Pollution Control Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $102,211.20 - $143,000.00 Annually
Location : WPC- 7525 Bertram Rd SE Cedar Rapids, IA
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Utilities
Division: Water Pollution Control
Opening Date: 09/04/2026
Closing Date: 9/18/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NON_BARGAINING
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. If you are an experienced wastewater professional who is ready to lead a talented team and help shape the future of a critical City operation, we encourage you to apply!
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.
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.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
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

Qualifications
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

Supplemental Information
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
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 City's 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!

• 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?

• Engineering, Environmental Studies, Biology, Chemistry
• Other, related to Engineering, Environmental Studies, Biology, Chemistry
• Other major
• no degree

03
How many years of experience do you have in Chemical Engineering, Civil or Environmental Engineer, Water and/or Wastewater Treatment Supervisor or Higher, Industrial Plant Management?

• 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 9 years of experience

04
Which of the following best indicates your total years of experience where primary duties consisted of Organizational leadership and staff management experience? Please only include experience where your primary job responsibilities were in one of these areas.

• 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

05
What professional-level experience do you have in operations and maintenance supervisory in an industrial plant environment?

• No Experience
• Up to One Year Experience
• One to Two Years Experience
• Two to Three Years Experience
• Three or More Years Experience

06
Please indicate your years of leadership experience at a senior management level:

• Less than 1 year
• 1-2 years
• 3-5 years
• 6-7 years
• 8-9 years
• 10 years or more
• None

07
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.

08
Are you able to obtain a IDNR Grade 4 Wastewater Treatment Certificate within 2 years of hire?

• Yes
• No
• Already have my IDNR Grade 4 Wastewater Treatment Certificate

09
Please describe your experience working collaboratively with a diverse population.
10
Do you have experience working in a union environment?

• Yes
• No

11
Do you possess a valid Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

Required Question