Water Distribution Manager

Position Overview

Plans, organizes, directs, and manages the operation, maintenance, construction, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement of the Authority's water distribution system. Provides leadership and direction to assistant managers, supervisors, an assigned confidential administrative assistant, and field personnel responsible for the operation and maintenance of water mains, valves, hydrants, service lines, meters, distribution facilities, and related infrastructure. Works closely with Authority leadership, Finance, Engineering, Treatment Operations, licensed operators, consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies to ensure reliable system performance, regulatory compliance, effective resource management, and the successful implementation of departmental and organizational initiatives. Exercises considerable independent judgment in establishing departmental priorities, managing personnel and resources, supporting organizational strategic planning, advancing capital improvement initiatives, and ensuring the long-term reliability, resiliency, and performance of the Authority's water distribution system.

Key Responsibilities

• Directs and oversees the operation, maintenance, repair, construction, and continuous improvement of the Authority's water distribution system.
• Leads, develops, and evaluates assistant managers, supervisors, an assigned confidential administrative assistant, and field personnel through effective communication, accountability, coaching, succession planning, and performance management.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing water distribution operations, water quality monitoring, distribution system compliance activities, and other NJDEP and USEPA requirements.
• Oversees distribution system water quality programs, including sampling activities, flushing programs, cross-connection control initiatives, lead service line replacement efforts, and other regulatory compliance requirements.
• Coordinates regulatory inspections, audits, reporting requirements, corrective actions, and compliance initiatives.
• Directs emergency response activities involving water main breaks, service interruptions, water quality concerns, severe weather events, and other operational emergencies.
• Coordinates with Finance, Customer Service, Engineering, Treatment Operations, and other departments to support meter operations, customer account management, service installations, infrastructure improvements, and Authority initiatives.
• Coordinates with consulting engineers, contractors, and utility partners on construction activities, system improvements, and capital projects.
• Leads the development of distribution-related capital improvement priorities and participates in the implementation of the Authority's Capital Improvement Program and long-range infrastructure planning initiatives.
• Participates in the Authority's strategic planning process by identifying long-term operational needs, evaluating system performance, recommending departmental priorities, and contributing to organizational initiatives that support the Authority's mission, regulatory responsibilities, and long-term infrastructure goals.
• Participates in budget preparation, capital planning, resource allocation, and departmental financial management.
• Monitors system performance and identifies opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reliability, resiliency, regulatory compliance, customer service, and employee effectiveness.
• Ensures the proper maintenance of departmental vehicles, equipment, facilities, and infrastructure assets.
• Participates in labor-management discussions and assists in the administration of collective bargaining agreements, personnel policies, and departmental procedures.
• Prepares reports, correspondence, presentations, regulatory documentation, Board materials, and other administrative records as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of water distribution system operations, maintenance, construction, asset management, and regulatory requirements.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable NJDEP, USEPA, and federal and state drinking water regulations governing public water distribution systems.
• Knowledge of water quality monitoring, distribution system compliance programs, emergency response, and industry best practices.
• Knowledge of supervisory and management principles, including employee development, workforce planning, succession planning, performance management, and organizational leadership.
• Knowledge of budget development, capital planning, infrastructure asset management, and long-range operational planning.
• Knowledge of organizational strategic planning, continuous process improvement, and performance management principles.
• Ability to lead and motivate employees while fostering a culture of accountability, communication, respect, safety, and operational excellence.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, allocate resources effectively, and make sound decisions during both routine operations and emergency situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, customers, contractors, consultants, regulators, elected officials, and the public.
• Ability to establish productive working relationships across departments and organizational levels while building consensus and supporting Authority-wide initiatives.
• Strong analytical, organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, evaluate operational challenges, develop practical solutions, and maintain accountability for departmental performance and organizational objectives.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to utilize work management, GIS, asset management, and other utility-related software applications.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Possession of a valid New Jersey Water Distribution Operator License (W-2 or higher).
• Significant experience in water distribution operations, maintenance, construction, regulatory compliance, and emergency response.
• Demonstrated supervisory or management experience.
• Possession of a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• New Jersey Water Distribution Operator License (W-3 or W-4).
• Experience serving in Direct Responsible Charge of a public water distribution system.
• Experience serving as a Licensed Operator Direct Responsible Charge (LODR).
• Experience managing regulatory compliance programs and regulatory inspections.
• Experience leading supervisory, administrative, and field personnel in a unionized environment.
• Experience with capital improvement projects, budgeting, infrastructure planning, and consultant management.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Atlantic City, NJ 08401 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Atlantic City, NJ 08401: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person