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Water Utility Supervisor Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Maintenance Manager

Melvindale, MI · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Experience with boilers/steam, pumps, piping, compressed air, water systems, or related plant utilities * Previous experience supervising skilled trades or industrial maintenance personnel

New

Experience with boilers/steam, pumps, piping, compressed air, water systems, or related plant utilities * Previous experience supervising skilled trades or industrial maintenance personnel

New

Utility Tech

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$20/hr

... supervisor and/or customer. Essential Duties amp; Responsibilities: (including but not limited to ... Plumbing - replace water fountain filters, installing seats, stalls, unclog drains, repair facets ...

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Water Utility Supervisor information

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 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.
What are popular job titles related to Water Utility Supervisor jobs in Michigan? For Water Utility Supervisor jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Utility Supervisor jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Water Utility Supervisor jobs in Michigan are:
Infographic showing various Water Utility Supervisor job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Utility Supervisor

City of Grand Rapids, MI

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

$84K - $108K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


City Of Grand Rapids (Michigan) rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary : $84,965.44 - $108,413.38 Annually
Location : Water Resource Recovery Facility 1300 Market Ave SW Grand Rapids, MI
Job Type: Permanent
Job Number: 353-0826
Department: Environmental Services
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: 8/13/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Nature of Work
This is highly skilled and supervisory work over utility employees engaged in skilled trades and activities related to operations, maintenance, and repair of wastewater and stormwater facilities and systems. Work is performed under the general supervision of a designated superintendent, supervisor, or manager.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
  • Plans, organizes, prioritizes, coordinates, schedules, assigns and evaluates the work of subordinates; provides training and counseling as needed; handles complaints and grievances; takes disciplinary actions as needed.
  • Supervises and directs the operation and maintenance of city owned and operated facilities, as required. Schedules and prioritizes work in this regard to assure the efficient operation and proper maintenance of these facilities to achieve the best possible performance throughout the service life.
  • Assures that proper safety and environmental standards are followed.
  • Inspects work being performed and oversees its proper completion.
  • Conducts employee evaluations, responds to complaints and grievances, and takes disciplinary action when necessary.
  • Using computers and associated applications, maintains records and logs, as needed; prepares reports related to the work. Assures that adequate supplies, materials and equipment are available to personnel, orders supplies and materials as needed, maintains inventory.
  • Assists in the preparation of the annual budget and the expenditure of appropriated funds. Also participates in development of system modifications and improvements, and oversees special projects related to utility maintenance and operations.
  • Responds to inquiries and complaints from the public and utility customers; provides technical assistance as required.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Training and Experience
Required Education and Experience
  • Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration or a related field
--AND--
  • At least three (3) years of related work experience
--OR--
  • Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities

Other Information
We Offer:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1
  • 6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit)
  • Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account
  • Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options
  • Twelve Paid Holidays
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Time
  • Paid Parking (if applicable)
  • Employee Home Ownership Incentive
  • Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling
  • Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentive
  • Employee Discounts and Perks

Should an applicant need any disability related accommodation or other consideration in the application or selection process, please notify the human resources department upon submittal of application
The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
Please Note:
This position is subject to the provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement and all relevant civil service rules. For additional information, links to union agreement and Civil Service Rules are provided below.
01
Do you possess an associate's degree in Public Administration or a related field?
  • Yes
  • No

02
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please identify the field of study of your associate's degree. If none, please write "N/A".
03
Do you possess three (3) years of related experience?
  • Yes
  • No

04
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please describe your experience. If you answered "No", write "N/A".
Required Question

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