Field Operations Manager

The Field Operations team delivers daily to keep our water distribution and wastewater collection systems running safely and reliably every day. We are looking for an experienced Field Operations Manager to lead this critical team, drive operational excellence, and shape the long-term strategy for our distribution and collection systems. In this role, you will oversee system maintenance, emergency response, regulatory compliance, and the people who make it all happen, from Field Operations Supervisors to frontline Operators. If you are a proven leader with technical knowledge and a passion for protecting, maintaining, and improving critical infrastructure, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact in our community.  

Why work for us? Our team is deeply committed to our mission. Add in outstanding benefits, the mountain community setting, and a culture that values growth and collaboration, and there are few better places to do this kind of work. 

Day-to-Day Reality 

No two days are the same—but every day includes: 

• Leading field crews in water systems infrastructure maintenance: Setting direction, removing obstacles, and ensuring teams are aligned on priorities, regulatory compliance and safety.
• Coordinating operations across critical infrastructure: Lift stations, distribution systems, collection systems, booster pump stations, PRVs, and all the pipes in between —ensuring everything runs efficiently and proactively.
• Responding to the unexpected: Main breaks, system alarms, weather impacts, emergency response, this role requires calm, decisive leadership in real time.
• Driving preventative maintenance and asset management: Shifting from reactive fixes to proactive, data-informed decision-making with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and technology
• Partnering across departments: Working with engineering, customer service, water conservation, and leadership to ensure system-wide alignment.

Where Leadership Matters Most 

This role is defined by leadership—on the ground, with your team, and in the moments that matter. A strong Field Operations Manager focuses on: 

• Building a high-performing, self-sustaining team by developing people, building trust, and creating a culture of accountability
• Shifting from reactive to proactive operations through smart prioritization, preventative maintenance, and data-driven planning
• Creating clarity and alignment so teams understand priorities and execute consistently
• Leading with confidence under pressure to keep systems running and decisions clear when it counts
• Driving continuous improvement by streamlining workflows and increasing efficiency
• Championing safety and culture so every team member goes home safe while maintaining high standards

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Experience: Seven years of technical experience in water distribution, wastewater collection, or related field operations required, or a bachelor’s degree and five years of technical experience. At least five years of total people management experience, including two or more years directly supervising professional staff.
• Certifications: State of Colorado Wastewater Collection III and Water Distribution III certifications required within the first year of employment. PACP, MACP, and LACP certifications from NASSCO are also required within the first year. Must possess a valid driver’s license and obtain CPR/First Aid certification within six months of hire.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of water distribution and wastewater collection systems, maintenance management, and CMMS platforms (Cityworks or similar). Familiarity with capital planning, budget preparation, and operational reporting.
• Leadership & Communication: Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams, manage competing priorities, and communicate effectively with staff, leadership, and external stakeholders. Collaborative, solutions-oriented, and comfortable working in both office and field environments.

Schedule and Work Location 

This is a primarily on-site, field-capable role. The Field Operations Manager works Monday through Friday and must be available to respond to emergency situations. Occasional after hours, weekend, and holiday work is required. 

Pay Range 

The pay range for this role is $132,246.40 – $198,369.60. Starting range depends on qualifications but generally falls within the minimum and midpoint of the pay range. 

We are committed to recognizing and retaining high performing employees and have performance-based annual merit increases, cost of living adjustments, and annual market evaluations. 

Benefits:

At ERWSD, we value life-work balance and are leaders in the industry with our holistic benefits package, which includes but is not limited to: 

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employee housing and monthly housing stipend program
• Wellness program
• Retirement savings plans (414h and 457) – We are a social security exempt organization
• 13.5 Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Parental Leave
• $800 Annual Recreation Benefit
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Loan programs for: Ski Passes, Electric Vehicles, and Computers
• Relocation Assistance (if applicable)

All District employees must submit to a pre-employment drug screen and extensive background check including educational verification and reference check. For a full position description including work environment and physical demands, email erwsdjobs@erwsd.org. 

All applicants must apply online at jobs.erwsd.org by May 17, 2025. 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer 

We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.