Director, Operations.

Are we RIGHT for you
The word RIGHT stands for what we VALUE: Respect Integrity Growth Honesty and Teamwork.

Why join our team
Middlesex Water Company (NASDAQ:MSEX) has been an industry leader since 1897. We promote professional and personal development in a work environment that is supportive and responsive. We understand the importance of our services and the individuals who uphold our reputation.
Joining our team means that you have a multitude of benefits that support you in and out of the workplace such as- full medical dental and vision benefits 401k paid time off tuition assistance learning and development opportunities employee assistance program and more. To learn more please visit

Job Summary:

The Director of Operations provides strategic leadership operational oversight and executive direction for the planning development and management of water utility services. This includes water treatment distribution infrastructure maintenance regulatory compliance capital improvement projects budgeting and personnel management. The Director ensures the delivery of safe reliable and sustainable water services to the community while aligning with organizational goals regulatory standards and environmental stewardship.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:
Develop and implement long-term strategies for water utility operations capital planning and infrastructure resiliency.
Regulatory Compliance:
Ensure all safety water quality and environmental regulations are met; prepare for and respond to regulatory audits and inspections.
Operations Management:
Oversee daily operations of water treatment and distribution systems; ensure compliance with local state and federal regulations including EPA Safe Drinking Water Act and OSHA.
Emergency Preparedness:
Lead emergency response planning and coordination related to water supply interruptions drought contamination or natural disasters.
Capital Projects & Infrastructure:
Lead the planning budgeting and execution of capital improvement projects; collaborate with engineering procurement and construction teams.
Financial Oversight:
Develop and manage multi-million-dollar operating and capital budgets; implement cost-saving initiatives and ensure financial accountability.
Stakeholder Engagement:
Serve as a liaison to government agencies community organizations contractors and the public. Represent the utility in public meetings and professional forums.
Team Leadership & Development:
Manage and mentor a diverse team of managers engineers operators and administrative staff. Promote a culture of safety innovation and continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Engineering Environmental Science or a related field; or a combination of experience and certifications.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in water utility operations with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• NJDEP Operators License(s) matching those required for official Licensed Operator of Record or ability to obtain.
• Valid NJ drivers license required.
• In-depth knowledge of water utility systems treatment technologies regulatory standards and infrastructure management.
• Strong financial acumen and budget management skills.
• Exceptional leadership and team-building abilities.
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
• Ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and develop policies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and utility management software (GIS WACS MWM NJDEP EN Suite One Call Express Invision EBS IWORQs for cross connection control sharepoint excel & word).
• Response to emergencies is required; occasional evening and/or weekend holiday work.

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary Range: $121632 $182448 annually based on experience and qualifications.
Total Rewards Package Includes: - Medical dental and vision coverage (effective first of the month after hire).
401(k) with company match.
Company paid life and disability insurance.
Paid time off and 12 paid holidays.
Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities.

ADA / Physical and Environmental Requirements:

This position operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment including computers phones photocopiers and filing cabinets. This position will regularly field visits to water facilities and infrastructure sites. water facilities and infrastructure sites.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to sit talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand walk use their hands to handle or feel and reach with their hands and arms.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision color vision peripheral vision depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Authorization & Pre-Employment Requirements:
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. All candidates must successfully pass a drug screen pre-employment physical background check and possess a valid drivers license in good standing (if required for the position).

Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Positions:
For positions requiring a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) the use of marijuana (including medical marijuana) or any controlled substances whether prescribed or otherwise is strictly prohibited under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Such use is a violation of federal law and will disqualify candidates from CDL-required positions.

Pay Transparency:
This job posting complies with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Law (effective June 1 2025) which requires employers to disclose salary ranges benefits and other compensation in job advertisements.

Recruitment Fraud Alert:
We have noticed an increase in recruiting impersonations across the industry where scammers attempt to obtain candidates personal or financial information through fake interviews and offers.
All legitimate communications from Middlesex Water Company and its subsidiaries will originate from the following email domains: @ or @.
Any outreach claiming to be from Middlesex Water Company or its subsidiaries that does not come from these domains should be ignored.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
Middlesex Water Company and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity or expression national origin age disability veteran status genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Applicant Communication:
Please note: No phone calls please.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.