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Water Superintendent Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water Utility Supervisor

Glendora, CA · On-site

$86K - $104K/yr

Under general direction from a Water Superintendent, plans, schedules, assigns, reviews, and supervises the work of staff performing a variety of maintenance and repair tasks related to the ...

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS This is a division manager class over the Water Division in the Public Works Department. The incumbent is responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing, and evaluating the day ...

Water Superintendent Direct Report: Commissioner of Public Services Department: Public Services - Water Grade: 20 Hours: 40 hours per week - Monday - Friday: 7:10 am - 3:40 pm Bargaining Unit: AFSCME ...

SENIOR WATER HANDLER

Bridgewater, MA · On-site

$30.65 - $38.25/hr

Reports directly to the Water Superintendent. In the absence of the Water Superintendent, answers directly to the Chief Plant Operator * Will do all work as assigned or required by the Water ...

Water Operator II

Payson, UT · On-site

$25.86 - $33.62/hr

Under the general supervision and direction of the Water Superintendent performs skilled work pertaining to the operations, maintenance and construction of the City's culinary water system.

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Water Superintendent information

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$41.5K

$99.6K

$185K

How much do water superintendent jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for water superintendent in the United States is $99,625.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,500.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

Water Superintendent positions typically require relevant experience and sometimes certifications rather than a college degree. Many skilled trades, such as plumbing, electrical work, or equipment operation, can also offer salaries around $3,000 per month with on-the-job training or apprenticeships. These roles often involve practical skills and certifications rather than formal degrees.

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

To thrive as a Water Superintendent, you need expertise in water treatment operations, regulatory compliance, and staff management, typically supported by a relevant degree and state certification in water operations. Familiarity with SCADA systems, GIS software, and water quality testing equipment is essential for overseeing modern water utility infrastructure. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help in managing teams and responding effectively to emergencies or community concerns. These skills ensure safe, efficient water delivery, regulatory adherence, and effective utility management.

What Is a Water Superintendent?

A water superintendent is a vital part of the water treatment process. In this career, you are in charge of the process by which water enters the municipality’s treatment plants. Your responsibilities are to create and oversee the plans that provide water to a town or city’s treatment centers from wells, lakes, and rivers. Additional job duties include maintaining the sewage system for the municipality. Water superintendent is a supervisory position, so you manage a staff proportional to the size of their area. Small towns may have a team of only a couple people, while larger cities may have a sizable staff. You may also handle public reports and press releases for the city’s water system.

What are some typical challenges faced by a Water Superintendent in managing municipal water systems?

Water Superintendents often encounter challenges related to maintaining regulatory compliance, ensuring water quality, and managing aging infrastructure. They must stay updated on evolving environmental regulations and coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies. Additionally, balancing limited budgets while prioritizing upgrades, emergency repairs, and staff training can be demanding. Effective communication and collaboration with engineers, technicians, and city officials are crucial for addressing these challenges and ensuring reliable water services for the community.

Where do superintendents make the most money?

Water superintendents tend to earn higher salaries in regions with larger populations, extensive infrastructure, and higher living costs. Typically, urban areas and states with strong environmental regulations or larger water systems offer higher compensation for this role. Experience, certifications, and the size of the water system also influence salary levels.

Is it hard to become a water resource specialist?

Becoming a water resource specialist typically requires a bachelor's degree in environmental science, hydrology, or a related field, along with relevant experience or certifications. Developing skills in water management, data analysis, and environmental regulations can help advance in this career, but the difficulty varies based on education, experience, and certification requirements.

What does a water superintendent do?

A water superintendent oversees the operation and maintenance of water treatment plants, distribution systems, and infrastructure to ensure safe and reliable water supply. They manage staff, ensure compliance with regulations, and often require knowledge of water quality testing, equipment, and certifications such as a state water operator license.

What is the difference between Water Superintendent vs Water Plant Operator?

AspectWater SuperintendentWater Plant Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a water treatment or distribution certification, sometimes a degree in environmental science or engineeringRequires a water treatment operator certification, often a high school diploma or equivalent
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple facilities or districts, manages staff, and ensures complianceOperates and monitors water treatment equipment at a specific plant
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipalities, water districts, and large utility companiesWater treatment plants, municipal water facilities, private water companies

The Water Superintendent generally has broader responsibilities, overseeing entire water systems and managing staff, while the Water Plant Operator focuses on operating and maintaining water treatment equipment. Both roles require certification, but the Superintendent's role is more managerial and strategic.

What cities are hiring for Water Superintendent jobs? Cities with the most Water Superintendent job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Water Superintendent jobs? The most popular types of Water Superintendent jobs are:
What states have the most Water Superintendent jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Superintendent jobs include:

Water Utility Supervisor

City of Glendora

Glendora, CA • On-site

$86K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

The City of Glendora Public Works Water Division is seeking a highly qualified and forward-thinking professional to serve as the Water Utility Supervisor with an emphasis on Water Distribution Operations. This leadership role is essential to ensuring the reliability, safety, and efficiency of the City's water distribution system, which serves approximately 13,000 residential and commercial service connections. The Water Division provides services in Water Treatment, Water Distribution and Custom Service and is committed to maintaining high operational standards across areas of the water system.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background in water distribution system construction, maintenance, and repair, including the installation and maintenance of water mains, services, valves, fire hydrants, water quality compliance, preparation of regulatory reports, and experience in equipment maintenance operations. We are looking for someone who can maintain professionalism in the workplace and is well-informed and actively engaged in new and changing developments in the public agency water field. The best candidates will have a strong initiative to fulfill a supervisory role and have the proficiency to complete hands-on training while professionally overseeing the team.

Outstanding customer service and communication skills are a must. If you want to make a rewarding contribution to an agency with a great reputation that values innovation and encourages staff to bring forward new solutions to operational challenges, we invite your application. When assigned to Distribution: Under general direction from a Water Superintendent, plans, schedules, assigns, reviews, and supervises the work of staff performing a variety of maintenance and repair tasks related to the installation, construction, and maintenance of water system facilities including water meters, water mains, fire hydrants, domestic water services, booster pumping stations, backflow devices, and other related appurtenances and equipment; assists in the design of and oversees water-related capital improvement projects and systems; provides reasonable technical assistance to the Water Superintendent in areas of expertise; performs a variety of technical tasks relative to water distribution functions; and performs related work as required.

When assigned to Customer Service: Under general direction from a Water Superintendent, plans, schedules, assigns, reviews, and supervises the work of staff engaged in reading and replacing radio read water meters, meter transmitter units, and related equipment, and performing field customer service functions for the Water Division; supervises the backflow testing and cross connection control programs for the City; supervises the City's water system flushing and valve exercising programs; provides responsible technical assistance to the Water Superintendent in areas of expertise; performs a variety of technical tasks relative to the assigned functional area; and performs related work as required. This is the full supervisory-level classification in the Water Distribution or Water Customer Service programs of the Water Division. This classification exercises independent judgment on diverse and specialized maintenance and repair activities with accountability and ongoing decision-making responsibilities associated with the area of responsibility and exercises direct supervision over technical and maintenance staff.

Incumbents are responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of staff and for providing technical support to management in a variety of areas. Performance of the work requires the use of independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines. Exercises direct supervision over technical and maintenance staff.

Serves as a Shift Operator for the City's Water Division; may act in absence of Water Superintendent. Some of the typical duties of the Water Utility Supervisor include but are not limited to, the following: Plans, schedules, organizes, prioritizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of staff performing a variety of tasks related to maintenance and repair work of hydrants, water lines, automated valves, and related equipment; trains staff in work procedures; evaluates employee performance, counsels employees, and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action; assists in selection and promotion. Participates in the development of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for assigned services and programs; recommends and implements policies and procedures including standard operating procedures for assigned operations.

Monitors activities of work unit; identifies opportunities for improving service delivery and procedures; provides recommendations concerning process changes; reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements. Coordinates assigned services and operations with other departments and outside agencies. Participates in annual budget preparation; identifies resource needs; prepares detailed cost estimates with appropriate justifications; monitors expenditures.

Supervises and participates in the maintenance, repair, and construction of water meters, water mains, fire hydrants, domestic water services, booster pumping stations, backflow devices, and other related appurtenances and equipment. (Distribution) Supervises, coordinates and participates in the performance of semi-skilled and skilled duties related to the construction, installation, service, maintenance, and repair of existing and new water mains, services, pipelines, valves, hydrants, trench shoring and related services. (Distribution) Supervises the City's backflow testing and cross connection control program to ensure safe water and comply with California Health Department regulations; inspects properties with backflow devices; contacts property owners regarding their backflow testing compliance efforts; reviews backflow test results from third party vendors; determines whether to turn water supply off for customers who fail to comply.

(Customer Service) Supervises the City's water system flushing program for water quality assurance; directs the flushing of dead-end water mains. (Customer Service) Supervises the City's valve exercise program; determines which valves need to be replaced and directs their replacement as needed. (Customer Service) Assists in the review of plans for water projects and proposed development to ensure compliance with City and State rules, policies, and regulations; assists with and discusses development plans with engineering staff and inspectors; assists with water-related capital improvement projects.

Prepares and presents productivity and other written reports, reviews timecards and related records. Prepares purchase orders for contractors needed; serves as liaison to City contractors; inspects work completed by contractors. Answers emergency calls from City personnel, the public, and other agencies; checks for water leaks and makes emergency repairs.

Prepares, maintains, and inputs detailed logs, records, files, databases, and reports of water distribution system installation, maintenance, construction, and repair activities into automated software systems. Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates and responds to the most significant complaints and inquiries from staff, customers, other departments, and outside agencies regarding water quality, water pressure, and low and high billings; recommends corrective actions to resolve issues; coordinates activities with other City staff in resolving customer complaints. Prioritizes and makes necessary purchases of materials, equipment, and supplies; maintains and reviews inventories; reviews timecards, work orders, and related records.

Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. Performs other duties as assigned. For a complete job description, click here.

Education and/or Experience Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in construction, installation, maintenance, and repair of water utility distribution systems OR water meter or field customer service equivalent to a Water Utility Worker II at the City of Glendora. Experience is a lead or supervisory capacity is highly desirable.

Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, supplemented by specialized coursework in water technology, water production, water distribution or a related field. Licenses and Certifications: Possession of a valid Class "C" California Driver License and a valid Class "B" California Driver License with "N" (Tanker) endorsement, to be maintained throughout employment. Possession of a valid Grade D3 Water Distribution Operator Certificate, to be maintained throughout employment.

Possession of a valid Grade T1 Water Treatment Operator Certificate, to be maintained throughout employment. Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months of appointment, a valid First Aid certificate, to be maintained throughout employment. Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months of appointment, a valid Forklift Operator certificate, to be maintained throughout employment.

Knowledge and Skills: Principles, practices, methods, techniques, and equipment used in the installation, maintenance, repair, and operation of water transmission and distribution systems. Underground Service Alert (Dig-Alert) procedures. Proper methods of collecting and preserving domestic water samples.

Mathematical principles as applied to water systems. City standards related to installation and repair of water lines. Principles and practices of preventive maintenance.

Basic traffic control procedures, traffic laws and traffic sign regulations. Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures. Principles and practices of leadership.

Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly. Basic principles and practices of budget administration and monitoring. Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility including California State Water Resources Control Board laws governing a water distribution system.

Principles and procedures of record keeping and report preparation. City purchasing policies and procedures City and mandated safety rules, regulations, protocols, and occupational hazards. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, other agencies, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed. The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Required to be on-call and to work various shifts or emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays.

On-call work is generally performed on a rotational basis.