North Central Montana Regional Water Authority
Job Opening: General Manager
Introduction
The North Central Montana Regional Water Authority (NCMRWA) provides safe, reliable, and sustainable drinking water to rural communities, small towns, and partner systems in Chouteau, Hill, Liberty, Pondera, Teton, Glacier, and Toole counties of Montana. The Authority plays a vital role in supporting public health, regional development, and long‑term water security. NCMRWA is seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking General Manager to lead the organization through continued system expansion, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.
Position Summary
The General Manager serves as the chief executive officer of NCMRWA and is responsible for implementing Board‑established policies and strategic direction. This role oversees daily operations, regulatory compliance, financial management, staff leadership, and coordination with member systems, engineers, contractors, and regulatory agencies. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership skills, technical understanding of water systems, and the ability to manage a complex, multi‑jurisdictional regional project.
Key Responsibilities
Policy Implementation
Carry out Board‑adopted policies, resolutions, and strategic initiatives.
Provide timely, accurate information and recommendations to support Board decision‑making.
Prepare reports, budgets, and long‑range planning materials.
Operations & Asset Management
Oversee and assist in daily operation and maintenance of storage, transmission, and distribution infrastructure.
Ensure system reliability, water quality, and customer service standards.
Manage preventive maintenance, asset‑management programs, and capital improvement planning.
Coordinate engineering activities, construction projects, and emergency response.
Regulatory Compliance
Ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal drinking water regulations.
Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies, auditors, engineers, and funding partners.
Oversee required reporting, inspections, and documentation.
Financial Management
Develop and administer annual operating and capital budgets.
Manage rates, fees, reserves, grants, loans, and long‑term financial planning.
Oversee accounting practices, audits, internal controls, and procurement activities.
Personnel & Organizational Management
Hire, supervise, evaluate, and support staff in accordance with policy and Montana law.
Promote a culture of professionalism, safety, accountability, and service.
Oversee employee training, certifications, and workforce development.
Public & Intergovernmental Relations
Build strong working relationships with member systems, local governments, tribal partners, and state and federal agencies.
Address member concerns and service issues with professionalism and transparency.
Represent the Authority in public meetings, stakeholder discussions, and regional planning efforts.
Required Qualifications
Experience working with an elected or appointed board.
Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record.
Demonstrated leadership experience in utilities, public administration, infrastructure management, or a related field.
Abilities & Physical Demands
Ability to communicate effectively with the public, staff, and governing bodies.
Ability to review technical documents, reports, and regulatory materials.
Ability to sit, stand, walk short distances, bend, lift up to 50 lbs, and travel extensively to remote locations.
Occasional exposure to outdoor conditions, dust, and construction environments.
Preferred Qualifications
Degree in engineering, water resources, public administration, business, or a related field.
Montana DEQ water operator license or the ability to obtain one.
Experience managing a rural utility, special district, or multi‑jurisdictional public system.
Familiarity with drinking water regulations, AWWA standards, and rural infrastructure funding programs.
Strong technical literacy and comfort working with engineering and operational data.
Compensation & Employment Details
Salary range: $105,000–$145,000 DOE
Full‑time, exempt position
Travel reimbursed at the State of Montana rate
How to Apply
Submit a cover letter, résumé, and three references to: jody@ncmrwa.com
Application deadline: June 19, 2026