Water Plant Operator I

Water Plant Operator I

Salary

$58,115.20 - $71,884.80 Annually

Location

J Ave Water- 761 J Ave NE Cedar Rapids, IA

Job Type

Full-Time

Department

Utilities

Division

Water

Opening Date

07/20/2026

Closing Date

8/3/2026 11:59 PM Central

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

AFSCME

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

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

About our Organization

At the City, we are committed to employing individuals who reflect our community's diverse backgrounds and this position is crucial in the success and strategic direction of a growing and evolving community. We appreciate and leverage the vast experience individuals bring beyond the technical requirements of a job. If you are an individual with similar experience listed here please consider applying. Experience and skills combined with commitment to our core values is key to building a greater community now and for the next generation.

About our Community

Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is our vibrant and diverse community known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Our city has a strong sense of community which can be seen at any of our numerous parks, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly events year round. You can also explore our thriving downtown district, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, or take a stroll along the Cedar River, which runs through the heart of the city. Cedar Rapids - Why you should live here!

About this Opportunity

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.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• 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. 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 move up to 55 pound bags of various chemicals;
• Troubleshoots equipment and performs Operator level corrections;
• Initiates work request for Maintenance level support;
• Receives and appropriately logs visitors. 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 and access of non-essential personnel;
• Successfully completes all required technical, safety and organizational training;
• Conducts plant tours;
• Performs additional duties not specified above

Qualifications

Acceptable Experience and Training:

High school diploma or GED required;

Bachelor's degree, Associate of Arts or Science degree preferred;

Environmental, mathematics, and science course work preferred;

Vocational technical school credits in water treatment/distribution or industrial manufacturing preferred;

Experience working in water treatment or industrial manufacturing preferred;

Required Special Qualifications:

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

Supplemental Information

Work Schedule

• 12am-8am including weekends and holidays
• Hourly Rate

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 include:

New Hire1 year2 years3 years$27.94$30.92$32.76$34.56

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 Citys 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!

The City of Cedar Rapids provides outstanding pay, benefits, time off, including:

• Medical co-insurance for participating providers of 90% plan / 10% employee
• Competitive pay
• Iowa Public Employee's Retirement Pension plans (IPERS) with a 9.44% City contribution and 6.29% employee contribution
• 457 deferred compensation employer match program (City will match up to 0.05% of your annual income each calendar year-learn more here.)
• Flexible Spending (Health Care and Dependent Care Accounts- learn more here)
• An average of 11 paid holidays per year
• Up to $3,000 per year in educational assistance
• 4 weeks of paid parental leave
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - (The PSLF program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See more info here. )
• Annual pay increases
• Fiscal year pay increases as determined by bargaining contract
• Employees are eligible for longevity pay after 5 years of continuous service
• 100% City paid basic life insurance
• Dental, vision, long-term disability, and supplemental life insurance
• View our Bargaining Benefits Summaries
• Expansive job growth opportunities
• Commitment to professional development
• Private health & wellness coaching partnerships

01

Which of the following best indicates your highest level of education?

• I do not have a High School diploma or GED
• High School diploma or GED
• Some college (at least the equivalent of 1 year)
• Associates degree or vocational equivalent
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree or higher

02

What was your major or primary field of study?

• Environmental, mathematics, and science course work
• Other, related to Environmental, mathematics, and science course work
• Other major
• no degree

03

How many years of experience do you have in water treatment or industrial manufacturing?

• Less than 1 year of experience
• At least 1 year of experience
• At least 3 years of experience
• At least 5 years of experience
• At least 7 years of experience
• At least 9 years of experience
• More than 10 years of experience

04

Briefly describe your experience working in water treatment or industrial manufacturing.

05

Please list any certifications or licenses you possess relevant to this position.

06

Are you willing to obtain a State of Iowa Public Water System Certificate Treatment Grade 1 within twelve months of appointment.

• Yes
• No
• Already have my State of Iowa Public Water System Certificate Treatment Grade 1

07

Briefly describe your experience working collaboratively with diverse groups of people.

Required Question

Employer City of Cedar Rapids

Address 101 1st Street SE

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52401

Phone 319-286-5000

Website http://www.cedar-rapids.org/