WPC Utilities Plant Manager

City of Cedar Rapids, IA; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Cedar Rapids is seeking an experienced Water Pollution Control Utilities Plant Manager to lead the daily operations of our wastewater treatment facility and ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship.

This leadership role oversees operations, maintenance and technical staff, drives reliability improvement, manages budgets, and collaborates with customers and stakeholders to maintain high performance and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Environmental Studies, Biology, Chemistry, or related field.
• 5–7 years experience in chemical, civil, environmental engineering, or water/wastewater treatment supervisory roles.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable.
• Demonstrated organizational leadership and staff management experience.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse population.

Responsibilities

• Manages daily operations and maintenance of the water pollution control facility, remote lift stations, and flood system pump stations.
• Leads reliability improvement initiatives to reduce downtime and extend asset life.
• Reviews methods and performance metrics to improve plant performance and quality.
• Supervises assigned personnel, assigns and reviews work, and conducts performance evaluations.
• Maintains facility records and monitors reporting criteria.
• Plans and coordinates operations during capital projects and revises maintenance procedures.
• Plans, prepares, and monitors budgets and expenditures.
• Develops purchasing specs, RFPs, and contracts.
• Acts as liaison to residential, commercial, and industrial users and responds to emergencies.

Skills

Leadership

Staff management

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering/Environmental fields

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The City of Cedar Rapids is seeking an experience and forward-thinking Water Pollution Control Utilities Plant Manager to lead the daily operations of our water pollution control facility and ensure the highest standards of safety, regulatory compliance, operational performance, and environmental stewardship.

This is a key leadership position responsible for overseeing the treatment of wastewater and ensuring the facility operates efficiently, reliably, and in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements. The Plant Manager will provide direction to a skilled team of operations, maintenance, and technical staff while fostering a culture built on safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

We are looking for a strong operational leader who understands the technical and regulatory demands of wastewater treatment and can effectively lead people, manage resources, and plan for the future.

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

Manages the daily operations and maintenance of the Water Pollution Control Facility, remote lift stations, and operations and maintenance of the downtown flood system pump stations.

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

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages and implements day-to-day assessments, validating effective operational processes, techniques, and functions
• Leads reliability improvement initiatives for plant equipment and treatment processes, including reliability-centered maintenance strategies to reduce unplanned downtime and extend asset life.
• Reviews and analyzes methods, equipment usage and performance metrics to implement and recommends implementation of water pollution control plant performance and quality improvement systems.
• Supervises the work of assigned personnel, including assigning and reviewing work, providing guidance, and conducting performance evaluations
• Maintains facility records and monitors operational and treatment reporting criteria requirements
• Plans and coordinates plant operations and maintenance activities during capital improvement projects and revises preventative maintenance processes and procedures
• Plans, prepares, and monitors budget for accuracy and maintains expenditures
• Develops purchasing specifications, request for proposals and professional service contracts
• Serves as liaison to residential, commercial and industrial users, responds to treatment capability inquiries and responds to plant related emergencies
• Responds to customer questions and complaints, gives tours to dignitaries, news media, city staff, and interested wastewater operators from other communities
• Performs related work as required

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Environmental Studies, Biology, Chemistry, or Related Field and
• Five (5) to seven (7) years’ experience of Chemical, Civil or Environmental Engineer, Water and/or Wastewater Treatment Supervisor or Higher, Industrial Plant Management or
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience
• Organizational leadership and staff management experience
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse population

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid U.S. Driver’s License
• IDNR Grade 4 Wastewater Treatment Certification within 2 years of hire

Desired Qualifications

• Management experience in a union environment highly preferred
• Experience implementing reliability programs in an industrial or treatment facility setting

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm