Description

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 longterm water security. NCMRWA is seeking an experienced and forwardthinking 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 Boardestablished 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, multijurisdictional regional project.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Implementation

• Carry out Boardadopted policies, resolutions, and strategic initiatives.
• Provide timely, accurate information and recommendations to support Board decisionmaking.
• Prepare reports, budgets, and longrange 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, assetmanagement 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 longterm 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.

Requirements

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.

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 multijurisdictional 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.

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.