Job 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 recommendations
Oversees 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 issues
Provides oversight to the operations and maintenance of well sites, system booster stations, reservoirs, treatment plants, compliance water sampling, and testing
Provides oversight of the water system: flushing and valve operation program, water main, service, and meter repairs and replacement programs, and fire flow availability tests
Ensures 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 agencies
Schedules and modifies operations to meet Company, local goals and initiatives
Establishes and maintains relationships with local government officials; acts as the Company representative in a public forum or before the media
Exercise technical expertise in preparing written and oral reports
Ensures that employees comply with all safety guidelines per Company policy
Collaborates with Company’s Customer Service, Engineering, Water Quality, Environmental and Safety, Rates, and other internal departments
Participates in a community service organization consistent with district public outreach plan
Participates in and supports the Company’s Continuous Improvement program and projects
Available for on-call duty as required periodically
Attends meetings and training as directed by Washington Water Service
Performs work on site as assigned office location
Performs other duties as assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree and, or equivalent relevant water industry or field operations experience
Five years of increasingly responsible experience in management or supervisory role
Five years of experience working in a water utility in operations, or related field
Washington State Water Distribution Manager 3 or the ability to obtain in 6 months
Washington State Water Treatment Plant Operator 2 or the ability to obtain in 6 months
Washington State Cross-Connection Control Specialist
Must live within 45 minutes of the district
Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking skills
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications
Valid Washington Driver License
Salary Range: $102,700 - $190,600
Deadline 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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant water industry or field operations experience
- Five years of increasingly responsible experience in management or supervisory role
- Five years of experience working in a water utility in operations or related field
- Washington State Water Distribution Manager 3 or ability to obtain in 6 months
- Washington State Water Treatment Plant Operator 2 or ability to obtain in 6 months
- Washington State Cross-Connection Control Specialist
- Must live within 45 minutes of the district
- Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking skills
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications
- Valid Washington Driver License
What We Do
California Water Service Group is the third-largest publicly traded, regulated water utility in the United States. The company provides high-quality, affordable water and wastewater utility services to more than two million people west of the Mississippi River through five subsidiaries. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life for its customers, communities, employees, and stockholders by delivering a commitment to quality, service, and value.
