Operations Manager

Washington Water ServiceJob Description:California Water Service Group invites you to build a meaningful career with the third‑largest publicly traded water utility. Guided by our mission to be the leading provider of water and wastewater services, we are dedicated to improving quality of life for the customers, communities, and employees we serve. Our culture is grounded in core values—integrity, service, value, health and safety, respect and collaboration, and corporate citizenship—and reflected in our recognition as a Top Workplace, a Great Place to Work, and a J.D. Power leader in customer satisfaction for multiple years. Join Cal Water and be part of a purpose‑driven organization where your work makes a lasting impact.The Operations Manager is responsible for managing the operation and maintenance activities of the water system including expense budgets, execution of the capital budget, supporting activities customer service, and SOX compliance. The Operations Manager must establish oneself as a leader in the community and acts as the designated Company official for public meetings or forums. This position will be located in Gig Harbor, WA.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Leads and manages team, including prioritizing and assigning work, conducting performance evaluations, oversee training and development, and making hiring, disciplinary and termination recommendationsOversees operations related to distribution, quantity, and quality including maintenance and construction activities, all capital construction and activities, budget development, monitoring expenditures, and resolving complex customer service issuesProvides oversight to the operations and maintenance of well sites, system booster stations, reservoirs, treatment plants, compliance water sampling, and testingProvides oversight of the water system: flushing and valve operation program, water main, service, and meter repairs and replacement programs, and fire flow availability testsEnsures certified distribution and treatment operators are properly trained to make decisions that affect water quality and quantity using manual or supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA)Responds to all water quality and environmental inquiries and issues; participates in inspections, adheres to Washington Water Statewide NPDES Permit and interacts with applicable agenciesSchedules and modifies operations to meet Company, local goals and initiativesEstablishes and maintains relationships with local government officials; acts as the Company representative in a public forum or before the mediaExercise technical expertise in preparing written and oral reportsEnsures that employees comply with all safety guidelines per Company policyCollaborates with Company’s Customer Service, Engineering, Water Quality, Environmental and Safety, Rates, and other internal departmentsParticipates in a community service organization consistent with district public outreach planParticipates in and supports the Company’s Continuous Improvement program and projectsAvailable for on-call duty as required periodicallyAttends meetings and training as directed by Washington Water ServicePerforms work on site as assigned office locationPerforms other duties as assignedMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree and, or equivalent relevant water industry or field operations experienceFive years of increasingly responsible experience in management or supervisory roleFive years of experience working in a water utility in operations, or related fieldWashington State Water Distribution Manager 3 or the ability to obtain in 6 monthsWashington State Water Treatment Plant Operator 2 or the ability to obtain in 6 monthsWashington State Cross-Connection Control SpecialistMust live within 45 minutes of the districtExcellent written, verbal, and public speaking skillsProficient in the use of Microsoft Office applicationsValid Washington Driver LicenseSalary Range: $102,700 - $190,600Deadline to submit resume is Sunday, September 6, 2026. The Equal Opportunity Policy of the Company is based upon the philosophy that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity. California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Service and Washington Water Service do not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected class. The Company makes all employment decisions in a non-discriminatory manner. EOE, VET, DISABILITIES.SummaryLocation: Gig Harbor, WAType: Full time