Position Summary: The District Manager oversees the operation of all water/wastewater facilities assigned within the District. Directs staff of Licensed Water/Wastewater Operators and Operations Assistants, either directly or by delegation through their District Senior Operators. Manages all facilities for safety, efficiency, and compliance with all local, State, and Federal laws and statutes. Reports to the Statewide Assistant Director and Director of Production.
Leadership & Staff Management - Manages all District staffing and evaluates employee performance.
- Establishes goals and manages execution of all District operations.
- Meets routinely with Senior Operators to delegate work and receive status updates.
- Conducts regular District meetings to share information and promote discussion.
- Prepares work schedules and approves leave of operational staff.
- Performs on-call supervision duties as scheduled or required.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Operational Management & Production Oversight - Establishes and implements new production procedures and practices within the District.
- Monitors drinking water facility operations and water quality, alerting appropriate personnel to potential concerns.
- Continually reviews production capacity of drinking water facilities to ensure demand requirements are met.
- Reviews wastewater facility performance history for operational trends and compliance.
- Updates and maintains operational and maintenance procedures, practices, and manuals for all production facilities and systems.
- Works with the Statewide Production Manager to develop and implement solutions to company-wide production issues.
Budgeting, Planning & Asset Management - Provides input and assists in the preparation and submission of District operating budgets and capital budget requests.
- Provides written input regarding critical equipment needs to the Statewide Manager and Director.
- Reviews budgetary expenditures and provides detailed input for Operations and Maintenance (O&M) reports.
Regulatory Compliance & Environmental Stewardship - Monitors water quality compliance for drinking water facilities.
- Reviews wastewater facility performance for regulatory compliance.
- Coordinates visits and sampling with Public Health, DNREC, and other regulatory agencies.
- Serves as liaison with regulators and ensures compliance-related communication.
Project Management & Capital Improvements - Assists in preparing specifications and soliciting bids for installation and repair projects.
- Reviews plant design documents for new construction and repair projects and submits written comments.
- Oversees start-up and evaluation of new equipment installations and facility modifications.
- Conducts final inspections to ensure projects meet design specifications and quality requirements.
Contractor & Stakeholder Relations - Serves as the primary liaison for all contractually operated facilities within the District.
- Functions as a liaison with internal departments, external utilities, regulators, educators, and contractors.
- Attends Departmental, Inter-Departmental, Company-wide, and Enterprise-wide meetings and conferences.
Safety, Emergency Management & Risk Mitigation - Works with the safety committee to establish and implement facility safety practices and procedures.
- Evaluates, modifies, and implements plant, facility, and distribution system alarms.
- Develops and maintains emergency response and crisis management procedures.
Staff and Professional Development - Develops, mentors, and coaches operational staff to enhance technical knowledge, leadership capabilities, and professional growth.
- Identifies training needs and ensures employees receive appropriate technical, safety, regulatory, and operational training.
- Supports succession planning by preparing employees for increased responsibilities and leadership opportunities.
- Promotes a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and operational excellence.
- Encourages participation in industry seminars, conferences, certifications, and professional development programs.
- Provides ongoing feedback, performance coaching, and career development guidance to staff.
- Ensures employees remain current on regulatory requirements, industry best practices, and technological advancements.
- Attend seminars and conferences to maintain knowledge of industry advancements.
- Develop professional networks and stays informed of technical innovations.
- Supports continuous improvement initiatives across all District operations .
Qualifications: - Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive experience in the water and wastewater utility industry, including at least five (5) years in a supervisory or management role.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively lead teams, manage operations, and drive organizational performance.
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with employees, customers, regulators, contractors, and senior leadership.
- Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude, including a working knowledge of electrical systems, instrumentation, process controls, and automated operational systems.
- Possession of a valid Delaware Drinking Water Operator License with all required endorsements; ability to obtain and maintain operator licenses in other states as required.
- Possession of a minimum Delaware Level II Wastewater Operator License; ability to obtain and maintain operator licenses in other states as required.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and related business applications.
- Ability to read, interpret, and review engineering drawings, blueprints, technical specifications, and construction documents.
- Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing drinking water and wastewater operations.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, project management, and decision-making skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous process improvement.
- Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record and the ability to travel throughout the service area as required.
- High School Diploma or GED required
NOTE: A two year degree from an accredited college with engineering, chemical, biological or related sciences may be substituted for experience on the basis of one year of college equals one year of experience.
Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by any and all employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, stooping, crouching, or bending.
- The employee frequently lifts light or heavy objects up to 50 lbs, uses tools and equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color and utilizes the sense of smell.
- The work is typically performed while indoors or outdoors, sometimes in cold inclement weather. The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, hazardous chemicals, and machinery with moving parts.
- The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.
Compensation & Benefits: - Salary Range: $84,000 - $125,0000 annually, based on experience and qualifications.
- Total Rewards Package Includes: - Medical, dental, and vision coverage (effective first of the month after hire).
- 401(k) with company match.
- Company paid life and disability insurance.
- Paid time off and 12 paid holidays.
- Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities.
