WWTP Operations Supervisor (Civil Service)

Salary : $84,620.85 - $115,808.99 Annually
Location : Wastewater Treatment Plant, 3100 S Lewis Blvd, Sioux City, IA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number:
Department: Utilities Wastewater Treatment Ops
Division: Utilities Treatment Operations
Opening Date: 10/13/2026
Closing Date: 11/13/2026 11:59 PM Central

Description

City of Sioux City Wastewater Treatment Plant is seeking an Operations Supervisor to join and lead our operations team.

Under the general direction of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager, organizes, plans, and supervises wastewater treatment plant operations to ensure safe, efficient, and regulatory-compliant operation of the wastewater treatment facilities. Performs related work as required.

Special Requirements: Must possess a valid driver's license at the time of hire. Must possess a minimum of an Iowa DNR Wastewater Treatment Grade III State certification. Iowa DNR Wastewater Treatment Grade IV certification required within 24 months of hire.

Alternatively, an equivalent level of certification issued by another state may be accepted with written proof from the state of Iowa that such certification is transferable to the State of Iowa.

Required Qualifications/Experience/Training:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelors degree in physical or biological sciences, sanitary, chemical or mechanical engineering and two to four years of full time work experience in wastewater treatment such as plant operations and administration including one year of supervisory experience;
or
Graduation from an accredited area college with an Associate's degree in physical or biological sciences or engineering and four or more years experience in sewage treatment operations and administration including two years of supervisory experience;
or
Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skill and abilities.

Duties

• Organizes and supervises the activities of plant operations; provides direct supervision to lead operators.
• Organizes shift activities, prioritizes and delegates work.
• Provides instruction to crew members on proper operation of equipment and other duties.
• Assesses training needs and provides the necessary training. Organizes and conducts ongoing training for new and current employees.
• Develops safe and standard operating procedures for plant equipment and activities.
• Assigns and reviews work, conducts performance evaluations, hears and resolves complaints, and makes recommendations for disciplinary action.
• Analyzes instrument readings and laboratory tests.
• Develops and organizes cross-training of division personnel.
• Monitors recording instruments, flow meters, control panels and other indicators.
• Monitors supervisory control and data acquisition system over entire plant including outlying pumping stations.
• Makes adjustments to ensure proper operation of equipment, safety, efficiency, and quality of work performed by staff and implement needed adjustment. Determines proper remedial action in emergencies.
• Develops and recommends work unit budget including review of historical data, making projections, instituting cost saving measures and developing new markets for services.
• Compiles, organizes and maintains operation records for use in the preparation of reports to various federal, state and local agencies, and in the analysis of operational statistics.
• Oversees and performs the manual regulation or shutting down of equipment during emergency situations.
• Monitors and evaluates current treatment practices and water quality parameters to ensure compliance with all pertinent regulatory requirements.
• Responds to citizen concerns in a courteous and timely manner.
• Maintains regular and punctual attendance and working hours.
• Administers and modifies flood watch system.
• Expected to temporarily perform duties outside of normal classification in the event of a declared emergency. In the event that an employee is excused from work other than being sick, they will be required to report to work in a state of declared emergency.

Qualifications
Cognitive Demands, Skills and Abilities: Ability to speak clearly so others can understand, ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer), ability to see details at a distance, ability to identify and understand the speech of another person, ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences; ability to determine the nature and severity of
system malfunctions and to determine remedial actions; skill in planning, scheduling, supervising, and inspecting the work of subordinate personnel; skill in motivating employees.

Job Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices and methods used in wastewater and sludge/biosolids treatment processes and process control; thorough knowledge of Federal, State and local laws and regulations concerning wastewater treatment; thorough knowledge of procedures of sampling and sample testing; thorough knowledge of automated process control systems and related software; thorough knowledge of operation and maintenance of plant equipment; considerable knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions; considerable knowledge of chemical and biological practices and characteristics, materials, equipment and control systems used in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant. Ability to calculate flow rates, areas, volume, plant process loading (organic and/or hydraulic) and other standard mathematical calculations associated in the operations of a wastewater treatment facility; ability to make adjustments to process needs based on visual, collected data and mathematical calculations; ability to diagnose equipment
problems, organize daily tasks and assignments and to operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications; considerable knowledge of supervising personnel; ability to prepare clear, concise reports and budget recommendations; ability to plan, direct and evaluate plant operations and personnel; ability to establish and maintain effective communications and working relationships; ability to prepare clear, concise reports and budget recommendations; ability to plan, direct and evaluate plant operations and personnel; ability to establish and maintain effective communications and working relationships; ability to evaluate and interpret engineering and other technical data.

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication: Requires effective communication skills and the ability to provide assistance to customers (external and internal). Requires the ability to write and speak effectively with fellow employees, City officials, regulatory agencies, and the general public; read in English; apply common sense understanding to the work process, procedures, programs and services; and to provide and follow verbal and written instructions; requires the ability to work as a member of a team in order to accomplish tasks; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with citizens/customers; superiors, subordinates, other City employees, contractors, and vendors; the ability to provide leadership in the implementation of the principles of work teams and process improvement; the ability to investigate complaints and identify appropriate corrective action concerning water quality, and the ability to relate to minorities, women, and other protected classes in the community at all socioeconomic levels.

Physical Requirements: Regularly lifts up to 30 pounds and occasionally lifts up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment: Work is typically performed inside and/or outside and includes being exposed to cold, heat, noise, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system, confined spaces, and use of a respirator. Visit locations within the community whose environment may be different; travel in all types of weather extremes to attend training and/or organizes meetings conferences, and workshops; must be mobile and able to visit complainants and businesses within the metro area.

Special Requirements: Must possess a valid driver's license at the time of hire. Must possess a minimum of an Iowa DNR Wastewater Treatment Grade III State certification. Iowa DNR Wastewater Treatment Grade IV certification required within 24 months of hire.

Alternatively, an equivalent level of certification issued by another state may be accepted with written proof from the state of Iowa that such certification is transferable to the State of Iowa.

Minimum Required Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in physical or biological sciences, sanitary, chemical or mechanical engineering and two to four years of full time work experience in wastewater treatment such as plant operations and administration including one year of supervisory experience;
or
Graduation from an accredited area college with an Associate's degree in physical or biological sciences or engineering and four or more years' experience in sewage treatment operations and administration including two years of supervisory experience;
or
Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skill and abilities.