Water Quality & Treatment Operations Manager

Water Quality & Treatment Operations Manager Position Summary:

The Water Quality & Treatment Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day leadership, operation, and regulatory compliance of the District's drinking water treatment facilities and water quality programs. This position ensures the safe, reliable, and efficient production of high-quality drinking water while maintaining compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local drinking water regulations. This position oversees treatment plant operations, water quality monitoring, regulatory reporting, laboratory coordination, and assigned personnel in a continuous 24/7/365 utility environment. The Manager provides hands-on operational leadership, technical oversight, and staff supervision while coordinating with internal departments to support system reliability, treatment optimization, and regulatory compliance.

Essential Accountabilities:

Treatment Plant Operations

• Direct and oversee the daily operation of the District's water treatment facilities to ensure reliable production of safe drinking water that consistently meets system demands.
• Monitor and optimize treatment processes including source blending, chemical treatment, filtration, disinfection, corrosion control, and related operational systems.
• Analyze plant performance data, SCADA information, operational trends, and water quality results to guide process control decisions and operational improvements.
• Coordinate routine, preventive, corrective, and emergency operational activities associated with treatment facilities. Troubleshoot complex treatment process, operational, and equipment issues in coordination with operations, facilities, and technical staff.
• Ensure treatment facilities are operated efficiently, safely, and in accordance with established procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Respond to operational emergencies, off-hours issues, and treatment-related service disruptions as required. Water Quality & Regulatory Compliance
• Serve as the District's primary manager for drinking water quality compliance and regulatory reporting.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local drinking water regulations, permits, standards, and reporting requirements.
• Prepare, review, certify, and submit required regulatory reports accurately and on time.
• Manage compliance monitoring schedules, sampling programs, laboratory coordination, data review, and regulatory documentation.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory inspections, sanitary surveys, audits, and compliance-related communications.
• Monitor changes in regulatory requirements and recommend operational or programmatic adjustments as needed.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and defensible compliance records and reporting documentation.

Regulatory responsibilities may include:

• Monthly operating reports
• Consumer Confidence Reports
• Compliance monitoring and water quality reporting
• Lead and Copper Rule compliance
• PFAS and emerging contaminant monitoring/reporting
• Source water monitoring and treatment-related compliance programs
• Other required federal and state regulatory submissions Staff Leadership & Supervision
• Supervise, lead, and develop assigned treatment plant and water quality personnel.
• Establish clear performance expectations, operational standards, and accountability measures.
• Manage employee scheduling, work assignments, overtime oversight, leave coordination, and workflow planning.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide coaching and performance feedback, and address personnel issues in accordance with District policies.
• Support operator training, certification development, and professional growth.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement. Laboratory, Monitoring & Operational Data Management
• Oversee treatment-related sampling, laboratory coordination, analytical review, and water quality monitoring activities.
• Ensure proper QA/QC practices, data integrity, and accurate reporting.
• Review and interpret operational and laboratory data to support treatment performance and compliance decision-making.
• Maintain operational, compliance, maintenance, and treatment records using manual and computerized systems. Maintenance Coordination & Asset Support
• Coordinate with facilities and technical staff to support reliable operation and maintenance of treatment infrastructure and equipment.
• Identify operational maintenance needs, equipment deficiencies, and reliability concerns.
• Assist in prioritizing treatment-related maintenance activities, repairs, and equipment replacement needs.
• Inspect facilities for operational, safety, maintenance, and compliance concerns.
• Read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, schematics, and process documentation to support operational troubleshooting and maintenance coordination. Budgeting, Administration & Project Support
• Assist with preparation and management of treatment-related operating budgets.
• Monitor treatment-related expenditures including chemicals, materials, contracted services, and operational resources.
• Support purchasing, specification development, and procurement activities in accordance with District policies.
• Participate in treatment improvement initiatives, capital project coordination, and operational planning efforts.
• Provide treatment operational input for facility upgrades, equipment improvements, and engineering initiatives. Coordination & Emergency Response
• Coordinate treatment and water quality activities with operations, engineering, facilities, watershed, customer service, and outside agencies as needed. Support emergency preparedness, continuity planning, and treatment-related response activities.
• Develop and maintain treatment operational procedures and emergency response protocols.
• Serve as a key operational resource during system disruptions, water quality events, and emergency situations. Minimum Requirements Education & Experience
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Water/Wastewater Operations, or a related field preferred. Equivalent combinations of education, certification, and directly relevant experience may be considered.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in water treatment operations, water quality, or drinking water utility operations.
• Minimum of four (4) years of supervisory or management experience in a regulated utility or operational environment.
• Demonstrated experience with drinking water treatment process control, regulatory compliance, and staff leadership. Licenses & Certifications
• Possess and maintain a valid Maine driver's license.
• Maine Class IV Water Treatment Operator License required.
• Maine Class IV Water Distribution Operator License preferred or ability to obtain within a reasonable timeframe. Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Extensive knowledge of drinking water treatment processes, water chemistry, and treatment optimization.
• Strong understanding of federal and state drinking water regulations, compliance requirements, and reporting obligations.
• Demonstrated management and supervisory ability with strong leadership, coaching, and employee development skills.
• Ability to establish accountability, manage competing priorities, and lead operational teams effectively.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Working knowledge of SCADA systems, operational software, and computerized reporting tools.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, engineering documentation, process data, and operational records.
• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain productive working relationships with employees, regulators, consultants, contractors, and stakeholders. Physical Requirements
• Ability to work in office, laboratory, and industrial treatment plant environments.
• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, climbing, bending, and working around operational equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in wet, noisy, confined, or adverse operational environments as required.
• Availability to respond to emergency and off-hours operational needs.

This job description describes the essential functions and qualifications of the job described. It is not an exhausted statement of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications of the job. This document is not intended to exclude modifications consistent with providing reasonable accommodations for a disability. This is not a contract. Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Wells Water District is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$90,000.00 - $145,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person