General Manager

Position: General Manager

Reports To: Board of Directors

Classification: Full-Time / Exempt

Job Summary

This role requires a visionary and highly skilled General Manager to lead the East Madison Water Association (EMWA) operations. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the General Manager is responsible for ensuring the delivery of a safe, reliable water supply to our community while maintaining the long-term financial and operational health of the Association.

This is a high-impact leadership role requiring a blend of technical expertise, strategic financial planning, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Will serve as the primary face of the district, coordinating with federal, state, and local agencies to uphold the highest standards of water management.

Key Responsibilities

The General Manager oversees all units of the Water District, with direct supervision of all staff members of the district.

• Strategic Leadership: Implement Board policies, develop District priorities, and serve as the principal spokesperson for the Association.
• Operations Management: Oversee all facilities, equipment, and infrastructure projects; ensure rigorous maintenance and rehabilitation of the district’s physical assets.
• Financial Stewardship: Prepare and manage the annual budget, develop long-term financial strategies, and oversee the Capital Improvement Program.
• Compliance & Interagency Coordination: Ensure total compliance with Federal, State, and local laws; act as the liaison with regulatory agencies and District Counsel.
• Team Development: Direct the selection, training, and performance evaluation of all staff; foster a culture of professional excellence and safety.
• Community Relations: Oversee public information programs, manage media relations, and resolve customer service inquiries to ensure high levels of community satisfaction.
• Project Oversight: Manage contractors and consultants; negotiate complex contracts and secure water supply agreements.

Infrastructure & Technical Operations

• Preventative Maintenance: Establish and execute a recurring maintenance schedule for all pumps, motors, and storage tanks to minimize system downtime.
• Emergency Response: Serve as the On-Call Incident Commander for all system emergencies, including major line breaks, power outages, or pump failures, 24/7/365.
• Pressure Monitoring: Ensure system pressure never drops below the regulatory threshold during repairs.
• Vendor Management: Source, vet, and oversee third-party contractors for specialized tasks such as directional boring, tank painting, or electrical engineering.
• Inventory Control: Maintain a critical spare parts inventory (e.g., clamps, valves, meters) to ensure rapid response to common distribution failures.

Financial Management & Resource Development

• Budgeting: Draft the annual operating and capital budgets for Board review, ensuring all anticipated repairs and debt services are funded.
• Debt Management: Ensure all loan covenants for USDA Rural Development or state-level infrastructure loans are met, including maintaining required reserve accounts.
• Grant Acquisition: Research and apply for federal and state infrastructure grants to reduce the long-term debt burden on the Association.
• Accounts Payable: Review and approve all operational invoices to ensure they align with the approved budget and contract terms.

Board Relations & Strategic Governance

• Meeting Preparation: Compile monthly Board packets containing financial statements, water loss reports, and project updates.
• Policy Implementation: Translate Board-approved bylaws and policies into actionable staff procedures.
• Capital Planning: Develop and maintain a 5-to-10-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to address aging infrastructure and system expansion.
• Legal Liaison: Work with the Association’s legal counsel on matters involving easements, rights-of-way, or delinquent account litigation.

Community & Stakeholder Communications

• Public Information: Manage the Association’s presence in the community, including digital alerts, website updates, and attendance at local public meetings.
• Inter-Agency Coordination: Represent the Association in meetings with the Madison County Board of Supervisors or neighboring water districts.

Personnel & Safety Leadership

• Staff Supervision: Direct the daily work of administrative and field personnel; conduct annual performance evaluations.
• Safety Culture: Mandate and document safety training, including trenching/shoring, confined space entry, and traffic control protocols.
• Professional Development: Facilitate staff training and ensure that all certified operators maintain their Mississippi Water Operator’s Licenses.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Degree: Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field. In lieu of a formal management degree; may except the equivalency of 10 years professional experience.
• Industry Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience within a water district or similar public agency.
• Leadership Experience: Minimum of 5 years in a supervisory or management capacity.

Technical Knowledge:

• In-depth understanding of water distribution systems, including maintenance, chemistry, and operational functions.
• Proficiency in budget development and long-range financial planning.
• Knowledge of the interrelationship between water resource management and land-use decisions.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements specific to water districts (experience with local riparian and aquifer conservation is a plus).

Key Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and groups with conflicting interests.
• Strong analytical skills to solve complex infrastructure and organizational challenges.
• Proven ability to motivate teams and manage external contractors.

Pay: $45,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,000 - $60,000