Project Manager / Chief Water Operator

Lead a High-Performing Drinking Water Treatment Operations Team

Are you an experienced water operations leader ready to make a lasting impact on a community and its infrastructure? We are seeking a Project Manager / Chief Water Operator to lead the operations, maintenance, compliance, and performance of a municipal water utility system in Southern Florida.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a proven utility professional who holds a Florida Class A Water Operator License (or equivalent) and has Chief Operator (or equivalent utility leadership) experience. The successful candidate will serve as the primary operational leader, driving regulatory compliance, financial performance, team development, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement initiatives.

If you thrive in a leadership role, excel at building strong teams, and are passionate about delivering safe, reliable water services, we want to hear from you.

What You'll Do

As the Project Manager, you will provide overall leadership and strategic direction for water treatment and distribution operations under contract management. Key responsibilities include:

Operations & Regulatory Leadership

• Direct all aspects of water treatment plant operations, maintenance, asset management, and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as the designated operational leader and primary point of contact for client representatives and regulatory agencies.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including FDEP, OSHA, DOT, and environmental requirements.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety programs, and operational best practices.
• Conduct facility inspections and oversee corrective actions to maintain operational excellence.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop a team of operations and maintenance professionals.
• Manage recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and succession planning efforts.
• Foster a culture of accountability, safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Client & Community Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with municipal leaders, regulatory agencies, community stakeholders, and customers.
• Present operational updates, capital improvement plans, and budget recommendations to client representatives and governing bodies.
• Attend council and public meetings as needed.

Financial & Contract Management

• Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets.
• Monitor financial performance, including revenue, invoicing, accounts receivable, and expense controls.
• Ensure all contractual obligations, performance metrics, and service levels are consistently achieved.
• Support business growth opportunities, contract renewals, and service expansions.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Business, Water Resources, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in water treatment operations, utility management, or water system administration.
• Chief Operator experience or equivalent operational leadership experience required.
• Demonstrated success managing utility personnel, budgets, regulatory compliance, and customer relationships.

Licenses & Certifications

• Active Florida Class A Water Operator License or ability to receive through reciprocity
• Valid Driver's License.

Preferred Skills

• Deep knowledge of water treatment processes, distribution systems, regulatory compliance, and utility operations.
• Experience managing municipal or contract utility operations.
• Strong financial and budget management capabilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and utility management software.
• Ability to analyze operational data, interpret laboratory results, and implement process improvements.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

What Makes You Successful

Leadership

• Inspires and develops high-performing teams.
• Leads through accountability, collaboration, and integrity.
• Makes confident decisions in complex operational environments.

Strategic Thinking

• Identifies opportunities for operational improvements and cost efficiencies.
• Balances short-term operational needs with long-term infrastructure goals.

Problem Solving

• Quickly assesses challenges and develops practical, effective solutions.
• Maintains focus under pressure and during emergency situations.

Customer Focus

• Builds trust with clients, regulators, and community stakeholders.
• Delivers exceptional service and consistent operational performance.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in office, plant, and field environments.
• Frequent walking, standing, bending, and climbing.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Participation in emergency response activities as required.

Travel

• Approximately 5-10% travel.