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Water Services Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Water Services Manager information

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$27.5K

$81.7K

$137.5K

How much do water services manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for water services manager in the United States is $81,677.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a water manager do?

A water services manager oversees the operation and maintenance of water supply systems, ensuring safe and reliable delivery of water to communities or facilities. They coordinate with engineers, technicians, and regulatory agencies, often using management software and adhering to safety standards. The role typically requires knowledge of water treatment processes, regulatory compliance, and strong leadership skills.

Is water management a good career?

A Water Services Manager oversees the planning, operation, and maintenance of water supply systems, requiring skills in engineering, environmental science, and regulatory compliance. The field offers stable employment with opportunities for advancement and often involves working in municipal or industrial settings, with certifications such as a Professional Engineer (PE) being beneficial.

What does a Water Services Manager do?

A Water Services Manager oversees the operation and maintenance of water supply, treatment, and distribution systems within a municipality or organization. Their responsibilities include ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, managing budgets, supervising technical staff, and implementing policies to ensure safe and reliable water services. They also handle emergencies such as water main breaks or contamination incidents and coordinate with government agencies on water quality standards. Effective Water Services Managers ensure that the community has access to clean, safe, and sufficient water at all times.

What are some common challenges faced by a Water Services Manager, and how are they typically addressed?

Water Services Managers often encounter challenges such as aging infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and resource constraints. Addressing these issues usually involves collaborating with engineering teams to prioritize maintenance and upgrades, staying up-to-date with environmental regulations, and managing budgets effectively. Additionally, they work closely with local government agencies and community stakeholders to ensure service reliability and environmental sustainability. Proactive planning and strong communication skills are key to successfully navigating these challenges and maintaining high-quality water services.

What is the highest paying manager position?

In the water services industry, senior management roles such as Director of Water Services or Water Utility Director tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and strong leadership skills, overseeing large teams and budgets.

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

To thrive as a Water Services Manager, you need expertise in water resource management, regulatory compliance, and strong leadership, typically supported by a degree in environmental engineering or related fields. Familiarity with water treatment technologies, SCADA systems, and relevant certifications such as a Water Operator’s License is often required. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and team management skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant water services in both public and private sectors.

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

AspectWater Services ManagerWater Treatment Plant Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in environmental science, engineering, or related field; certifications like CWE or CWS are commonHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications such as TCEQ or state-specific licenses often required
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple facilities, manages staff, and plans operations; office-based with field oversightOperates and monitors water treatment equipment; primarily on-site at treatment plants
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by municipal water agencies, utilities, and large industrial firmsPrimarily employed by water treatment facilities, municipalities, and private water companies

The Water Services Manager focuses on overseeing water operations, staff management, and strategic planning, often requiring higher education and certifications. In contrast, the Water Treatment Plant Operator handles the day-to-day operation of treatment equipment, with more technical and operational responsibilities. Both roles are essential in water management but differ in scope, responsibilities, and required credentials.

What's the highest paying job in waste management?

In waste management, senior roles such as Waste Management Director or Vice President typically have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of environmental regulations and operations management.
More about Water Services Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Services Manager jobs? Cities with the most Water Services Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Water Services jobs? The most popular types of Water Services jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Water Services Manager jobs? The top employers for Water Services Manager jobs are:
What states have the most Water Services Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Services Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Water Services Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,677 per year, or $39.3 per hour.
Municipal Water Services Project Manager

Municipal Water Services Project Manager

CDM Smith

Kansas City, MO • Hybrid

Other

Re-posted 17 days ago


CDM Smith rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 368 rated engineering


Job description

Company Overview

Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here!
Join Us! CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold.
Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.
Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.


Job Description

Join our Kansas City team as Water Project Manager with the technical depth to lead complex water infrastructure projects from concept through delivery. This role blends handson engineering judgment with full project management responsibility—owning scope, schedule, budget, quality, and client outcomes.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams delivering sustainable water, wastewater, and stormwater solutions that serve communities and meet rigorous regulatory and environmental standards. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys technical leadership, client engagement, and accountability for project performance.

What You Will Do 

  • Define project scope, objectives, schedules, budgets, and execution plans.
  • Develop detailed statements of work and work breakdown structures; secure alignment and approvals from internal teams and external stakeholders.
  • Identify potential project risks, evaluate impacts, and implement proactive mitigation strategies throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Ensure compliance with company policies, project management standards, contract requirements, and safety protocols.
  • Manage project financials, including cost tracking, forecasting, and overall profitability.
  • Lead the client billing process—reviewing invoices, ensuring accurate and timely billing, and following up on outstanding payments.
  • Review and approve subcontractor and vendor invoices to maintain timely and accurate payment to external partners.
  • Provide continuous oversight of project execution, monitoring performance metrics, identifying risks, and escalating issues when necessary.
  • Manage scope changes using established changemanagement procedures; adjust plans, resources, and schedules to maintain project success.
  • Work closely with safety teams to review project scope and implement effective sitespecific safety plans.
  • Respond promptly to findings from internal and external audits and ensure corrective actions are properly implemented.
  • Apply sound engineering judgment in evaluating technical approaches, design criteria, construction methods, and project alternatives.
  • Offer clear direction and guidance to drafters, designers, engineers, field staff, contractors, and other project team members.
  • Develop and manage project staffing plans; identify resource needs, coordinate with internal teams, and oversee procurement of subcontractors and vendors.
  • Communicate project deadlines, expectations, and deliverables clearly to all team members; assign tasks and monitor progress.
  • Provide coaching, performance feedback, and support for project staff; escalate performance concerns to management and HR when appropriate.
  • Build and maintain strong client relationships—delivering highquality, ontime outcomes and managing expectations effectively.
  • Ensure client satisfaction through strong communication, thorough planning, and consistent followthrough. Perform additional duties as needed to support successful project delivery.

 Please note, this role requires a specialized project management background, related to water services engineering. We are looking for a Civil, Mechanical, Environmental or Water Resources Engineer with a minimum of 7 years of overall experience with a minimum of 4 years of experience as a Project Manager for water services.

#LI-JR1 #LI-HYBRID


Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree.
  • 7 years of engineering experience with 4 or more focused on Project Management.
  • PMP (PMI), CCM or DBIA certification is required (within 12 months of hire or promotion onto the Approved Project Manager list).
  • Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.

Driving Requirements
An appropriate and valid driver's license is required.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Professional Engineer LicenseCMAR - Contract Management at Risk

Skills & Abilities
  • Strong experience with modern project management practices, including budgeting, scheduling, project planning, risk management, and quality assurance.
  • Proficiency with project management software and a solid understanding of finance and accounting principles that influence project performance.
  • Deep understanding of project drivers, goals, risks, and opportunities, and the ability to translate them into actionable plans.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with staff at all levels, clients, and vendors.
  • Strong interpersonal and presentation skills, with the ability to build trust, facilitate collaboration, and lead productive discussions.
  • Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and a high volume of requests while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and general computer applications used for project documentation and reporting.
  • Highly organized with strong timemanagement skills and the ability to balance priorities in a fastpaced environment.                                                                                                                                 

Amount of Travel Required
10% or less
EEO Statement
We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Background Check and Drug Testing Information
CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as "CDM Smith") reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.
Massachusetts Applicants
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Pay Range Min
USD $87,131.00
Pay Range Max
USD $152,485.00
Visa Sponsorship Available
No-We will not support sponsorship in the United States, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this positionQualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree.
  • 7 years of engineering experience with 4 or more focused on Project Management.
  • PMP (PMI), CCM or DBIA certification is required (within 12 months of hire or promotion onto the Approved Project Manager list).
  • Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

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About CDM Smith

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CDM Smith is a distinguished name in the engineering and construction industry, providing insightful consulting, designing, and execution services. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, US, this full-service engineering and construction firm was founded in 1947 and has been contributing to the national and global infrastructure ever since. Serving across diverse sectors like transportation, environment, water, energy, and facilities, they have built a reputation for excellence. The company firmly stands on its mission of delivering lasting, superior solutions to the world's complex challenges, thereby ensuring their clients create a transformative impact.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Cambridge, MA, US

Year founded

1947