Water Plant Operations Supervisor

The City of Cedar Rapids is seeking a skilled and motivated Water Plant Operations Supervisor to lead our operator teams and help manage daily operations at our water treatment facilities. In this people-focused leadership role, you’ll supervise, train, coach, and evaluate staff—setting expectations, assigning work, and supporting a safe, high-performing team that delivers clean drinking water to our community.

Alongside staff leadership, you’ll monitor treatment processes, troubleshoot equipment, improve workflows, track performance metrics, and help manage inventory and purchasing needs to keep plant operations running smoothly and safely. If you bring water treatment operations experience and enjoy leading people in essential public service work, we encourage you to apply and help keep Cedar Rapids’ water safe and reliable.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervises and monitors the operations and maintenance of City water production plants
• Supervises the work of assigned personnel, including assigning and reviewing work, providing guidance, and conducting performance evaluations
• Assists plant personnel on streamlining and improving workflow control plant processes; troubleshoots equipment and quickly makes necessary adjustments to ensure safety on all equipment
• Trains and analyzes equipment and safety procedures
• Analyzes equipment conditions, monitors usage, and tracks performance metrics
• Maintains inventory for completion of projects, evaluates the supplier’s quality, quote, price, and inventory count controls for monthly reporting, orders materials and prepares purchase orders.
• Initiates action requests for equipment, lab tests, operator tasks and computer system changes; operates ground level and overhead valves or other field devices and performs routine laboratory tests.
• Monitors distribution system operations and tank levels; conducts project design and monitors for completeness of specification requirements; prepares and submits bids for review and approval.
• Participates in citywide initiatives, committees, and planning groups
• Performs related work as required.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Associate’s degree in a related field and
• Three (3) to Five (5) years’ experience of water plant operations
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations

• Valid U.S. Driver’s License
• Grade I Treatment-Water Operator Certification issued by the State of Iowa
• Grade II and Grade III Treatment-Water Operator Certification issued by the State of Iowa within twelve months of hire

• Supervisory experience

Supplemental Information

Work Schedule

• M-F, 11pm-7am, including weekends and holidays

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement
The City of Cedar Rapids is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All job applicants will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history).

Applicants with Disabilities
We respect and value people with disabilities and are committed to providing a workplace culture of disability inclusion. People with disabilities are supported during the hiring process and are encouraged to apply for employment with the City of Cedar Rapids. In support of the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be provided to those in need of assistance with the application and interview process. To request an accommodation, contact the City's Human Resources department by phone at 319-286-5000 or by email at hr@cedar-rapids.org.

We offer benefits and beyond for our employees and their families!

• Multiple health insurance plans administered by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield with low employee premiums, deductibles, and co-insurance (view our benefits summaries for more information: Choice Plan and Traditional Plan)
• Expansive Wellness Program and low cost onsite exercise facilities
• Dental Insurance with Delta Dental of Iowa
• 100% city paid basic life insurance
• Other voluntary benefits offered including vision, long-term disability, and supplemental life insurance
• IPERS Retirement - Iowa Public Employees Retirement System, with contributions of 6.29% employee/ 9.44% City (IPERS)
• Deferred Compensation (IRS Section 457) retirement programs
• Generous paid time off AND 11 paid holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave program with 4 weeks of paid time off
• Annual salary increases, AND an annual across-the-board increase (determined by available budget)
• Longevity Pay for years of service
• Educational assistance up to $3,000 per year
• A culture that is supportive and committed to professional development opportunities
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness – Employees may qualify for the PSLF program which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer.