Water Services Manager

Water Services Manager

Lead Essential Infrastructure. Shape the Future of Water Service.

The City of Decatur is seeking an experienced Water Services Manager to lead municipal water distribution and metering operations that serve our community every day. You'll direct a skilled team, oversee regulatory compliance, and help shape the future of the City's water infrastructure through system improvements, capital planning, and sound operational management. This is an opportunity for an established water utility professional to bring technical expertise and leadership to decisions that protect public health and strengthen long-term system reliability. From serving as the IEPA-required Responsible Operator in Charge to developing infrastructure improvements and managing budgets and consultant contracts, you'll have a direct role in keeping an essential public service operating safely and effectively.

Benefits

We support our employees with a strong package that includes:

• Competitive Benefits: 14.5 paid holidays per year (including 2 employee-selected days), comprehensive health coverage, an excellent pension plan, paid vacation, and sick leave.
• Relocation Reimbursement: Financial support to help cover moving expenses for qualified candidates.
• Dedicated Health Center: Free check-ups, chronic condition management, immunizations, bloodwork, and many free prescriptions for employees and their dependents.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Funding available for continuing education and professional development.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Regulatory Compliance

• Manage daily water utility operations and maintenance of the municipal water distribution system ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations
• Serve as "Responsible Operator in Charge" per Illinois Environmental Protection Agency requirements
• Process and submit IEPA operation permits for new and replacement water main projects
• Submit required reports for the Illinois Lead Service Replacement and Notification Act
• Monitor the City's financial management system, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), and work order software daily; assist with system updates

Leadership & Team Management

• Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the work of water distribution and water metering staff through effective public works leadership
• Perform personnel functions including hiring, discipline, counseling, training, and performance evaluations
• Inspect division work to ensure task completion, quality standards, and adherence to safety practices
• Address employee concerns and issues in a confidential, professional manner

Planning & Infrastructure Development

• Research technical data and drawings to recommend water infrastructure improvements including new main installation, pipe sizing, materials, and equipment modifications
• Develop and recommend programs, procedures, and policies to coordinate distribution system operations with water treatment operations
• Administer consultant contracts for municipal operations projects, making recommendations on scope of work and monitoring contractor compliance with specifications

Budget & Administrative Management

• Prepare and monitor division budget expenditures and recommend capital improvement projects
• Prepare specifications for purchasing materials and services; maintain inventory of equipment and supplies
• Maintain comprehensive records, reports, and files related to water distribution operations

Stakeholder Engagement

• Meet with citizens, consulting firms, engineers, vendors, contractors, and other City personnel to exchange information and resolve issues
• Communicate courteously and diplomatically with the public and internal stakeholders

Qualifications and Preferred Skills

Education & Certification

• Associate's degree required; bachelor's degree preferred in civil or sanitary engineering, business or public administration, biology, engineering technology, management, or related field
• Illinois Class "D" Water Operator's license (obtainable within one year); Class "C" preferred
• Valid Illinois Driver's License

Experience

• Minimum 7 years of experience in water distribution system operations serving a population of 50,000 or greater preferred
• At least 5 years of supervisory experience required

Technical Knowledge & Skills

• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws governing municipal water distribution system operations
• Expert understanding of water mains, distribution infrastructure, equipment, construction standards, and practices
• Comprehensive knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions in water operations, including underground utilities and confined spaces
• Proficiency with personal computers, iPad, Microsoft Office applications, GIS, AMI, and other proprietary software

Professional Competencies

• Skill in directing, supervising, coordinating, and evaluating water distribution operations and personnel
• Ability to prepare and maintain division reports, records, specifications, purchase orders, and budgets
• Strong capability in water utility management including planning and developing programs, procedures, and policies for system upgrades
• Excellent oral, written, and electronic communication skills
• Proven ability to research technical manuals and drawings and recommend equipment improvements
• Skill in communicating with the City's water customers.

An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training may be considered. Sponsorship for Employment

The City of Decatur does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B). To be considered for regular employment with City of Decatur, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a continuous basis. Residency Requirement

Employees must reside within 50 miles of Decatur's corporate limits within 12 months of appointment. The City of Decatur is a drug-free workplace. This includes marijuana. Candidates will be subject to a pre-employment drug screen, physical exam, and background check post offer.

More Details

Why Decatur?

• A Place You Can Afford: Named the #1 Best Affordable Place to Live in the U.S. for 20252026 by U.S. News & World Report, Decatur offers a low cost of living and attainable housing.
• Central Illinois, Close to Everywhere: Located within driving distance of Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, Decatur offers convenient access to major cities while maintaining a community feel.
• Room to Get Outside: Lake Decatur and more than 2,000 acres of parks and trails offer opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and more.
• Arts, Culture & Entertainment: Enjoy concerts at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, performances at Millikin University, shows at the historic Lincoln Theatre, and a growing public art scene.
• Something for the Whole Family: From Scovill Zoo and Splash Cove Waterpark to Overlook Adventure Park, there are plenty of ways to enjoy time together.
• A Strong Employment Community: Decatur is home to major employers including ADM, Caterpillar, Primient, HSHS St. Mary's Hospital, and Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Come build your career, contribute to the community, and enjoy what Decatur has to offer.

City of Decatur Illinois