Water Treatment Plant Operator

Delivering reliably safe and refreshing water.

Applications

Type:
Full Time

Pay Rate:
Dependent on experience and certifications

Pay Grade Information:

• No License or Grade I License – Pay Grade 7: $55,359 - $79,104
• Grade II License – Pay Grade 8: $64,726 - $92,221
• Grade III or IV License – Pay Grade 9: $75,583 - $111,963

to view the 2026 Union Pay Scale.

West Des Moines Water Works is now accepting applications for a Water Treatment Plant Operator. Successful candidates will operate on a shift schedule requiring ability to work weekends, nights, holidays and short notice; operate water treatment plant equipment and associated facilities needed to produce and distribute in sufficient quantities and pressure safe drinking water that meets or exceeds State and Federal requirements for drinking water, follow procedures for operation of water quality laboratory equipment, and test water samples for bacteria and water treatment quality control, and do related work as assigned.

• Follow procedures to ensure the water treatment process is equal to or better than State and Federal requirements.
• Follow procedures for operation of water supply, water treatment, pumping and storage facilities.
• Follow procedures for operation of water quality laboratory equipment and testing procedures.
• Follow procedures for collection of water quality bacteria samples from the distribution system.
• Compile records as required by Water Works and the State of Iowa.
• Inspect, clean, lubricate, troubleshoot, and perform scheduled preventative maintenance on water treatment and water distribution equipment and facilities.

Education/Experience

High School Diploma or GED; one year in water production or related field experience in operation of water production facility is a bonus but not required.

Licenses and Certification

• Possession of an Iowa Operator Grade 2 Water Treatment certificate or the ability to obtain a Grade 2 Water Treatment certificate within 18 months of hiring.
• Must possess a Grade 1 Water Treatment license or obtain within 6 months of hiring.
• Possession of a valid State of Iowa driver's license upon appointment and continued possession of driver’s license and operator certificate is required.

• General knowledge of water production facilities and equipment and rules and regulations related to water plant operations.
• Critical thinking and problem solving.
• Ability to work alone with very little direct supervision and act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Knowledge of safety rules and guidelines.
• Attention to details and ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Understanding of water treatment processes, process controls and maintenance procedures.
• Ability to collect, record and analyze information.
• Ability to determine the nature and seriousness of system malfunctions and take appropriate routine, corrective and emergency decisions without direct supervision.
• Mechanical aptitude, competent in mathematics, chemistry and biology.
• Ability to read piping and wiring diagrams and engineering drawings.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, co-workers, and the public.

This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required. The Water Works may revise this position description at any time. The position description is not to be considered as a contract of employment, as this position is and remains at-will.

to review a Summary of Benefits.

Obtain and complete an Employment Application Form from West Des Moines Water Works in person or download and complete this Employment Application Form.

Return the completed application to the West Des Moines Water Works General Office at:
West Des Moines Water Works
Attn:
Employment
1505 Railroad Avenue
West Des Moines, IA 50265 or email to: [email protected]

West Des Moines Water Works is an Equal Opportunity Employer.