Water Superintendent

City of Ellsworth Water Department

Job Description: Water Superintendent

Job Title: Water Superintendent

Department: Water Department

Location: Water Department / Ellsworth Public Works Campus

Reports To: Public Works Director

Supervises: Water Operators, Maintenance Workers, Administrative Staff, and Departmental Contractors

Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

Position Summary

The City of Ellsworth—one of Maine’s fastest-growing communities and the economic anchor of the Downeast region—is seeking a highly skilled, forward-thinking, and collaborative Water Superintendent to lead the Water Department through an unprecedented period of modernization and expansion.

This is a rare opportunity for a licensed water professional (Maine Class IV, or ability to obtain within 12 months with potential to extend) to guide a rapidly growing system that is constructing a new $20 million water treatment plant, expanding distribution infrastructure, enhancing regional partnerships, modernizing SCADA systems, and undertaking a full GIS/asset management transformation.

The Superintendent is responsible for overseeing daily operations and maintenance of the municipal water system while leading long-term strategic planning, capital project development, regulatory compliance, emergency response, workforce development, and community engagement. This position ensures the safe, reliable, and cost-effective delivery of water to residents, businesses, and regional customers, and plays a key leadership role in shaping Ellsworth’s water infrastructure for the next 50 years.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Supervision

• Direct, supervise, and support all Water Department staff including operators, maintenance personnel, and administrative staff.

• Build a positive, safety-focused, and productive work environment that encourages professional development, certification advancement, and teamwork.

• Develop and implement work schedules, task priorities, and staffing plans to ensure efficient and cost-effective operations.

• Participate in hiring, training, performance evaluations, succession planning, and team-building initiatives.

• Lead the relocation of the Water Department from its current leased space to a permanent facility.

Operations & Water System Management

• Direct and oversee all operations of the municipal water system including treatment, distribution, pumping, water quality testing, watershed protection, maintenance, and emergency response.

• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and repair of water treatment facilities, pipelines, valves, pumps, hydrants, booster stations, storage tanks, and associated infrastructure.

• Monitor system performance and implement improvements to optimize treatment efficiency, distribution pressures, service reliability, and water quality.

• Conduct inspections, audits, and system integrity checks to ensure safe and continuous water service.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with all federal, state, and local water system requirements including DWP, DEP, EPA, and safety regulations.

• Oversee all water quality testing programs, watershed protection activities, and environmental compliance measures.

• Prepare and submit required regulatory reports, permits, and documentation.  

• Maintain up-to-date emergency response and safety procedures.

Capital Projects & Infrastructure Modernization

• Lead the final phases, commissioning, and integration of the new $20M Branch Lake Water Treatment Plant.

• Oversee water line extensions, system upgrades, new service connections, and infrastructure for major city capital projects including expansion corridors.

• Manage engineers, contractors, consultants, and construction inspectors to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to required quality standards.

• Support long-term planning for water tower upgrades, system expansion, and regional interconnections.

Digital Transformation & Asset Management

• Lead the modernization of digital systems including GIS upgrades, ESRI-based asset management, real-time SCADA enhancements, and digital workflow improvements.

• Champion data-driven decision-making including condition assessments, asset lifecycle analysis, and long-range capital forecasting.

• Support the transition to a fully digitized infrastructure management model aligned with best practices across modern utilities.

Budgeting, Financial Oversight & Grants

• Develop and manage the annual operating budget and long-term capital improvement plan.

• Analyze expenditures to improve cost efficiency and operational performance.

• Identify opportunities for grant funding, state/federal financing, and infrastructure partnerships.

• Oversee all grant compliance, ensuring accurate reporting, documentation, and adherence to funding requirements.

• Support rate stabilization planning and presentations to the Public Works Director and City Council.

Strategic Planning & System Sustainability

• Develop long-term strategies for water system sustainability, conservation, capacity expansion, and regulatory readiness.

• Collaborate with engineering firms, regional partners, and municipal departments on long-term system planning and major infrastructure initiatives, as well as emergency management partners.

Customer Service & Community Engagement

• Address and resolve customer inquiries, complaints, and service requests in a professional and timely manner.

• Provide clear communication to residents regarding water quality, maintenance activities, service disruptions, and major initiatives. Serving as the public-facing representative for water issues, ensuring transparency and trust.

• Present updates, budget materials, project briefings, and water system reports at City Council meetings.

Emergency Response & Safety

• Serve as the primary point of contact for emergency water system events including main breaks, pump failures, flooding, and natural disasters.

• Maintain emergency response plans and ensure staff training in emergency procedures.

• Enforce safety standards and maintain a safe work environment for employees and the public.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Administration, or related field strongly preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in water system operations, engineering, treatment, or utility management.

• At least 4 years of supervisory or management experience preferred.

• Extensive knowledge of water distribution, treatment systems, and environmental regulations.

• Experience with capital project delivery, SCADA systems, and GIS strongly preferred.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal skills.

• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, project management & people-management abilities, with a commitment to team development.

• Proficiency with GIS mapping, SCADA systems, asset management software, and Microsoft Office.

• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, contractors, government agencies, and the public.

•Strong communication skills with the ability to present to councils, committees, and public stakeholders.

• Ability to manage multiple major projects simultaneously.

Licenses & Certifications

• State of Maine Class IV Treatment & Distribution Licenses preferred, or the ability to obtain Class IV licenses within 12 months with the potential to extend.

•State of Maine Spray Irrigation License, or the ability to obtain within 12 months with the potential to extend.

• Valid Maine driver’s license and clean driving record required.

• Additional certifications (Backflow, Safety, OSHA, etc.) are preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform physical tasks including facility inspections, equipment handling, and field duties in varying weather conditions.

• Must be available for emergency call-ins, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in both office and field environments.

• Exposure to outdoor weather, construction sites, and water system facilities.

• Close collaboration with Public Works, Planning, Engineering, Emergency Management and regional partners.

• Availability to attend and participate in regular monthly evening meetings, as needed.

• Occasional hybrid flexibility may be permitted based on operational needs.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 – $95,000 annually

Benefits include:

• 80%-90% employer-paid health insurance

• MainePERS retirement system

• Up to 7 weeks of paid leave

• Paid holidays

• Professional development, licensure training, and continuing education support

• Leadership development opportunities through regional, state, and out-of-state programs

• Advancement opportunities as the water system continues to expand and modernize

About Ellsworth

Ellsworth is the heart of Maine’s Downeast region and one of the fastest-growing small cities in New England. With over $100 million in public infrastructure investments planned and a protected watershed that supplies thousands of residents and businesses, Ellsworth is building the foundation for the next half-century of growth. From pristine Branch Lake to a thriving downtown and expanding commercial corridors, Ellsworth blends natural beauty with innovation—and this position plays a vital role in shaping the city’s future.

How to Apply

Submit a cover letter, résumé, and three professional references to:

Kerri Taylor, Human Resources Manager

Email: ktaylor@ellsworthmaine.gov

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority consideration will be given to applicants who apply by March 1, 2025.

The City of Ellsworth is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.