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Water Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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

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

Showing results 41-60

Water information

See Iowa salary details

$32.9K

$81.5K

$133.8K

How much do water jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for water in Iowa is $81,525.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,600.00 and $103,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are water jobs?

Water jobs refer to a wide range of careers focused on the management, treatment, distribution, conservation, and protection of water resources. These jobs include roles such as water treatment plant operators, hydrologists, water quality scientists, engineers, and technicians who work to ensure safe and sustainable water supplies. Professionals in this field may work for government agencies, utilities, environmental organizations, or private companies, addressing challenges like water scarcity, pollution, and infrastructure maintenance. Water jobs are essential for public health, environmental protection, and economic development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water treatment plant operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Treatment Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of water chemistry, mechanical systems, and environmental regulations, typically supported by a high school diploma and relevant state certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing equipment, and safety protocols is crucial for daily operations. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills for monitoring system performance and responding to emergencies. These skills ensure the safe and efficient delivery of clean water, protect public health, and maintain regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by water treatment plant operators on a daily basis?

Water treatment plant operators often encounter challenges such as responding quickly to equipment malfunctions, maintaining strict regulatory compliance, and adapting to fluctuations in water quality due to weather or seasonal changes. They must work closely with maintenance staff and laboratory technicians to troubleshoot issues and ensure the safety and reliability of the water supply. Operators also need to stay updated on evolving technologies and best practices to optimize plant operations and meet environmental standards.

What is the difference between Water vs Plumber?

AspectWaterPlumber
Required CredentialsNone specific, basic knowledge of water systemsTrade license or certification, plumbing apprenticeship
Work EnvironmentWater treatment plants, distribution systems, industrial sitesResidential, commercial, industrial plumbing installations and repairs
Industry UsageInvolves managing water supply and qualityFocuses on installing and repairing plumbing systems

While 'Water' refers broadly to water systems and management, a 'Plumber' is a skilled tradesperson specializing in installing and repairing plumbing systems. Both roles are interconnected, but plumbers require specific certifications and work directly with water infrastructure in various settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Water jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Water jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Water job openings:

Infographic showing various Water job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,525 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Senior Engineer - Water/Wastewater

Iowa City, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Stanley Consultants is an award-winning and industry-leading global consulting engineering firm, with an unmatched commitment to culture, values, and ethics. We are dedicated to client experience and solve the most complex challenges to create a sustainable, connected, and enriched world for all. As the world changes, Stanley strategically evolves with it, integrating the latest technology, innovation, and resiliency practices.
 
With over a century of experience serving the energy, federal government, transportation, and water sectors, we have helped improve lives and shape the infrastructure systems that connect us. As an employee-owned organization with a People First approach, we stand apart from other engineering consulting and services firms. At Stanley, your voice counts, your growth matters, and your success is our success.
 
Stanley Consultants offers flexible work options, competitive pay and great benefits, a strong sense of community, and the chance to build a meaningful, long-term career!

Job title - Senior Engineer, Water/Wastewater
Location - Iowa office - Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Iowa City, or Muscatine
Job type - Hybrid
Requisition ID - 11220
 

Stanley Consultants is seeking a Senior Water/Wastewater Engineer for one of our following Iowa offices: Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Iowa City, or Muscatine. In this role, you will lead and deliver water, wastewater, and groundwater projects in the State of Iowa. This individual will be responsible for the development and management of all aspects of municipal water and wastewater utility system project planning, design, and services during construction.

This position will have expertise in one or more of the following:
  • Water distribution, transmission, and storage
  • Water treatment
  • Wastewater conveyance and peak weather flow infrastructure
  • Wastewater treatment
  • Water Reuse
  • Pump Stations
  • Hydraulic modeling
  • Asset management
  • Risk and resiliency consulting and design
  • Smart water system planning, design, and implementation
What You Will Be Doing:
  • Lead the team for delivery of water and wastewater projects.
  • Provide guidance and career advice for water and wastewater staff in the Iowa offices.
  • Assist in marketing business opportunities with key clients, including capture planning, proposal preparation, and interview preparation and participation.
  • Participate in local water and wastewater professional organizations and preparing, coordinating, and presenting market specific papers and presentations.
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering/Environmental Engineering.
  • At least 7+ years of relevant water/wastewater engineering experience.
  • At least 5+ years of experience at the project manager level.
  • Iowa Professional Engineer (PE) license, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
  • Technical management of water/wastewater project delivery experience.
  • Experience with the development and maintenance of close client and staff relationships.
  • Ability to execute the creative approaches to project delivery.
Work-Life Balance
We realize there’s more to life than just work. We help you meet the demands of work, family and personal life through several flexible options.
 
What we offer:
Member-Owned. Member-ownership is at the heart of our culture, aligning client satisfaction, company performance, and personal reward.
Paid Time Away. Stanley Consultants offers numerous paid holidays, generous paid time off (PTO), parental leave, and professional development leave.
Health Insurance. We provide a comprehensive insurance package including medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, Doctor On Demand, wellness reimbursement, and mental health resources.
Financial Health. We offer life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, identity theft protection, and many other benefits.
Professional Growth. When your skills grow, so do we, which is why we offer tuition assistance, professional society membership, and more.
Financial Rewards. We share our prosperity with members through company stock ownership, a generous 401K match, incentive compensation, and profit-sharing contributions to retirement 401K plans.
Click Here: A Great Place To Work  
 
Learn more about Stanley Consultants in this short video:  Working at Stanley Consultants
 
Stanley Consultants does not welcome unsolicited resumes from staffing and recruiting agencies. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to Stanley Consultants, including but not limited to resumes submitted directly to Stanley Consultants members, or any of our representatives, will be deemed the property of Stanley Consultants.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
 
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.