Water districts are local government entities responsible for managing our most precious resource: water. These districts come in many forms, from municipal to regional, but their core mission remains the same: to ensure a reliable supply of clean water for homes, businesses, and agriculture.
Achieving this requires a diverse team, and many different water district positions, from engineers and technicians to administrators and customer service representatives. Each role is critical in delivering clean water to communities.
This article offers an overview of some of the key water district positions, outlining their responsibilities and importance in safeguarding our water supply.
Engineering and Technical Roles
Water districts employ a variety of engineers and technicians to make sure the district’s infrastructure is well-maintained and that water resources are managed wisely. Here are a few examples of these positions:
Water Resources Engineer
Water resources engineers plan, design, and manage water infrastructure projects. They design pipelines, reservoirs, and water treatment facilities and conduct hydrological studies and modeling.
These positions typically require a degree in civil engineering, along with solid knowledge of hydraulics and project management.
Water Treatment Plant Operator
Water treatment plant operators monitor and control the water treatment process to make sure the water provided to customers meets all regulatory standards. They operate and maintain the equipment used in the treatment process.
These jobs usually require certification in water treatment, along with a good understanding of chemistry and mechanical aptitude.
GIS Specialist
GIS (Geographic Information Systems) specialists create and maintain the computer mapping systems that water districts use to track their infrastructure. They map pipelines, well locations, and service areas and analyze spatial data to help district leaders make sound decisions.
GIS specialist positions typically require GIS certification or a degree in a related field, along with knowledge of mapping software and solid data analysis skills.
Administrative and management roles
A water district needs leaders and administrators to keep things running smoothly. Here are a few of the administrative and management positions you might find at a water district.
General manager/executive director
The general manager or executive director oversees all the water district’s operations, including developing strategic plans and managing budgets and personnel.
This role typically requires experience in management, a solid understanding of water resources, and strong leadership skills.
Finance manager/accountant
The finance manager or accountant is responsible for managing the water district’s finances, preparing financial statements and reports, and managing budgets and investments.
This position usually requires an accounting degree, knowledge of finance, and experience with accounting software.
Customer service representative
Customer service representatives assist customers with billing questions and service requests, responding to customer complaints and resolving issues, and providing information about water conservation programs.
The job requires customer service experience, good communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.
Field operations and maintenance roles
The work of keeping a water district running smoothly doesn’t happen solely in an office building. Here’s a look at some of the roles that require working in the field.
Water distribution technician
A water distribution technician maintains and repairs the network of pipes that bring potable water to homes and businesses. On any given day, a water distribution tech might repair leaks, install new pipelines, or flush water mains.
These workers also monitor water pressure and flow to make sure the system is working as it should.
To qualify for this type of job, you’ll likely need plumbing or pipefitting experience, mechanical aptitude, and solid knowledge of water distribution systems.
Meter reader/technician
Meter readers ensure accurate billing by reading water meters and maintaining the meter infrastructure. They replace damaged meters and investigate properties with high water usage.
These positions typically require basic mechanical skills, attention to detail, and strong customer service skills.
Source water protection specialist
Source water protection specialists work to protect sources of water from contamination by implementing watershed management plans. They also monitor water quality and try to identify potential sources of pollution.
These jobs typically require a degree in environmental science or a related field, knowledge of water quality issues, and strong communication skills.
Specialized roles and emerging trends
As water districts adapt to new challenges, they’re creating specialized roles that require particular expertise. Here are a few of the positions that are becoming more common:
Water Conservation Specialist
Water conservation specialists develop and implement water conservation programs, educate the public about conservation practices, and promote the use of water-efficient technologies.
To succeed in this role, you’ll need to have a strong understanding of water conservation, good communication skills, and program management abilities.
Cybersecurity Specialist
Cybersecurity specialists protect the water district’s computer systems and data from cyber threats. That means implementing security protocols, monitoring network activity, and responding to security incidents.
If you’re interested in this role, you’ll likely need a cybersecurity certification or degree, along with a strong knowledge of network security and incident response skills.
Data Analyst
Data analysts analyze water usage data to identify trends and patterns, develop reports and dashboards to support decision-making, and find ways to improve the efficiency of water operations.
You’ll likely need a degree in statistics or data science, along with strong data analysis skills and knowledge of database management.
In Conclusion
From water resource specialists to engineers, operators, and customer service representatives, every position within a water district is essential. Each role plays a critical part in ensuring the safe, reliable delivery of clean water to homes and businesses.
The water industry needs skilled, dedicated people to meet the challenges of aging infrastructure, climate change, and growing populations. Attracting and retaining qualified employees is crucial for the future of our water supply.
As the water industry evolves, water district employees must commit to continuous learning and adaptation. By embracing new technologies and innovative approaches, these professionals can ensure the sustainability and resilience of our water systems for generations to come.