Manager- Distribution Maintenance

Manager-Distribution Maintenance

Are we RIGHT for you?

The word RIGHT stands for what we VALUE: Respect, Invest, Growth, Honesty and Teamwork.

Why join our team?

Tidewater Utilities, Inc. has been Delaware’s premiere water company since 1964. We have created a work environment that promotes professional development and finding your passion. We understand the importance of our services and the individuals who uphold our reputation.

Joining our team means that you have a multitude of benefits that support you in and out of the workplace such as- full medical, dental, and vision benefits, 401k, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, and more.

To learn more, please visit www.middlesexwater.com/tidewater-utilities

POSITION SUMMARY

The Manager, Distribution Maintenance is responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing the maintenance, repair, inspection, and operational programs associated with the water distribution system. This position manages the flushing and sampling of new water mains, as well as maintenance activities for distribution assets including hydrants, valves, blow-offs, and related infrastructure. The Manager oversees the flushing, valve exercising, hydrant maintenance, and Miss Utility locating programs, and provides support for distribution system construction and capital improvement projects throughout the Tidewater service area. This position is responsible for supervising personnel and contractors, ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining system reliability, and promoting safe work practices. The Manager reports directly to the Senior Director of Distribution.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Supervision

• Plans, directs, and supervises the activities of Distribution Maintenance personnel and contract crews engaged in maintenance, repair, inspection, and operational activities.
• Establishes work priorities, schedules personnel and resources, and monitors productivity to ensure the timely completion of assigned work.
• Conducts performance evaluations, provides coaching and performance feedback, and supports employee development and succession planning.
• Participates in the supervisory on-call rotation and responds to operational emergencies as required.
• Reviews and approves employee timesheets, leave requests, and workforce scheduling activities in accordance with company policies.

Distribution System Maintenance

• Oversees the inspection, repair, replacement, and preventive maintenance of distribution system assets, including hydrants, valves, blow-offs, and related infrastructure.
• Manages the flushing and sampling of new water mains to ensure compliance with water quality and regulatory requirements.
• Directs and coordinates system flushing activities to maintain water quality and operational reliability.
• Oversees the valve exercising and maintenance program to ensure the operational readiness of distribution system valves.
• Manages the hydrant inspection, testing, maintenance, and replacement program to support operational and fire protection requirements.
• Ensures maintenance activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company standards and regulatory requirements.

Regulatory Compliance and Safety

• Administers assigned regulatory compliance programs and prepares required operational, environmental, and emergency reports.
• Develops, implements, and maintains standard operating procedures related to distribution system maintenance, water quality protection, sanitary work practices, employee safety, and operational efficiency.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, company policies, and industry standards.
• Promotes a culture of safety and accountability by enforcing risk reporting requirements, investigating incidents, conducting root cause analyses, implementing corrective actions, and supporting long-term mitigation strategies.
• Works with the Distribution Training Coordinator to ensure employees complete required safety, regulatory, and technical training programs and attend departmental safety meetings.

Operations and Asset Management

• Utilizes the Work and Asset Management (WAM) system to plan, track, review, and verify the completion of maintenance and repair work orders.
• Reviews pending and completed work requests to ensure accuracy, completeness, and proper documentation.
• Coordinates Miss Utility locates and associated activities for maintenance and repair work.
• Oversees inventory control activities and ensures the availability of materials, tools, equipment, and supplies necessary to support maintenance operations.
• Prepares purchase orders and coordinates the procurement and receipt of maintenance materials and equipment through WAM.

Project and Stakeholder Coordination

• Assists the Director of Distribution in planning and coordinating distribution system improvement projects and capital construction activities.
• Collaborates with project managers, contractors, consultants, and customers to resolve operational issues, project challenges, and service concerns.
• Serves as a liaison with internal departments, including Water Quality, Production and Maintenance, Engineering, Whitemarsh Operations, and Customer Service.
• Maintains effective working relationships with external stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, state, county, and local officials, fire departments, contractors, and HOA/POA representatives.
• Attends professional meetings, training sessions, seminars, and conferences as required.

Budgeting and Reporting

• Assists the Senior Director of Distribution with the preparation and administration of annual operating and capital budgets.
• Monitors expenditures and resource utilization to support budget objectives.
• Prepares monthly operational statistics, performance metrics, and management reports.
• Performs other duties and special assignments as required to support departmental and organizational objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate Degree in Construction Management, Engineering Technology, Utility Operations, or a related field preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Experience

• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in water utility operations, maintenance, construction, and repair.
• Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory or management experience preferred.
• Experience managing utility maintenance programs, contractor activities, and regulatory compliance initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of water distribution system operations, maintenance practices, and asset management principles.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing water utility operations and construction activities.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, procedures, engineering plans, and construction drawings.
• Strong leadership, organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities, projects, and personnel in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, customers, contractors, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Proficiency with computerized maintenance management systems, asset management software, and Microsoft Office applications.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain and maintain any licenses or certifications required to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Must be cleared by Department of Defense to access government facility.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by any and all employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, stooping, crouching, or bending.
• The employee may frequently lift heavy objects up to 50 lbs, uses tools and equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color and utilizes the sense of smell.
• The work is typically performed while indoors or outdoors, sometimes in cold inclement weather.
• The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, hazardous chemicals, and machinery with moving parts.
• The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary Range: $84,000 - $125,0000 annually, based on experience and qualifications.
• Total Rewards Package Includes: - Medical, dental, and vision coverage (effective first of the month after hire).
• 401(k) with company match.
• Company paid life and disability insurance.
• Paid time off and 12 paid holidays.
• Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities.

Americans With Disabilities Act:

• The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, stooping, crouching, or bending.
• The employee frequently lifts light or heavy objects, uses tools and equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color and utilizes the sense of smell.
• The work is typically performed while indoors or outdoors, sometimes in cold inclement weather. The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, hazardous chemicals, and machinery with moving parts.
• The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

Work Authorization & Pre-Employment Requirements

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. All candidates must successfully pass a drug screen, pre-employment physical, background check, and possess a valid driver’s license in good standing (if required for the position). Additionally, must be cleared by Department of Defense to access government facility.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Positions

For positions requiring a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), the use of marijuana (including medical marijuana) or any controlled substances, whether prescribed or otherwise, is strictly prohibited under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Such use is a violation of federal law and will disqualify candidates from CDL-required positions.

Pay Transparency

This job posting complies with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Law (effective June 1, 2025), which requires employers to disclose salary ranges, benefits, and other compensation in job advertisements.

Recruitment Fraud Alert

We have noticed an increase in recruiting impersonations across the industry, where scammers attempt to obtain candidates’ personal or financial information through fake interviews and offers.

All legitimate communications from Middlesex Water Company and its subsidiaries will originate from the following email domains: @msg.clrco.com or @clearcompany.com.

Any outreach claiming to be from Middlesex Water Company or its subsidiaries that does not come from these domains should be ignored.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Middlesex Water Company and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Applicant Communication

Please note: No phone calls, please.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.