Lead the Lifeline of Our Community
The City of Decatur is seeking an experienced Water Services Manager to ensure safe, reliable water service for thousands daily. In this leadership role, you’ll oversee operations, manage multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects, and guide a skilled team toward regulatory excellence.

If you're an experienced water utility leader, civil engineer, or operations manager looking to take the next step in your career—with the authority to innovate, drive system improvements, and make decisions that protect public health—this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.


Why You’ll Find This Position Rewarding

• Competitive Benefits: 14.5 paid holidays (including 2 employee-selected days), comprehensive health coverage, excellent pension plan, vacation and sick leave
• Relocation Assistance: Financial support for moving expenses for qualified candidates
• On-Site Health Center: Free check-ups, chronic condition management, immunizations, bloodwork, and many free prescriptions for employees and dependents
• Tuition Reimbursement: Support for continuing education and professional development

Operations & Regulatory Compliance

• Manage daily water utility operations and maintenance of the municipal water distribution system ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations
• Serve as "Operator in Responsible Charge" per Illinois Environmental Protection Agency requirements
• Process and submit IEPA operation permits for new and replacement water main projects
• Submit required reports for the Illinois Lead Service Replacement and Notification Act
• Monitor the City’s financial management system, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), and work order software daily; assist with system updates

• Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the work of water distribution and water metering staff through effective public works leadership
• Perform personnel functions including hiring, discipline, counseling, training, and performance evaluation
• Inspect division work to ensure task completion, quality standards, and adherence to safety practices
• Address employee concerns and issues in a confidential, professional manner

• Research technical data and drawings to recommend water infrastructure improvements including new main installation, pipe sizing, materials, and equipment modifications
• Develop and recommend programs, procedures, and policies to coordinate distribution system operations with water treatment operations
• Administer consultant contracts for municipal operations projects, making recommendations on scope of work and monitoring contractor compliance with specifications

• Prepare and monitor division budget expenditures and recommend capital improvement projects
• Prepare specifications for purchasing materials and services; maintain inventory of equipment and supplies
• Maintain comprehensive records, reports, and files related to water distribution operations

• Meet with citizens, consulting firms, engineers, vendors, contractors, and other City personnel to exchange information and resolve issues
• Communicate courteously and diplomatically with the public and internal stakeholders

Education & Certification

• Associate's degree required; bachelor's degree preferred in civil or sanitary engineering, business or public administration, biology, engineering technology, management, or related field
• Illinois Class "D" Water Operator's license (obtainable within one year); Class "C" preferred
• Valid Illinois Driver's License

• Minimum 7 years of experience in water distribution system operations serving a population of 50,000 or greater preferred
• At least 5 years of supervisory experience required

• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws governing municipal water distribution system operations
• Expert understanding of water mains, distribution infrastructure, equipment, construction standards, and practices
• Comprehensive knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions in water operations, including underground utilities and confined spaces
• Proficiency with personal computers, iPad, Microsoft Office applications, GIS, AMI, and other proprietary software

• Skill in directing, supervising, coordinating, and evaluating water distribution operations and personnel
• Ability to prepare and maintain division reports, records, specifications, purchase orders, and budgets
• Strong capability in water utility management including planning and developing programs, procedures, and policies for system upgrades
• Excellent oral, written, and electronic communication skills
• Proven ability to research technical manuals and drawings and recommend equipment improvements
• Skill in communicating with the City’s water customers.

Sponsorship for Employment
The City of Decatur does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B). To be considered for regular employment with City of Decatur, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a continuous basis.

Residency Requirement
Employees must reside within 50 miles of Decatur's corporate limits within 12 months of appointment.

Why Decatur?
Located in the heart of Central Illinois, Decatur offers the perfect balance of professional opportunity and quality of life:

• Affordable, accessible living within easy reach to Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis
• Land of Lincoln: Explore Abe's legacy with visits to the nearby Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Lincoln's Tomb, and the family's first Illinois home
• Shopping and Dining: Browse locally-owned boutiques and specialty shops and savor diverse delights at unique restaurants and quaint eateries
• Entertainment Abounds: Enjoy concerts at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, performing arts at Millikin University, and shows in the historic Lincoln Theatre downtown
• Outdoor Recreation: Explore over 2,000 acres of parkland, enjoy Lake Decatur, or play a round of golf or disc golf
• Arts & Family Life: Enjoy murals, sculptures, and attractions like Splash Cove, the Children's Museum, Scovill Zoo, and Overlook Adventure Park