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Water Distribution Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

HR Green

Potable Water Project Manager

Johnston, IA · On-site

Pump stations, storage facilities, and distribution systems * Transmission system rehabilitation ... The employee must be capable of driving/operating a motor vehicle for company business, and ...

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 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:
Water Distribution Operator jobs near you
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.
Potable Water Project Manager

Potable Water Project Manager

HR Green

Johnston, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Project Manager / Senior Project Manager – Water/Wastewater (Iowa)

At HR Green, we bring more than 100 years of experience helping communities grow through impactful infrastructure solutions. With 700+ professionals across 20+ offices, we combine deep technical expertise with strong local relationships, responsive leadership, and a collaborative, low-bureaucracy culture.

In water and wastewater, we deliver practical, end-to-end solutions spanning planning, funding, design, and construction. For experienced professionals, this means the opportunity to lead meaningful municipal projects, build lasting client partnerships, and take real ownership in shaping both project outcomes and the future of our growing practice.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking an experienced Project Manager or Senior Project Manager to help lead the continued growth of our Water/Wastewater practice in Iowa. This is a highly visible leadership role for someone already managing potable water infrastructure projects who wants greater autonomy, stronger client access, and more influence over project delivery and team direction.

Why This Role Stands Out

This opportunity is ideal for professionals looking for:

  • Greater ownership of projects and delivery decisions
  • Direct client relationships without layers of bureaucracy
  • More influence over staffing, technical direction, and team development
  • Leadership on meaningful municipal infrastructure projects
  • A clear path into broader leadership within a growing water practice

This is not a narrow execution role—you would be a trusted leader shaping both project outcomes and long-term client relationships.

The Work You’d Lead

Projects span the full lifecycle of municipal potable water infrastructure, including:

  • Raw water systems, wells, and source development
  • Water treatment facilities and process upgrades
  • Pump stations, storage facilities, and distribution systems
  • Transmission system rehabilitation and expansion
  • Regulatory compliance, including SDWA requirements

You would stay involved from planning and design through permitting, bidding, and construction.

What the Role Looks Like

You would lead multi-discipline teams while owning project scope, schedule, budget, and client satisfaction. Responsibilities include managing technical delivery, serving as a trusted advisor to municipal clients, supporting QA/QC, overseeing construction-phase coordination, mentoring engineers, and helping grow the next generation of technical leaders.

Your work will focus heavily on potable water systems, including treatment facilities, storage infrastructure, pumping systems, and distribution networks, while also supporting wastewater treatment and collection system projects. This role provides the opportunity to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions that meet regulatory requirements and support long-term community growth.

Growth & Leadership Opportunity

Beyond project delivery, this role offers the chance to help shape a growing practice through client development, proposal strategy, industry involvement, and operational leadership.

This role tends to resonate with professionals who are already successful in their current role but want more decision-making authority, stronger client-facing responsibility, less organizational friction, and a clearer long-term leadership path within water/wastewater infrastructure.

Benefits

Not only does HR Green provide you with a place to grow, thrive, and enjoy your work, but we are also dedicated to delivering a comprehensive and multi-faceted benefits package. Visit our website for detailed total rewards information.

https://www.hrgreen.com/careers/total-rewards/

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

Must possess a current, valid Professional Engineer (P.E.) license and have the ability to obtain licensure in one or more other states in which HR Green conducts business. The employee must be capable of driving/operating a motor vehicle for company business, and maintain a valid driver’s license in the state of residence.

HR Green is proud to be an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law.