Water Distribution Manager

Woodard & Curran is an employee-owned engineering, science, and operations firm dedicated to clean water, a safe environment, healthy communities, and happy people. We foster an inclusive, collaborative culture that supports professional growth, flexibility, and meaningful work, empowering our employees to make a lasting impact on our clients, communities, and the planet.

Woodard & Curran is an employee-owned engineering, science, and operations firm dedicated to clean water, a safe environment, healthy communities, and happy people. We foster an inclusive, collaborative culture that supports professional growth, flexibility, and meaningful work, empowering our employees to make a lasting impact on our clients, communities, and the planet.

LEAD A TEAM THAT DELIVERS SAFE, RELIABLE WATER EVERY DAY     We're seeking an experienced Water Distribution Manager to lead our operations and maintenance team supporting Public Water Supply District #2 / East Central Missouri in St. Charles County, Missouri. This is an exciting opportunity to oversee critical public infrastructure, lead a talented team, and make a direct impact on the communities we serve. If you're a hands-on leader who enjoys developing people, driving operational excellence, and managing large-scale water distribution systems, we'd love to hear from you.   Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am until 4:00pm.

What You'll Do: As Water Distribution Manager, you'll oversee the operation, maintenance, and reliability of a large and complex drinking water distribution system serving approximately 150,000 residents across a 600-square-mile service area.

 

In this role, you will:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 12 skilled water distribution professionals, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

• Manage an annual operating budget of approximately $1.7 million, ensuring efficient and reliable system performance.

• Oversee the maintenance, repair, and reliability of more than 700 miles of water distribution piping and associated infrastructure.

• Direct a proactive valve maintenance program, exercising approximately 12,000 system valves on a five-year rotation.

• Coordinate the annual testing of approximately 5,800 fire hydrants to support public safety and system readiness.

• Manage system flushing programs, including the annual flushing of approximately 1,400 dead-end water mains to maintain water quality throughout the distribution network.

• Plan, prioritize, and execute maintenance, repair, and capital improvement projects across the system.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable drinking water regulations and operational requirements.

• Collaborate with clients, stakeholders, and internal teams to deliver exceptional service and operational performance.

• Support emergency response efforts and system reliability initiatives as needed.

 

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on critical public infrastructure while leading a dedicated team responsible for delivering safe, reliable drinking water to the communities we serve.

What We're Looking For: • Three or more years of experience managing water distribution systems.

• Missouri Drinking Water Distribution Operator Certification Level DS-III or the ability to obtain it within the first year of employment.

• Experience leading personnel and managing operational budgets.

• Working knowledge of Missouri drinking water regulations and distribution system requirements.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical or vocational training is preferred.

• Valid driver's license with a good driving record.

 

Physical Requirements:

 

This position includes a combination of office and field-based work. Candidates must be able to:

 

• Regularly lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.

• Walk active job sites and distribution system facilities.

• Climb ladders, stairs, and access utility infrastructure as needed.

• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

• Respond to operational and emergency situations when necessary.

• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow all safety procedures.

Additional Information: Successful candidates will be required to complete a background check, pre-employment physical, and drug screening prior to employment.

What We Offer: • Employee ownership and the opportunity to share in the company's success.

• Career growth and advancement opportunities within a national engineering and operations firm.

• The opportunity to lead a high-performing team serving a large and growing community.

• Support for professional development and industry certifications.

• Collaboration with experienced operators, engineers, scientists, and environmental professionals.

• Meaningful work that helps protect public health and ensure reliable drinking water service.

• A culture focused on safety, teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Join Our Team: This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced water professional looking to grow their leadership career while making a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

 

Join Woodard & Curran and help deliver safe, reliable water while leading a team committed to operational excellence.

Woodard & Curran offers a comprehensive benefits package. For more information about our benefits & workplace policies visit Benefit & Policy Information - Woodard & Curran.   E-Verify Participation: Woodard & Curran participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. As part of this process, we provide access to the Right to Work & E-Verify postings.   Equal Employment Opportunity & Accessibility: Woodard & Curran is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to non-discrimination and make employment decisions based on job-related factors. Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact Beth Sweitzer. Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Workplace Discrimination is Illegal Posting   Woodard & Curran Terms of Use Woodard & Curran Privacy Statement   Text Messaging: To support an efficient hiring process, we may send brief SMS updates or reminders. You may opt out at any time by replying “STOP.”   Unsolicited agency submissions without a signed agreement are not eligible for referral fees.