Full-Time

Water Distribution Supervisor

City of Manhattan Kansas

City of Manhattan Kansas

Provides municipal services, infrastructure, safety

Compensation Overview

$61.9k - $77.4k/yr

+ Boot allowance + Clothing allowance + Vehicle allowance

Manhattan, KS, USA

In Person

Category
General Maintenance & Repair
Requirements
  • A high school diploma or GED is required.
  • At least two years of experience as a Water Distribution Maintenance Crew Leader with the City of Manhattan, or five years of employment in utility maintenance in a comparable position including two years of supervisory experience, is required.
  • Must currently hold a Class 1 Water Distribution Operator Certification from the Association of Boards of Certification and be able to obtain Class 2 Certification within 18 months of employment.
  • Three to five years of equipment operating experience is required.
  • A valid Class A commercial driver’s license with air brakes is required.
Responsibilities
  • Plan and coordinate city maintenance involving the water distribution system and ensure a safe, effective system and maintenance program.
  • Monitor water distribution, the Kansas One-Call utility locates program, and utility cut field operations for safety, efficiency, and accuracy.
  • Maintain records of water distribution, utility locates, and utility cut activities.
  • Monitor the Kansas One-Call utility locate program and maintain the Damage Investigation Reporting Tool program.
  • Evaluate subordinates fairly and accurately.
  • Maintain the proper operation of the department’s utility cut program.
  • Oversee subordinate staff repairing water leaks, water main breaks, and fire hydrants, and provide training for new water distribution and utility locating personnel.
  • Assist citizens with inquiries in the field and by telephone.
  • Operate departmental equipment and vehicles, including backhoe/loaders, skid steers, trenchers, dump trucks and trailers, one-ton trucks, compact excavators, two-way radios, pipe-tapping machines, hand tools, computers, and pressure gauges.
  • Ensure proper inventory of supplies and maintenance materials.
  • Maintain all pressure-reducing valves in the distribution system.
  • Oversee valve exercising, hydrant and valve replacement, water main replacement, and utility cut programs.
  • Perform administrative duties, budgeting, and record keeping.
  • Assist supervisors and other departmental personnel with projects benefiting the City or department.
  • Lead and manage staff with clear and consistent communication.
  • Provide supervision and oversight of applicable staff.
  • Ensure supervised employees demonstrate productivity, competence, and morale and effectively use their skills and abilities.
  • Conduct performance planning and timely evaluations for employees, including development of goals, objectives, and deadlines.
  • Resolve routine personnel issues and problems.
  • Administer City of Manhattan policies and procedures consistently.
  • Provide recommendations regarding hiring, termination, promotion, and discipline.
City of Manhattan Kansas

City of Manhattan Kansas

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Manhattan, Kansas, provides local government services to more than 50,000 residents, including water, waste management, and public safety. It funds operations through taxes, utility fees, and grants to maintain infrastructure and support community programs. The city also runs grants for social services and community events like Spring Cleanup Week to engage residents. Its goal is transparent, accountable governance that maintains infrastructure, supports residents and businesses, and enhances community resilience.

Company Size

N/A

Company Stage

Grant

Total Funding

$10K

Headquarters

Manhattan, Kansas

Founded

N/A

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • The 2026 budget adds $1 million for Water Treatment Plant Filter Rehabilitation.
  • Commission-approved water CIP bundling speeds construction and modernizes aging infrastructure.
  • Storm response work in June 2026 shows the city can mobilize crews quickly.

What critics are saying

  • 2027 budgets face backlash after a 3-2 vote capped average property-tax increases at 6.7%.
  • Water and wastewater rates rose in 2026, squeezing households and inviting political resistance.
  • A major water or sewer failure would cripple service delivery and trigger regulatory scrutiny.

What makes City of Manhattan Kansas unique

  • Manhattan runs integrated water, wastewater, stormwater, and fire services for 50,000-plus residents.
  • The 2026 budget totals $244.1 million, funding core services and major infrastructure.
  • City leadership uses long-range CIP planning and grant-backed projects like park and zoo upgrades.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Wellness Program

Paid Holidays

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Parental Leave

Education Reimbursement

Professional Development Budget

Professional Certification Support

Company News

Odessa American
Aug 16th, 2024
Utilities director quits at City of Odessa

The City of Manhattan, Kansas, announced Thursday that Utilities Director Kevin Niles has been named the Director of Public Utilities for that city with an anticipated start date of Sept. 3.