Description

Lead the Lifeline of Our Community
The City of Decatur is seeking an experienced Water Services Manager to ensure safe, reliable water service for thousands daily. In this leadership role, you’ll oversee operations, manage multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects, and guide a skilled team toward regulatory excellence.

If you're an experienced water utility leader, civil engineer, or operations manager looking to take the next step in your career—with the authority to innovate, drive system improvements, and make decisions that protect public health—this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Why You’ll Find This Position Rewarding

• Competitive Benefits: 14.5 paid holidays (including 2 employee-selected days), comprehensive health coverage, excellent pension plan, vacation and sick leave
  Relocation Assistance: Financial support for moving expenses for qualified candidates
  On-Site Health Center: Free check-ups, chronic condition management, immunizations, bloodwork, and many free prescriptions for employees and dependents
  Tuition Reimbursement: Support 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 "Operator in Responsible 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 evaluation
• 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

Requirements

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.

Note: Equivalent combinations of education, experience, and training may be considered.