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Water Plant Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Plant Operator Job Overview: Our client is seeking to add a NEW Plant Operator to their team The Plant Operator is responsible for overseeing all aspects of plant operations during their assigned ...

Pride in working for a company that provides clean water, safe food, abundant energy and healthy ... as an operator in a batch or specialty chemical manufacturing plant * Minimum of one year of ...

R10098507 Lead plant Operator (Open) Location: Muscatine, IA (ADI) - Filling industrial - Dry-ice How will you CONTRIBUTE and GROW? We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ...

R10077133 Plant Operator (NIGHT) (Open) Location: Muscatine, IA (ADI) - Filling industrial - Dry-ice How will you CONTRIBUTE and GROW? Airgas is Hiring for a Plant Operator in Muscatine! If you're ...

R10077133 Plant Operator (NIGHT) (Open) Location: Muscatine, IA (ADI) - Filling industrial - Dry-ice How will you CONTRIBUTE and GROW? Airgas is Hiring for a Plant Operator in Muscatine! If you're ...

2nd Shift Plant Operator

Shell Rock, IA ยท On-site

$23 - $34/hr

The plant operator is expected to work a 40-hour work week and occasional overtime. Compensation: $2/hr Shift Premium including $4,000 Sign-on bonus The base salary listed is a range. The offered ...

2nd Shift Plant Operator

Garner, IA ยท On-site

$23 - $34/hr

The plant operator is expected to work a 40-hour work week and occasional overtime. Compensation: $2/hr Shift Premium including $4,000 Sign-on bonus The base salary listed is a range. The offered ...

3rd Shift Plant Operator

Shell Rock, IA ยท On-site

$23 - $34/hr

The plant operator is expected to work a 40-hour work week and occasional overtime. Compensation: $2/hr Shift Premium including $4,000 Sign-on bonus The base salary listed is a range. The offered ...

3rd Shift Plant Operator

Garner, IA ยท On-site

$23 - $34/hr

The plant operator is expected to work a 40-hour work week and occasional overtime. Compensation: $2/hr Shift Premium including $4,000 Sign-on bonus The base salary listed is a range. The offered ...

New

Summary Asphalt Plant Managers are accountable for the safety of everyone at the facility, striving every day to enable all Manatt's employees to achieve their goals and responsibilities, while ...

Summary Asphalt Plant Managers are accountable for the safety of everyone at the facility, striving every day to enable all Manatt's employees to achieve their goals and responsibilities, while ...

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Water Plant Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$27.7K

$55.3K

$92.5K

How much do water plant operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for water plant operator in Iowa is $55,309.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,200.00 and $63,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water plant operator?

Water Plant Operators are professionals responsible for running and maintaining water treatment plants. They manage the equipment and processes that treat and distribute water for public consumption or industrial use. Their duties include monitoring water quality, conducting tests, adjusting chemical levels, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Water Plant Operators play a critical role in providing safe, clean water to communities.

What does a water plant operator do?

The job duties of a water plant operator include working to operate and maintain a water plant. Your responsibilities in this job revolve around monitoring pumping equipment and ensuring proper water treatment. You may need to repair or facilitate the repair of equipment to keep water supply flowing. You usually collect sample data and test the water to ensure quality and safety. You are often responsible for ensuring the proper flow of water through filtering equipment, and you may clean filters and fill treatment chemicals as needed. Most plant operators need to keep a log of their activities on a daily basis.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water plant operator?

To thrive as a Water Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of water treatment processes, safety regulations, and relevant environmental standards, often backed by a high school diploma and state-specific operator certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water quality testing instruments, and maintenance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for monitoring systems and responding to issues. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient delivery of clean water to the community.

What are some common challenges faced by water plant operators in maintaining regulatory compliance?

Water Plant Operators often face challenges in keeping up with evolving environmental regulations and ensuring all treatment processes consistently meet strict water quality standards. This involves regular monitoring, accurate record-keeping, and prompt adjustments to chemical dosages or equipment settings. Operators must also be prepared to troubleshoot unexpected equipment malfunctions or respond to weather-related changes that affect water quality. Staying current with training and technological advancements is essential to successfully manage these compliance responsibilities.

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

AspectWater Plant OperatorWater Treatment Technician
CertificationsWater operator license, state certificationWater treatment certification, state license
Work EnvironmentWater treatment plants, distribution systemsWater treatment facilities, field sites
Job FocusOperating and maintaining water treatment equipmentMonitoring, testing, and troubleshooting treatment processes

Both roles involve working in water treatment facilities and require similar certifications. Water Plant Operators typically oversee the entire treatment process and plant operations, while Water Treatment Technicians focus more on testing, monitoring, and troubleshooting equipment. Both positions are essential for ensuring safe, clean water and often share similar work environments and industry usage.

How much do water treatment plant operators make?

Water treatment plant operators in Texas typically earn an average annual salary of around $45,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the size of the facility. Salaries can vary based on location, with additional pay for overtime, night shifts, or specialized skills such as SCADA system operation.

Is being a water plant operator a good job?

Water plant operators are responsible for maintaining and operating water treatment facilities to ensure safe drinking water. The job typically requires technical skills, certifications, and adherence to safety standards, and offers stable employment with opportunities for advancement. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in public health and environmental protection.

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

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

Infographic showing various Water Plant Operator job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 47% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,309 per year, or $26.6 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 2 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.
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