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Water Distribution Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Liberty

Construction Operator

Keokuk, IA

$19.25 - $24.75/hr

... distribution utility ... AQN is committed to providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective energy and water solutions through ...

Stouffers

Forklift Operator

Clinton, IA · On-site

$25.74/hr

We also take pride in doing our part to care for the environment, like conserving water, investing ... weight distribution, load integrity, and all shipping instructions are followed Move finished ...

Nestle

Forklift Operator

Clinton, IA · On-site

$25.74/hr

We also take pride in doing our part to care for the environment, like conserving water, investing ... Safely load/unload trailers ensuring weight distribution, load integrity, and all shipping ...

Nestle

Forklift Operator

Clinton, IA · On-site

$25.74/hr

We also take pride in doing our part to care for the environment, like conserving water, investing ... Safely load/unload trailers ensuring weight distribution, load integrity, and all shipping ...

Trinityhealth

Operating Engineer

Mason City, IA · On-site

$67K - $91K/yr

... water, Air Handling including refrigeration, Hydronic Heating and cooling, Steam Distribution ... Must have or be able to, within a 12 month period, obtain a certified boiler operator license ...

Trinity Health

Operating Engineer

Mason City, IA

$67K - $91K/yr

... water, Air Handling including refrigeration, Hydronic Heating and cooling, Steam Distribution ... Must have or be able to, within a 12 month period, obtain a certified boiler operator license ...

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All JobsWater Distribution Operator JobsWater Distribution Operator Jobs in Iowa

Water Distribution Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$24

$38

How much do water distribution operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 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:
Water Distribution Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Distribution Operator job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,000 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Water-Wastewater Engineer

Shive Hattery Group

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

$72K - $99K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Shive-Hattery is a premier architecture and engineering consulting firm headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In total, the firm has 16 offices across the US. Shive-Hattery was founded in 1895 and has earned and maintained a strong reputation for excellence in client focus, quality service and communication. The firm prides itself on its One Firm , full-service offering; placing the best people with their clients, no matter the project location.
Shive-Hattery's West Des Moines IA office has an immediate opening for a FT Licensed Civil Engineer with 4+ years of experience
As a licensed Professional Engineer (PE), you can lead a diverse range of water and wastewater infrastructure projects. This includes design, client contact, business development, mentoring and the following responsibilities:
  • Develop facility plans, master planning reports, specifications, and design drawings
  • Lead internal and external project workshops
  • Take projects from concept to bid-ready documents
  • Manage services during construction
  • Lead construction permitting with regulatory agencies
  • Lead scope, schedule, and fee development with project management support
  • Collaborate with clients and regulatory agencies
  • Mentor multi-discipline project teams
  • Participate in business development
  • Lead the evaluation, study, and design of water and wastewater pipelines, pump stations, and treatment systems

"I've worked at large and small design firms across the nation. Shive-Hattery is unique with the big firm resources and support with the small firm feel. It's awesome to be part of a caring team doing big things for clients and communities."
Shane Oyler, Water-Wastewater Group Leader
Why Shive-Hattery?
You will find the right balance at Shive-Hattery. A large pool of resources in a 500+ person design firm, with a small firm feel where you build personal connections with colleagues, partners and clients. Flourish as a professional with the freedom to chart your own course and make an impact - and Design What Matters to make the world a better place.
At Shive-Hattery, our learning and teaching culture is built on collaboration. You'll have the opportunity to both learn from and teach your peers, working across disciplines to enhance your skills and grow professionally.
We offer a competitive total compensation package, including industry-leading pay and over thirty-five benefits designed to support your well-being and career development.
Benefit Highlights:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision - 4 tiers of coverage
  • Voluntary Life Insurance - Employee, Spouse, and Child
  • Voluntary Insurance Plans - Accident, Critical Illness, & Hospital Indemnity
  • FSA - Medical & Dependent Care
  • 8 Paid Holidays + PTO
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • 401K/Roth 401K with Company Match
  • Overtime Bonus
  • Profit Sharing Bonus
  • First Time License Bonus
  • Tuition Reimbursement & Licensure/Certification Financial Support
  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Calm Meditation & Stress Relief Subscription
  • ...And Many More!

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
  • At this time, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship now or in the future. Candidates must have current and ongoing authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

Notice to Recruiters and Staffing Agencies: To protect the interests of all parties, Shive-Hattery and its partners will not accept unsolicited candidate submissions from a recruiter or staffing agency who is not operating under an executed recruiting or staffing services contract with Shive-Hattery. Please do not contact our employees directly in that regard or otherwise submit unsolicited candidate information in any form.
Shive-Hattery offers a flexible work environment and supports balancing personal and professional responsibilities. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Requirements
  • Education: Bachelor's (B.S.) or master's degree (M.S.) in Environmental or Civil Engineering from an accredited four-year or graduate engineering university
  • Experience: four or more years of similar technical experience with no less than one-year of experience in project leadership
  • License/Certification: Registered Professional Engineer capable of registering in states within Shive-Hattery's geographical footprint
  • Experience with detailed plans and specifications, for water and wastewater collection, distribution, pumping, and/or treatment projects
  • Strong verbal, computer, time management, and organizational skills
  • Good understanding of the multi-disciplined aspects required for delivering water-wastewater infrastructure improvements
  • Proven technical writing and professional communication skills
  • Desire to mentor junior staff, as well as learn and continue professional career
  • Must have strong communication skills

Apply