WPC Operations Manager

WPC Operations Manager

Salary

$88,441.60 - $123,822.40 Annually

Location

WPC- 7525 Bertram Rd SE Cedar Rapids, IA

Job Type

Full-Time

Department

Utilities

Division

Water Pollution Control

Opening Date

10/05/2026

Closing Date

10/19/2026 11:59 PM Central

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

NON_BARGAINING

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The City of Cedar Rapids is looking for a Water Pollution Control (WPC) Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of our Water Pollution Control Plant and help ensure we continue providing safe, reliable, and effective wastewater treatment services to our community.

This is an opportunity for an experienced operations leader who enjoys working with people, solving problems, improving processes, and making sure a complex operation runs safely and efficiently. The Operations Manager will oversee plant operations, evaluate operational programs and activities, and work closely with staff and leadership to identify opportunities for improvement. If you are an experienced operations leader who is ready to make a difference and help lead the future of wastewater treatment in Cedar Rapids, we encourage you to apply!

About our Organization

At the City, we are committed to employing individuals who reflect our community's diverse backgrounds, and this position is crucial in the success and strategic direction of a growing and evolving community. We appreciate and leverage the vast experience individuals bring beyond the technical requirements of a job. If you are an individual with similar experience listed here please consider applying. Experience and skills combined with commitment to our core values is key to building a greater community now and for the next generation.

About our Community

Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is our vibrant and diverse community known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Our city has a strong sense of community which can be seen at any of our numerous parks, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly events year round. You can also explore our thriving downtown district, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, or take a stroll along the Cedar River, which runs through the heart of the city. Cedar Rapids - Why you should live here!

About this Opportunity

Oversees the day-to-day operations of the Cedar Rapids Wastewater Treatment Plant. Manages and evaluates operational programs and activities associated with the plant.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages the plant and facilities operational programs and processes
• Plans and prepares operating budget and monitors expenditures
• Plans and coordinates plant operations with contractors during capital improvement projects
• Manages the plant supervisory control and data acquisition system
• Coordinates with the Environmental Department to manage ash landfills, review inspections, and complete associated reporting to ensure landfill compliance
• Plans and coordinates special projects, operational changes, and services
• Supervises the work of assigned personnel, including assigning and reviewing work, providing guidance, and conducting performance evaluations
• Coordinates safety programs, including the LOTO and Confined Space programs, and efficient maintenance of plant/facilities safety and equipment safety training; serves as primary responder to emergency operation
• Oversees operational reliability initiatives and is an active participant in the Reliability Program
• Manages the development of purchasing specifications, requests for proposals and professional service related to chemical usage and operational needs
• Attends meetings, conferences, and training workshop sessions, presents recommendations and plans
• Performs related work as required

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Associates Degree in Industrial Technology, Environmental Sciences, Business Administration, Public Administration, or Construction Management and
• Five (5) to seven (7) years' experience in Wastewater Treatment and Supervisory experience or
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse population

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Grade IV Wastewater Operator's License issued by the State of Iowa, or the ability to obtain one within 6 months

Supplemental Information

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday 6:30am - 3:30pm; Hours could be flexible. Also, may be emergency work hours outside of original hours.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement

The City of Cedar Rapids is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All job applicants will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history).

Applicants with Disabilities

We respect and value people with disabilities and are committed to providing a workplace culture of disability inclusion. People with disabilities are supported during the hiring process and are encouraged to apply for employment with the City of Cedar Rapids. In support of the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be provided to those in need of assistance with the application and interview process. To request an accommodation, contact the Citys Human Resources department by phone at 319-286-5000 or by email at hr@cedar-rapids.org.

We offer benefits and beyond for our employees and their families!

• Multiple health insurance plans administered by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield with low employee premiums, deductibles, and co-insurance (view our benefits summaries for more information: Choice Plan and Traditional Plan)
• Expansive Wellness Program and low cost onsite exercise facilities
• Dental Insurance with Delta Dental of Iowa
• 100% city paid basic life insurance
• Other voluntary benefits offered including vision, long-term disability, and supplemental life insurance
• IPERS Retirement - Iowa Public Employees Retirement System, with contributions of 6.29% employee/ 9.44% City (IPERS)
• Deferred Compensation (IRS Section 457) retirement programs
• Generous paid time off AND 11 paid holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave program with 4 weeks of paid time off
• Annual salary increases, AND an annual across-the-board increase (determined by available budget)
• Longevity Pay for years of service
• Educational assistance up to $3,000 per year
• A culture that is supportive and committed to professional development opportunities
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employees may qualify for the PSLF program which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See more information here

01

Which of the following best indicates your highest level of education?

• I do not have a High School diploma or GED
• High School diploma or GED
• Some college (at least the equivalent of 1 year)
• Associates degree or vocational equivalent
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree or higher

02

What was your major or primary field of study?

• Industrial Technology, Environmental Sciences, Business Administration, Public Administration, or Construction Management
• Other, related to Industrial Technology, Environmental Sciences, Business Administration, Public Administration, or Construction Management
• Other major
• no degree

03

How many years of experience do you have in Wastewater Treatment?

• Less than 1 year of experience
• At least one year of experience
• At least 3 years of experience
• At least 5 years of experience
• At least 7 years of experience
• At least 9 years of experience
• More than 10 years of experience
• No experience in Wastewater Treatment

04

How many people have you supervised in your past positions? Please provide titles and length of supervision.

05

If selected for this position, are you willing and able to obtain a Grade IV Wastewater Operators license issued by the State of Iowa within 6 months of hire?

• Yes
• No
• All ready have my IV Wastewater Operators License

06

Which of the following best describes your proficiency with Microsoft Office?

• Beginner - Able to perform basic tasks such as creating simple documents, entering data, sending emails, and using basic formatting.
• Intermediate - Comfortable with day-to-day use, including formatting documents, using basic formulas in Excel (e.g., SUM, AVERAGE), managing calendars, and creating standard presentations.
• Proficient - Regularly uses Microsoft Office in a professional setting; able to create complex documents, use intermediate Excel functions (e.g., IF statements), and manage data efficiently.
• Advanced - Highly skilled; able to use advanced Excel functions (e.g., VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data analysis tools), automate tasks, create polished reports/presentations, and troubleshoot issues.
• Expert - Deep expertise across multiple Office applications; designs complex spreadsheets and reporting tools, uses advanced automation (e.g., macros), and may train or support others.

07

Please describe your experience working collaboratively with a diverse population.

Required Question

Employer City of Cedar Rapids

Address 101 1st Street SE

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52401

Phone 319-286-5000

Website http://www.cedar-rapids.org/