Salary : $82,659.20 - $115,752.00 Annually
Location : J Ave Water- 761 J Ave NE Cedar Rapids, IA
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Utilities
Division: Water
Opening Date: 09/11/2026
Closing Date: 9/25/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NON_BARGAINING

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 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.
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

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

Supplemental Information

Work Schedule

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

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: and )
• 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
• 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.

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)
• Associate's degree or vocational equivalent
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree or higher

02

What was your major or primary field of study?

• Water or wastewater technology, environmental science, engineering
• Other, related to water or wastewater technology, environmental science, engineering
• Other major
• no degree

03

How many years of experience do you have in water plant operations?

• 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

Which of the following best describes your proficiency with Microsoft Office?

• Beginner - Able to perform basic tasks such as creating simple documents, entering data, sending emails, and using basic formatting.
• Intermediate - Comfortable with day-to-day use, including formatting documents, using basic formulas in Excel (e.g., SUM, AVERAGE), managing calendars, and creating standard presentations.
• Proficient - Regularly uses Microsoft Office in a professional setting; able to create complex documents, use intermediate Excel functions (e.g., IF statements), and manage data efficiently.
• Advanced - Highly skilled; able to use advanced Excel functions (e.g., VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data analysis tools), automate tasks, create polished reports/presentations, and troubleshoot issues.
• Expert - Deep expertise across multiple Office applications; designs complex spreadsheets and reporting tools, uses advanced automation (e.g., macros), and may train or support others.

05

Please briefly describe your supervisory or lead experience.
06

Please briefly describe your experience in water treatment plant operations.
07

Do you currently possess a Grade I Treatment-Water Operator Certification issued by the State of Iowa?

• Yes
• No

08

If selected for this position, are you able and willing to obtain the Grade II and Grade III Treatment-Water Operator Certifications issued by the State of Iowa within twelve (12) months of hire?

• Yes
• No
• Already have my Grade II and Grade III Treatment-Water Certificate.

09

Briefly describe your experience working collaboratively with diverse groups of people.
10

Do you currently have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

Required Question