1

Water Department Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Responsibleforoverseeingwork performed on assigned shift and ensures treated water quality is at or above State, Federal, and Water Department standards * Actsas Lead worker for operators on assigned ...

Civil Engineer - Surface Water

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

Civil Engineer - Surface Water Department: Civil Employment Type: Full Time Location: Des Moines, IA Compensation: $75,000 - $150,000 / year Description Imagine a world where every drop of rain is ...

Civil Engineer - Surface Water

Storm Lake, IA ยท On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

Civil Engineer - Surface Water Department: Civil Employment Type: Full Time Location: Storm Lake, IA Compensation: $75,000 - $150,000 / year Description Imagine a world where every drop of rain is ...

Water Resources Engineer

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

Water Resources Engineer Department: Civil Employment Type: Full Time Location: Des Moines, IA Compensation: $75,000 - $150,000 / year Description Imagine a world where every drop of rain is ...

Designer - Water/Wastewater Department: Water/Wastewater Employment Type: Full Time Location: Des Moines, IA Compensation: $20.00 - $50.00 / hour Description Founded in 1973, ISG is a multi ...

Water Resources Engineer

Storm Lake, IA ยท On-site

$75 - $150/hr

Water Resources Engineer Department: Civil Employment Type: Full Time Location: Storm Lake, IA Compensation: $75,000 - $150,000 / year Description Imagine a world where every drop of rain is ...

Water Resources Engineer

Storm Lake, IA ยท On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

Water Resources Engineer Department: Civil Employment Type: Full Time Location: Storm Lake, IA Compensation: $75,000 - $150,000 / year Description Imagine a world where every drop of rain is ...

Water Resources Engineer

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$75 - $150/hr

Water Resources Engineer Department: Civil Employment Type: Full Time Location: Des Moines, IA Compensation: $75,000 - $150,000 / year Description Imagine a world where every drop of rain is ...

Senior Water/Wastewater Engineer Department: Water/Wastewater Employment Type: Full Time Location: Storm Lake, IA Compensation: $70,000 - $190,000 / year Description Founded in 1973, ISG is a multi ...

Senior Water/Wastewater Engineer Department: Water/Wastewater Employment Type: Full Time Location: Des Moines, IA Compensation: $70,000 - $190,000 / year Description Founded in 1973, ISG is a multi ...

Operator

Davenport, IA ยท On-site

As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Water Department information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$21

$32

How much do water department jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for water department in Iowa is $21.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $24.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does the Water Department do?

The Water Department is responsible for providing clean and safe drinking water to residents and businesses, maintaining water infrastructure, and ensuring water quality meets regulatory standards. They manage water treatment plants, repair water main breaks, monitor water usage, and handle billing for water services. The department also implements water conservation programs and responds to customer inquiries about water service. Their work is essential for public health, environmental protection, and community well-being.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Water Department position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Water Department role, you generally need knowledge of water systems, plumbing, and environmental regulations, often supported by relevant certifications or a background in utilities or engineering. Familiarity with SCADA systems, GIS mapping software, and water quality testing equipment is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for this position. These skills ensure the safe and efficient delivery of water services, regulatory compliance, and prompt resolution of system issues.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a Water Department, and how can these be managed?

Professionals in a Water Department often encounter challenges such as responding to emergency water main breaks, managing aging infrastructure, and ensuring compliance with strict safety and environmental regulations. These challenges require strong problem-solving skills, the ability to work well under pressure, and effective communication with both team members and the public. Staying current with training and best practices, as well as fostering a collaborative environment, helps teams manage these issues efficiently and provide reliable water services to the community.

What is the difference between Water Department vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectWater DepartmentWater Treatment Plant Operator
CredentialsVaries; may include certifications in water systemsTypically requires a state certification/license in water treatment
Work EnvironmentMunicipal or public water systems, fieldwork, office tasksWater treatment facilities, plant operations, equipment monitoring
Industry UsagePublic utilities, municipal agenciesWater treatment facilities, public utilities
Common Search/ComparisonBroader role overseeing water servicesSpecific role focused on water treatment processes

The Water Department generally oversees water services and infrastructure, while a Water Treatment Plant Operator specifically manages the operation of water treatment facilities. Both roles are essential in ensuring safe and reliable water supply, often working closely within the same industry and requiring similar certifications.

What are popular job titles related to Water Department jobs in Iowa?

For Water Department jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Water Department jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Department jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Water Department jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Water Department job openings:

Infographic showing various Water Department job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,343 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Water Treatment Plant Operator

US Water Services Corporation

Fort Dodge, IA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

U.S. Water Services Corporation is a well-established and diverse water and wastewater utility organization specializing in utility maintenance, operations, engineering and construction services. U.S. Water is a fast paced and rapidly expanding company headquartered in New Port Richey, Florida with a staff of over 950 employees in twenty states.GENERAL PURPOSEThe Drinking Water Plant Operator operates and maintains water treatment, processing, and testing equipment in a water treatment facility to purify water to meet permit and operational requirements. Troubleshoots and diagnoses operational problems and takes corrective action per procedure and process knowledge. Monitors flow meters, gauges, flow ratios, pressures and related controls through instrument panels and programmable logic control units in assigned areas. Monitors and records operating conditions observations and data in area shift log. Ensures conformance to process specifications. Verifies and reports suspected malfunctions and variances to the supervisor. Performs routine and preventative maintenance and maintenance related items as assigned. Performs field laboratory tests (chemical and physical) in order to pace chemical dosages for efficient process control. Ensure that all safety and environmental requirements are consistently achieved including strict compliance.SPECIAL REQUIREMENTSValid Iowa DNR Water License Grade 2 or higherValid Iowa driver's licenseMust have previous maintenance experienceESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESPerforms all operations and maintenance procedures. Participates in complex and technical maintenance and repair tasks. Monitors and adjusts the operation of water plant pumps, motors, and other equipment. Accurately reads gauges, dials and other instruments that depict and/or record data. Services, maintains, and repairs a variety of water system equipment, including pumps, valves, motors, filters, and meters. Inspects water system equipment and facilities to locate needed repairs, and makes repairs to various water system equipment as required. Inspects and maintains water distribution facilities. Assists in the training of other water department personnel. Collects samples and assists in conducting a variety of chemical and physical tests. Maintains clear and concise logs and records. Inspects water sources and water storage tanks. Inspects, services and replaces meters, fittings, and meter boxes. Operates a front-end loader and other vehicles. Maintains all log books, records, and reports required by various laws and permits, as well as those necessary for efficient operation. Performs general plant maintenance work such as sweeping, cleaning, painting, and landscaping. May reads water meters. Coordinates with other company departments for assistance or repair, and as necessary. May be responsible for the ordering, storage and use of supplies needed for general operation of a water plant and outlying system responsibilities and their inventory. Maintains a good relationship with the public and responds to complaints regarding operations. Regular and timely attendance.Performs other related duties as assigned.Education and Experience:(A) Must have an active Iowa DNR Water Operator's License Grade 2 at a minimum; and (B) One (1) years of experience relating to the construction, repair, and maintenance of water collection or treatment systems including the operation of related maintenance equipment, or (C) Any equivalent combination of education and experience. Necessary knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: (A) Thorough knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods and procedures used in water collection and treatment systems; Considerable knowledge of water pipe installation, connection, and repair; Considerable knowledge of water treatment plant operation and maintenance. (B) Skill in the operation of the listed tools and equipment. (C) Ability to interpret specific chemical and biological analyses; Ability to guide, direct and motivate employees; Ability to organize and supervise the activities of various crews performing construction and maintenance work; Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments and the public.TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USEDDetection devices, mobile radio/phone, a personal computer (may include word processing, excel, and other software), copier and fax machine.PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and smell.Compensation and Benefits: Pay is commensurate with experience and market-reflective. US Water/USW Utility Group offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short/long-term disability, paid time off, holiday pay and 401(k) with company match.US Water/USW Utility Group offers competitive wages and benefits and is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
Job Posted by ApplicantPro