Water Plant Operations Supervisor

City of Cedar Rapids, IA; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Cedar Rapids, IA is seeking a Water Plant Operations Supervisor to lead our operator teams and oversee daily operations at the city's water treatment facilities. This hands-on leadership role emphasizes safety, staff training, and performance management to deliver clean drinking water to residents.

You will monitor treatment processes, troubleshoot equipment, manage inventory, and coordinate with city programs.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in a related field.
• 3–5 years of water plant operations experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work with diverse populations.

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; troubleshoots equipment and ensures safety.
• Trains and analyzes equipment and safety procedures.
• Monitors equipment conditions, usage, and performance metrics.
• Manages inventory and purchasing for monthly reporting; orders materials and prepares purchase orders.
• Operates valves and field devices; performs routine laboratory tests.
• Monitors distribution system operations and tank levels; supports project design and bid reviews.
• Participates in citywide initiatives, committees, and planning groups.
• Performs related work as required.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Safety mindset

Education

Associate’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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.

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

Assists and oversees the operator teams of the City’s water treatment plants. Ensures efficient delivery of water to meet the City's needs.

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

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.

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

Required Licenses or Certifications

• 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

Desired Qualifications

• Supervisory experience

Work Schedule

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