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Water Utility Supervisor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Water Division Manager

South Gate, CA · On-site

$132K - $161K/yr

... the City's water utilities, including assisting with long and short term project planning ... supervisory experience. Additional years of progressively responsible experience in the above ...

Supervisor II, Water Quality

Downey, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (AQN), parent company of Liberty, is a diversified international ... Purpose The California Water Quality Supervisor oversees compliance efforts at Liberty's 7 water ...

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Water Utility Supervisor information

See California salary details

$9

$26

$53

How much do water utility supervisor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for water utility supervisor in California is $27.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.18 and $34.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water utility supervisor?

Water Utility Supervisors are professionals responsible for overseeing the operation and maintenance of water treatment plants, distribution systems, and related infrastructure. They manage staff, ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations, monitor water quality, and coordinate repairs or upgrades. Their role is crucial for providing safe and reliable water services to communities. Supervisors also handle administrative tasks such as scheduling, budgeting, and reporting to higher management.

How does a water utility supervisor typically collaborate with other departments to ensure reliable water service?

As a Water Utility Supervisor, collaboration with departments such as maintenance, engineering, and customer service is essential to ensure uninterrupted water supply and compliance with safety standards. Supervisors often coordinate scheduled repairs, emergency response, and system upgrades by communicating operational needs and timelines across teams. Regular meetings and cross-departmental planning help anticipate challenges and streamline problem-solving, ensuring that both technical and service-related issues are addressed effectively. This collaborative approach is vital for maintaining regulatory compliance and providing high-quality service to the community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water utility supervisor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Utility Supervisor, you need a solid background in water treatment processes, regulatory compliance, and supervisory experience, often supported by a relevant degree and state certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water quality testing equipment, and maintenance management software is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you manage teams and resolve operational issues efficiently. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, reliable water service and compliance with health and environmental standards.

What is the difference between Water Utility Supervisor vs Water Plant Operator?

AspectWater Utility SupervisorWater Plant Operator
CertificationsWater Distribution Operator License, sometimes Water Treatment LicenseWater Treatment Operator License, sometimes Water Distribution License
Work EnvironmentOversees water distribution systems, manages staff, ensures complianceOperates and maintains water treatment and distribution equipment
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal water departments, utility companiesWater treatment plants, municipal water facilities

The Water Utility Supervisor typically oversees water distribution systems and manages staff, requiring relevant licenses. The Water Plant Operator focuses on operating water treatment equipment, often holding similar certifications. Both roles are essential in water services but differ in responsibilities and daily tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Water Utility Supervisor jobs in California?

For Water Utility Supervisor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Water Utility Supervisor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Utility Supervisor jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Water Utility Supervisor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,157 per year, or $27 per hour.

Water Utility Engineer

San Jose, CA • On-site

California Water Service Group
1 - 5K employees

$115K - $176K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

California Water Service

Job Description:

California Water Service Group invites you to build a meaningful career with the thirdlargest publicly traded water utility. Guided by our mission to be the leading provider of water and wastewater services, we are dedicated to improving quality of life for the customers, communities, and employees we serve. Our culture is grounded in core values-integrity, service, value, health and safety, respect and collaboration, and corporate citizenship-and reflected in our recognition as a Top Workplace, a Great Place to Work, and a J.D. Power leader in customer satisfaction for multiple years. Join Cal Water and be part of a purposedriven organization where your work makes a lasting impact.
The Water Utility Engineer is responsible for planning, designing, and delivering capital projects. These projects include wells, storage tanks, pump stations, pressure tanks, pipelines and treatment plants. Projects may be new installations or modifications to existing facilities. This position is located in San Jose, California.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Plan and design capital projects based on Cal Water standards and specifications.

  • Oversees the progress of construction or consultant work, change orders, invoices, inspection/validation and requests for information (RFI).

  • Meets with districts to schedule, obtain basic permits, and coordinate proposed work and projects.

  • Prepares permit submittals and communicates with permitting agencies.

  • Prepares and reviews bid specifications.

  • Reviews drawings and works with technicians to prepare drawings for typical infrastructure improvements.

  • Develops and monitors the scope, schedule, and budget for assigned projects.

  • Utilizes Company financial software to accurately monitor project costs during and at the end of construction.

  • Assists in planning and preparing projects and for the Company's capital budget and Public Utility Commission (PUC) rate case filings including cost estimating and justification for projects, as well as data requests, tours, rebuttal, and settlement support.

  • Assesses and analyze basic problems to recommend corrective actions.

  • Reviews the legal description of easements and properties for proposed facilities.

  • Assists in developing water distribution system long term plans.

  • Organizes and attends meetings with other Cal Water staff members and public agencies to assess problems and determine solutions.

  • Conducts research on existing infrastructure using databases, maps, drawings, photos and paper files.

  • Performs engineering calculations/civil design analysis to solve problems.

  • Conducts project safety planning and develops project safety documentation.

  • Performs work on site at assigned location.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor of Science degree (4 years) in Civil, or Mechanical Engineering or related field from an ABET accredited college or university.

  • Master's Degree or other advanced specialty certification desirable.

  • Engineering in Training Certificate (EIT) desirable or Professional Engineering License (PE) in California preferred.

  • Project management professional (PMP) certification desirable.

  • Minimum of two (2) years prior experience in design and management of water distribution or treatment system projects or related experience within the water, wastewater, or oil and gas fields.

  • Prior experience in design and management of water treatment system projects is preferred.

  • Good working knowledge of English and ability to effectively communicate with their supervisor, co-workers and the public.

  • Ability to read and understand general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.

  • Ability to write clear and concise reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.

  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers.

  • Ability to communicate and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

  • Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and e-mail applications.

  • Ability to perform accurate engineering or water supply, demand and reliability calculations.

  • Exercises good judgement to prioritize assignments and work in order of urgency and sensitivity.

  • Ability to apply engineering principles and theory.

  • Ability to apply pertinent laws, regulations and codes applicable to primary job functions.

  • Basic project management skills, including creating and monitoring schedules and budgets.

  • Knowledge of water and waste water systems desired.

  • Valid California Driver's License required.

Salary Range: $115,058.42 - $176,959.38 (DOE)

Deadline to submit resume is: OPEN UNTIL FILLED.

The Equal Opportunity Policy of the Company is based upon the philosophy that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity. California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Serviceand Washington Water Servicedo not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected class. The Company makes all employment decisions in a non-discriminatory manner. EOE, VET, DISABILITIES.