specifications, and quality standards.
  • Optimize resource allocation including labor, materials, and equipment to ensure cost-effective operations.
  • Collaborate with maintenance and engineering to ensure equipment reliability and
    minimize downtime.

Reporting and Communication
  • Ensure accurate and timely reporting of plant performance metrics including output,
    quality, safety, and financials.
  • Analyze KPIs to identify trends and lead corrective actions.
  • Serve as the primary communication link between plant operations and corporate
    leadership.
  • Facilitate cross-functional collaboration among departments to achieve plant goals.

Metrics of Success
  • Achievement of production, quality, and financial KPIs.
  • Reduction in safety incidents and improved audit scores.
  • Improved associate engagement and retention.
  • Successful execution of strategic initiatives and cost-saving programs.
  • Compliance with all regulatory and corporate standards.

Minimum Education & Experience
High School Diploma/GED equivalent candidates must have a minimum of 5-7 years in a manufacturing environment, with at least 4-6 years in a supervisory or leadership role. Bachelors/Associates degree candidates must have a minimum of 3-5 years of manufacturing experience and 4-6 years of supervisory experience.
The ideal candidate will also have:
  • Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams and managing large-scale operations.
  • Expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and ERP systems.
  • Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
  • Excellent communication and leadership capabilities.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data analysis tools

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements
1. May need to move light equipment or supplies from one place to another. 2. May need to access files, supplies and equipment. 3. When in a plant environment: Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces. May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity. May handle product 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db. May be exposed to all chemicals used in poultry, food, processing facility. Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company.
#LI-AF1
Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status

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