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Water Distribution Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Utilities Operator - Water

Ankeny, IA ยท On-site

$31.95/hr

Utilities Operator I - $31.946 per hour with a Grade I Water Treatment or Water Distribution operator certificate issued by the State of Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Hours are Monday ...

Water System Utility Worker

Marion, IA ยท On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Possess or the ability to obtain Iowa Grade I Water Treatment Plant Operator and Water Distribution Operator Licenses within 2 years of employment. REQUIRED BACKGROUND CHECKS * Criminal Background ...

Clarion Water Distribution System - ISG provided a comprehensive WaterCAD Distribution System Modeling and Preliminary Engineering Report identifying critical improvements needed to the City of ...

Operator I

Maquoketa, IA ยท On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Makes periodic rounds of facilities observing, recording, and communicates operating conditions to ... water/wastewater treatment activities and distribution/collection systems. * Knowledge of safety ...

Alliance Water Resources is a growing water and wastewater contract operations company seeking a ... Performs a variety of maintenance and repair work in the distribution and/or collection system on ...

... and water distribution system monitoring and rehabilitation and industrial pre-treatment. This ... It's your chance to join one of the country's longest operating engineering firms and a leader in ...

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Water Distribution Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$24

$38

How much do water distribution operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for water distribution operator in Iowa is $24.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.42 and $28.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Water Distribution Operators?

Water Distribution Operators are professionals responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of clean drinking water to homes, businesses, and other facilities. They monitor water distribution systems, maintain equipment such as pipes, pumps, and valves, and test water quality to comply with health and safety regulations. These operators also respond to emergencies like leaks or contamination and keep detailed records of system performance. Their work is essential for public health and the reliable operation of municipal water systems.

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

AspectWater Distribution OperatorWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsWater Distribution Certification, State LicensingWater Treatment Certification, State Licensing
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, maintaining pipelines, valves, and metersPlant environment, operating treatment equipment
Job FocusDistributing potable water, repairing infrastructureTreating water to meet safety standards
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal water departments, utility companiesWater treatment facilities, municipal agencies

While both roles involve working with water systems, the Water Distribution Operator primarily manages the distribution network, ensuring safe water delivery, whereas the Water Treatment Plant Operator focuses on treating water to meet health standards. Certifications and work environments differ, but both are essential for maintaining safe and reliable water services.

What are some common challenges faced by Water Distribution Operators, and how can they be managed effectively?

Water Distribution Operators often encounter challenges such as responding to emergency repairs, maintaining water quality standards, and managing aging infrastructure. These situations require quick problem-solving, clear communication with team members, and strict adherence to safety protocols. Staying up-to-date with training and industry regulations can help operators handle these challenges efficiently, while strong teamwork ensures that issues are resolved promptly to maintain uninterrupted water service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Distribution Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Distribution Operator, you need a solid understanding of water distribution systems, hydraulics, and basic math, typically supported by a high school diploma and state certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water quality testing equipment, and maintenance tools is essential for daily operations. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help operators quickly identify and resolve issues while coordinating with team members. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure the safe, reliable delivery of potable water and compliance with regulatory standards.
What are popular job titles related to Water Distribution Operator jobs in Iowa? For Water Distribution Operator jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Distribution Operator jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Water Distribution Operator jobs in Iowa are:
Infographic showing various Water Distribution Operator job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,000 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Utilities Operator - Water

City of Ankeny Iowa

Ankeny, IA โ€ข On-site

$31.95/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Function The City of Ankeny is accepting applications for a full-time position as Utilities Operator I - Water Division in the Municipal Utilities Department. The Utilities Operator will perform and participate in unskilled and semi-skilled work as related to the operations and maintenance of Municipal Utilities facilities, water distribution system. Starting salary, plus excellent benefits: Utilities Operator Assistant - $28.753 per hour with no certifications

Utilities Operator I - $31.946 per hour with a Grade I Water Treatment or Water Distribution operator certificate issued by the State of Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Hours are Monday - Friday, 7 AM - 3:30 PM with additional on-call/overtime hours as needed. The City of Ankeny offers a comprehensive benefits package including: Vacation and Sick Leave Personal Leave Nine (9) Paid Holidays Health/Dental/Life/LTD Insurance Parental Leave Wellness Programs and Incentives Tuition Reimbursement and Continuing Education Programs Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Benefit Defined Benefits Pension Plan Through IPERS Deferred Compensation Plan Voluntary Insurance Benefit Options Longevity Pay Applications must be received by Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 11:59 pm. Interested individuals should apply online at www.ankenyiowa.gov and may attach a resume along with any certifications held and a cover letter expressing interest

Pre-employment physical, drug screen and background check required. Application QR Code: To advance in the hiring process, you must pass a civil service exam to be administered to all qualified applicants. Additional information will be emailed on Monday, June 15, 2026.

Please check your email (and junk email) for testing information. Contact HR if you do not receive the testing information on 06/15/2026. Principal Duties and Responsibilities Specific duties listed in individual job descriptions based on certification level: Assist other personnel as directed in the operation and maintenance of the Municipal Utilities facilities.

Record readings from meters, gauges, probes, and equipment Recognize and evaluate potential operational or mechanical problems and advise operational staff or supervisor. Assist the public by listening to complaints, inquiries, and problems, and reporting them to the supervisor. Perform customer service duties as directed.

Complete routine maintenance and minor repairs on all operational equipment and appurtenances as directed. Perform routine repair of buildings, general cleaning, grounds maintenance, and related activities as directed. Assist with the maintenance and repair activities for the water distribution system.

Assist in the routine maintenance of vehicles and other equipment. Respond to water main breaks; water service calls; and other emergencies as directed. Perform office duties as assigned.

Assist other city departments as directed. Entry Requirements and Skills Graduation from high school or an equivalent. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public, ability to keep accurate and legible records, and have the ability to recognize occupational hazards and follow established safety precautions.

Shall maintain a valid driver's license issued by the State of Iowa and ability to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) Class B with airbrakes endorsement issued by the State of Iowa within one (1) year from date of hire. Specific Requirements for Job Level: Utilities Operator Assistant-Water - If hired with no certification, must be able to obtain, within one year from date of hire, a Grade I operator's certificate issued by the State of Iowa in Water Distribution or Water Treatment. Utilities Operator I-Water - One (1) year combined experience in the operation and maintenance of a water distribution system, or a water treatment facility.

Or possess an equivalent amount of education and experience recognized by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Possession of a Grade I operator's certificate issued by the State of Iowa in Water Treatment or Water Distribution. WORK ENVIRONMENT Will be required to perform duties during off-hours emergencies, weekends, or holidays.

May be exposed to a variety of chemicals, noxious odors, gases, high voltage, and other potentially hazardous working conditions as well as all types of weather conditions and extremes. Will be required to operate employer's vehicles and related equipment. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Must be insurable.

Must be sighted. Must be able to hear normal conversation. Must be able to speak clearly at normal rate of conversation.

Must keep regular and reliable attendance at work. Must be able to kneel, squat, bend, twist, climb, lie on creeper, and work over head. Must be able to work on equipment located over head, above or below the waistline.

Must be able to work in wet environments. Must be able to climb into or out of employer's equipment. Must be able to remove and replace manhole covers weighing up to 80 pounds with a lever.

Must be able to climb into and out of 24-inch openings. Must periodically lift and carry, for short distances, heavy objects weighing up to 75 pounds. Must be able to climb and descend ladders and stairs, and walk over uneven terrain.

Must be able to lift and move items weighing up to 150 pounds with the assistance of another employee but without assistance of a portable hoist. Must be able to use tools weighing 30 pounds or more.