Water Plant Operator

The City of Cedar Rapids is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Water Plant Operator to join its Utilities Department. The successful candidate will be responsible for the operation, maintenance, and monitoring of the City's water treatment facilities to ensure safe and efficient delivery of potable water in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Operates water treatment plants and remote sites in accordance with Federal, State, and Local regulations. Controls, monitors, analyzes, interprets, and evaluates situations and conditions within treatment and distribution processes to comply with Public Water Supply (PWS) Operating Permit, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and local policies. Continuous operations; works under minimal supervision; work schedules are pre-established; shift vacancies are filled based on operational need;

work is assigned based on operational need; work is repetitive and routine.

The City of Cedar Rapids does not offer sponsorship for employment authorization.

• Operates water treatment plant processes (lime softening, coagulation, chloramine disinfection, pH adjustment, filtration, fluoridation, corrosion control)
• Operates remote sites (pump stations, distribution storage, wells, and dam)
• Controls and monitors treatment and distribution processes in manual mode or automated mode
• Collects and appropriately logs data from hardware devices and software applications
• Collects, analyzes, and interprets water and other process samples and makes adjustments
• Anticipates distribution system situations and conditions and adjusts treatment and supply
• Cleans, services and performs operator-level maintenance on equipment and work areas
• Occasionally moves up to 55‑pound bags of various chemicals
• Troubleshoots equipment and performs operator-level corrections
• Initiates work requests for maintenance level support
• Receives and appropriately logs visitors and provides safety briefing for new visitors
• Receives shipments and deliveries, processes slips, tickets, invoices, and other documents
• Monitors and logs daily chemical use and inventory
• Monitors access control and security system and limits entry of non‑essential personnel
• Completes all required technical, safety and organizational training
• Conducts plant tours
• Performs additional duties as specified above

• High school diploma or GED required
• Bachelor’s degree, Associate of Arts or Science degree preferred
• Environmental, mathematics and science coursework preferred
• Vocational technical school credits in water treatment/distribution or industrial manufacturing preferred
• Experience working in water treatment or industrial manufacturing preferred

State of Iowa Public Water System Certificate Treatment Grade 1 within twelve months of appointment.

• 12 am–8 am, including weekends and holidays

The Water Plant Operator I is covered under the AFSCME Bargaining Union, and all new hires begin employment at $27.94 per hour, regardless of years of experience. Employees in this classification receive a step increase on their anniversary. The steps effective 7/1/2026 are:

• New hire – $27.94
• 1 year – $30.92
• 2 years – $32.76
• 3 years – $34.56