Director, Water Quality & Environmental Compliance

Requisition ID: 110073 

Share Our Purpose. Be Yourself. Feel Valued.  

People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.

We are Beautifully Different . We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role! Click here for more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn , Facebook , X and Instagram .

Position Information

$128,540.00 - $204,860.00.00 annually 

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education, and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity. 

In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k),Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more! 

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally! 

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Primary Role

American Water is currently seeking a Director, Water Quality & Environmental Compliance to oversee IL. As Dir, WQ & EC you will be responsible for comprehensive direction and administration of matters dealing with the overall management of laboratories, water quality, environmental stewardship and environmental rules and regulations, including those associated with the Safe Drinking Water Act & Clean Water Act. In this role you will make decisions and recommendations that are recognized as authoritative and have far-reaching impact on environmental activities. 

Key Accountabilities

• Develop state water quality and environmental monitoring program that ensures company compliance with regulatory and corporate standards and adherence to measurement and reporting schedules
• Develop Environmental Management Plans. Continually reviews developing water quality and environmental regulations, provides input to the local, state and federal regulatory process and ensures that programs are in place to enable compliance and customer satisfaction. Track permits related to operation of the business
• Oversee and direct work of staff and advises other company employees regarding state operations with potential to impact water quality, public health or environmental compliance. Establish, review, and approve State water quality related reports and communications, coordination of Consumer Confidence Reports, and water quality operational procedures.
• Interface with Corporate Environmental Management on reporting and coordination of the environmental function. Provide input to Local, State and System management on water quality, public health and environmental matters
• Provide technical assistance to the state functional units on Water Quality and Environmental issues
• Direct the laboratories and other water quality and environmental monitoring and control programs. Provide technical advice and assistance with business development opportunities. Investigate new acquisitions and integrate into operations. Serve as an expert witness in legal/ratemaking proceedings
• Identify and develop opportunities to enhance the company’s brand through the development of innovative and sustainable environmental solutions. Identify and develop reference projects for social responsibly, stewardship and related natural resource programs. Responsible for career development of staff
• Develop O&M budget and operate to stay within the budget

Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of federal and state environmental standards and regulations and understanding of current environmental legislation related to water system operations
• Strong to excellent working knowledge of all Federal, State, and local requirements for Cross Connection and Backflow Prevention regulations
• Strong working knowledge of water and/or wastewater treatment, and thorough knowledge of water quality and environmental regulations
• Strong to excellent working knowledge of all Federal, State, and local requirements for Cross Connection and Backflow Prevention regulations
• Knowledge of industry trade orga nizations to include participation in related activities aimed at improving environmental program awareness and stewardship opportunities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (e.g., fluency in report writing and presentations
• Effective people management skills (e.g., planning, organizing, recruiting, controlling, and leading individual staff and teams
• Effective interpersonal skills (e.g., persuasion, negotiation, listening, cooperation, tact, diplomacy, problem solving, internal consulting
• Strong project management skills (e.g. planning, organizing, directing, monitoring and reporting on project activities, managing concurrent projects
• Leadership presence (e.g., ability to deal effectively and maintain collaborative relationships with Company senior management and other key stakeholders

Experience/Education

• 5+ years’ experience managing people and leading state-wide projects
• Experience in utility operations, environmental management of water resources and/or treatment or related technology or process development
• 15+ years’ experience in water distribution systems or water utility operations; other comparable work experience may be considered. 

Travel Requirements

• Local and occasional regional travel, as needed

Certifications/Licenses

• Valid Driver’s License
• Water or Wastewater Distribution License preferred

Join American Water... We Keep Life Flowing ™

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.