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.

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. 

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.

• 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.

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

• 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.

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.