Manager, Water Quality

Job Description:

SUMMARY:
The Water Quality Manager reports to the Director of Water Quality and is responsible for actively managing and resolving water quality issues and providing oversight to water quality projects across the Washington systems; ensuring compliance with Federal and State drinking water regulatory requirements and public health protection. This position is responsible for managing the water quality staff, the scheduling, documentation and follow-up of source and distribution systems sampling, and working closely with Operations, Engineering, Washington State Office of Drinking Water Regional Offices and contract laboratories to ensure regulatory compliance. The position will be located in Lacey, WA.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for drinking water public health, regulatory compliance

• Managing staff, including hiring, prioritizing and assigning work, conducting training, performance reviews, and overseeing the professional development of staff

• Develops and implement policies, procedures, and training programs for operations and water quality staff on a wide variety of water quality topics

• Oversees the creation, implementation, and maintenance of water quality compliance monitoring schedules in LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) to ensure compliance for owned/managed water systems

• Oversees preparation of Consumer Confidence Reports, Monthly reporting, and any other internal and external reporting

• Oversees the assessment of water quality analytical results of raw and finished water for compliance

• Reviews water quality data of new supply sources for compliance and acquisition

• Participates in the evaluation and determination of appropriate treatment for removal of contaminants

• Leads the planning process for emerging contaminants and new and changing regulatory requirements

• Provides water quality input in the development of capital projects, strategic planning, and the General Rate Case process

• Coordinates planning, implementation and reporting for research of new technology and review of other research impacting the water industry

• Reviews and prepares correspondence and reports for submittal to State and Federal regulatory agencies on issues of compliance and permitting

• Develops and maintains professional relationships with DOH, EPA, contract laboratories, and industry groups such as AWWA

• Responds to inquiries and requests as needed and represents water quality issues in stakeholder meetings

• Provides guidance to operations staff on water quality problem solving and regulatory compliance

• Provides due diligence review of water system acquisitions, consolidations, and new managed systems

• Provides 24 hour a day, 7 days a week availability for water quality emergency response

• Performs works on-site in assigned office location

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of LIMS

• Have a working knowledge of water treatment and distribution practices in the Water field, working knowledge of Wastewater

• Knowledge of supervisory principles, practices, and techniques

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local water quality regulations and the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) regulations

• Knowledge of drinking water standards and familiarity with the intent of regulations, water treatment processes and distribution practices in the water field

• Understanding of the best available treatment technology

• Knowledge of Industry Standards

• Knowledge of and the ability to comply with Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) requirements

• Knowledge and understanding of the General Rate Case (GRC) process

• Knowledge of and ability to apply water and environmental regulations

• Knowledge of water quality sampling, test methods, chain of custody documentation, and compliance standards

• Knowledge of treatment technologies, common treatment interferences, causes of failures, and troubleshooting

• Ability to respond to emergencies 24/7 and work with district management to assess conditions, make appropriate decisions or recommendations, and provide guidance based on information communicated by all involved parties

• Knowledge of the investor-owned utility rate case process and ability to provide written justifications for projects when required

• Ability to work effectively with customers, contractors, consultants, agencies, vendors, and personnel

• Ability to communicate both verbally or in writing with all levels of employees and management

• Ability to think clearly and react appropriately in emergency situations

• Ability to work independently and use good judgment

• Ability to maintain cooperative working relationships with those encountered in the course of conducting business

• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills

• Demonstrated leadership ability

• Ability to develop long term strategic plans

• Demonstrated ability to manage projects of various scope, schedule, complexity, and budget

• Ability to develop, interpret, and manage functional operating budgets

• Demonstrated commitment to outstanding customer service

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Environmental Health, or a related field, with an emphasis on water quality

• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience within a drinking water-related field is required; at least two years at a lead or supervisory level preferred

• Minimum intermediate level Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint experience

• Valid Driver’s License

• Excellent verbal and written communication

• Excellent organizational skills

• Excellent inter-personal skills

• Excellent training and presentation skills

• Excellent knowledge of Federal and State water quality regulations

Salary Range: $102,700 – 190,600

Deadline to submit resume is Wednesday, January 28, 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 Serviceand Washington Water Servicedo 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.

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 Company, Hawaii Water Service Company, New Mexico Water Service Company and Washington Water Service Company 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.