Water Treatment Manager

Overview

Complete Building Services (CBS) is a company that is passionate about the operation and maintenance of buildings/facilities in the commercial and government sectors. CBS is the largest division of The Donohoe Companies, Inc. - Washington DC's most established real estate company. At CBS, we celebrate and empower our talented employees - and it shows as we have been ranked by the Washington Business Journal as the "Best Place to Work" multiple times.

Perks & Benefits 

We offer a full slate of benefits, including competitive salaries, medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverages, FSA, flexible vacation, commuter benefits, and a 401k plan with a match. And...we offer some not-so-standard, extra great benefits, including tuition reimbursement for education/certifications, employee discount programs (including hotels and our vendor's products), and an Employee Assistance Program that offers free financial consultants, therapists, and lawyers. We value diversity and believe in forming teams in which everyone can be their authentic self is the key to our success. Come join us, and find out what the best work of your career could look like for you.

Responsibilities

The Water Treatment Manager is responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of water treatment systems across the commercial facilities portfolio, including cooling towers, boilers, closed-loop systems, and potable water systems. This role manages regulatory compliance, chemical treatment programs, vendor relationships, and preventive maintenance to protect building systems, occupant health, and asset value. The Water Treatment Manager serves as the subject-matter expert on water treatment for facilities engineering staff and property leadership.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operation, monitoring, and maintenance of water treatment systems, including cooling towers, boilers, closed-loop HVAC systems, and potable water systems, across all assigned properties.

• Conduct or supervise routine water testing (pH, conductivity, biocide levels, scale and corrosion inhibitors, and related parameters) and adjust chemical treatment programs to maintain systems within proper operating ranges.

• Ensure full compliance with applicable local, state, and federal water quality and safety regulations, including Legionella risk management programs consistent with ASHRAE Standard 188.

• Develop, implement, and maintain water management plans, testing logs, and compliance documentation required for inspections, audits, and regulatory reporting.

• Manage third-party water treatment vendors and service contracts, including scope of work, performance reviews, and cost-effectiveness.

• Develop and maintain preventive maintenance schedules for water-related equipment and lead emergency response efforts for system failures, contamination events, or Legionella-related incidents.

• Train and support facilities engineering staff on water treatment procedures, safety protocols, and proper chemical handling.

• Partner with facilities and engineering leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and capital planning for water treatment equipment and system upgrades.

• Maintain accurate records of testing results, chemical usage, maintenance activity, and compliance documentation.

• Respond to and resolve water quality or system issues promptly, escalating to property leadership as needed.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Hours: Monday - Friday (40 hours per week)

Salary: $42.00 per hour with possibility of overtime as needed

Qualifications

Qualifiactions

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, environmental science, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

• Minimum of [5] years of experience in commercial water treatment, facilities engineering, or a related field, including supervisory or management experience.

• Valid water treatment operator certification/license as required by state or local jurisdiction (Water Treatment Operator).

• Strong working knowledge of cooling tower and boiler water chemistry, Legionella/ASHRAE 188 compliance, and applicable environmental and safety regulations.

• Demonstrated experience managing vendors, service contracts, and cross-functional teams.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a hands-on, detail-oriented approach to system troubleshooting.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to train staff and prepare compliance documentation.

• Proficiency with building automation systems, water treatment monitoring software, and Microsoft Office.

• Valid driver's license and ability to travel between properties as needed.

  Physical Requirements and Work Environment  

• Ability to walk, stand, climb ladders, and access mechanical rooms, rooftops, and confined spaces for extended periods.

• Ability to lift and carry up to [50] pounds, including water testing equipment and treatment chemicals.

• Exposure to mechanical, electrical, and chemical hazards typical of commercial facilities operations; use of personal protective equipment (PPE) required.

• Work may be performed indoors and outdoors, in varying temperature and weather conditions, and may require occasional evening, weekend, or on-call availability for emergency response.

                                                                                               EOE/Disability/Veterans