Water System Manager

Water System Manager

Salary

$127,243.00 - $162,301.00 Annually

Location

1900 Oak Industrial Dr NE Grand Rapids, MI

Job Type

Permanent

Job Number

661-0526

Department

Water

Opening Date

06/01/2026

Closing Date

6/26/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Nature of Work

The purpose of this job is to oversee the various divisions responsible for long-range planning, drinking water treatment, operations, and capital and operating budgets for the potable Water Utility. Responds to media inquiries regarding the Water Utility. Provides leadership and oversight dedicated to providing safe, high quality drinking water. Ensures that overall operations effectively manage water infrastructure assets and properly plan via industry accepted asset management practices.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Provides leadership and management oversight of the Grand Rapids Water System
• Provides high level program and project oversight
• Performs operational review, management, reporting and oversight (meeting with mid-level managers, guidance with addressing issues and problems including regulatory matters, Key Performance Indicator review, Monthly Operating Report review, etc.)
• Ensures and maintains compliance with all regulatory requirements
• Provides revenue and expenditure analysis
• Leads and participates in rate and policy development, review and implementation
• Manages utility emergencies and critical events or issues; Leads regular emergency planning and preparation exercises
• Provides input, approves and presents capital and operating budgets for the utility
• Responds or oversees response to media inquiries
• Prepares and presents budget; tracks budget and makes budget reports during the year
• Oversees various Water Divisions; hires supervisory staff for divisions and fills vacant positions
• Engages and collaborates with the community partners while representing the City on the Utility Advisory Board
• Provides long range planning and risk assessments of infrastructure and operations
• Leads and manages staff in community outreach and engagement practices across various platforms
• Collaborates with and supports other Departments on special programs and projects
• Performs related work as required

Minimum Training and Experience

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Environmental Sciences, Engineering or a related field
• -AND--
• Eight (8) years of experience in drinking water treatment, operations and maintenance
• -AND--
• Five (5) years of supervisory and management experience of a municipal drinking water system and/or drinking water treatment plant
• -OR--
• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities

Required License

• State of Michigan S-1 or F-1 Drinking Water Operator License or the ability to obtain one from the State of Michigan through their Reciprocity Program guidelines

Preferred License

• Professional Engineer

Other Information

We Offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1
• 6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit)
• Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account
• Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options
• Twelve Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Paid Parking (if applicable)
• Employee Home Ownership Incentive
• Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling
• Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentive
• Employee Discounts and Perks

Should an applicant need any disability related accommodation or other consideration in the application or selection process, please notify the human resources department upon submittal of application

The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Please Note:

This position is subject to the provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement and all relevant civil service rules. For additional information, links to union agreement and Civil Service Rules are provided below.

Collective Bargaining Agreements

Civil Service Rules

City of Grand Rapids Employee Benefits webpage

01

Do you possess a bachelors degree in business, environmental science, engineering or a related field from an accredited institution?

• Yes
• No

02

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please identify the field of study of your bachelors degree along with any additional degrees you may have. If you answered "No", please write "N/A".

03

Do you possess eight (8) years of work experience in drinking water treatment, operations and maintenance for a municipal water system?

• Yes
• No

04

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please describe your experience. If you answered "No", please write "N/A".

05

Do you possess five (5) years of experience managing or supervising in a municipal drinking water system?

• Yes
• No

06

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please provide details about your managerial or supervisory experience. Include the types and number of employees you managed, as well as the types of work they were performing. If you answered "No", please write "N/A".

07

Do you possess a State of Michigan EGLE S-1 or F-1 certification?

• Yes
• No

08

If you answered "No" to the previous question, do you have an equivalent S-1 or F-1 certification from another State?

• Yes
• No

09

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please provide which state your license is in and the certification number. If you answered "No" please write "N/A".

10

Have you ever served as the Operator in Charge of any municipal drinking water system you have worked at in the past?

11

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please explain your work there and if that system has received any notice of violations during your time as the Operator in Charge. If you answered "No", please write "N/A".

12

Do you possess a Professional Engineers (P.E.) license?

• Yes
• No

13

Please list any additional certifications you may have pertaining to a municipal drinking water utility.

Required Question

Employer City of Grand Rapids

Address 300 Monroe Ave, NW

8th Floor, Room 880

Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503-2206

Phone (616) 456-3176

Website http://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/jobs/human-resources-Department