Water Resources Operation Manager presso McKenzie County, ND

About the Department

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day operations of the Water Resource District, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of water services. This position directs and coordinates field operations, manages system maintenance, monitors water quality, and ensures regulatory compliance. The Operations Manager provides leadership to staff, manages resources, and develops operational strategies to meet the current and future needs of the district. This class reports to the MCRWD Director. The schedule is Monday – Friday and must be available for on-call shifts and be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating basis. Level and salary commensurate with experience.

Position Duties

• Coordinates, manages, and monitors daily activities of operators (as described in the Operator job description) 
  • Oversee daily monitoring of water quality, SCADA systems, and meter usage to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and customer demands.
  • Plan, schedule, and inspect (and performs, if necessary) all preventive and corrective maintenance for facilities, and equipment including, but not limited to, valve operation program, flushing program, inspections, painting and scraping, plumbing, mopping, mowing, driveway maintenance, sweeping, ice scraping and clean up, etc.
  • Manage sampling and water testing programs in accordance with North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality and Health Department requirements, ensuring accurate reporting and recordkeeping.
  • Lead emergency response efforts, ensuring staff and systems are prepared to address malfunctions, extreme conditions, or unplanned outages.
  • Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all district operations and facilities.
  • Coordinate with GIS staff to maintain accurate system mapping and infrastructure data for planning and operational decision-making.
  • Monitor expenditures, and manage inventory of equipment, tools, and materials.
  • Supervise, train, and evaluate operations staff, ensuring a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Ensure compliance with occupational safety and health regulations, maintaining safe work environments for employees and contractors.
  • Build and maintain strong working relationships with regulators, contractors, local governments, and the public.
  • Monitors and directs overtime and on call activity
  • Other duties that may be assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Hydrology, Water Resources, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid North Dakota driver’s license and clean driving record.
• State certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months) as a Class 1 Water Distribution Operator.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressive experience in water distribution, utility operations, or public works management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of water system hydraulics, distribution standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency in GIS and water system modeling software (e.g., ArcGIS, Esri, WaterGEMS, WaterCAD) preferred.

Physical requirements and working conditions:

1. Positions in this class typically require: Employ full range of body movements including stooping, twisting, kneeling, bending, leaning, reaching, climbing (heights), stretching, and working in awkward positions.
2. Moderate Work: Lift and handle objects up to 50 pounds occasionally and up to 20 pounds frequently.