HomeMy WebLinkAboutWater SuperintendentUpdated: March 2024
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Posi�on Title: Water Superintendent
Department: Public Works
Division: Water
Supervisor: Public Works Director
FLSA: Exempt
Civil Service: No
Pay Grade: 30
Job Number: 3013
Job Summary
Manages the opera�onal, financial and personnel ac�vi�es of the Water division. Plans, directs,
coordinates, and supervises the opera�on and maintenance of a municipal water plant,
distribu�on system and related customer service ac�vi�es and public informa�on and
educa�on ac�vi�es. Ensures environmental and public health and compliance through sound
technical, financial and personnel management. Assures compliance with all local, state, and
federal environmental and safety regula�ons.
Essen�al Job Du�es and Responsibili�es
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive
or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Plans, directs, coordinates, and supervises the opera�on and maintenance of a
municipal water plant, distribu�on system, customer service ac�vi�es, and public
informa�on and educa�on, including long-term planning and asset management.
• Assures the compliance of local, state, and federal laws, regula�ons and standards.
• Communicates with Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Environmental
Protec�on Agency.
• Responsible for division safety and safety policies.
• Develops division opera�onal and capital improvement budget requests and goals,
plans, reviews and approves division expenditures, assists with se�ng rates.
• Coordinates water facility work ac�vi�es with other City departments, u�li�es, and
contractors.
• Prepares and reviews regulatory compliance reports, grant applica�ons and progress
reports, and documenta�on regarding division opera�on and maintenance ac�vi�es.
• Plans and manages special work projects involving consultant services.
• Creates and implements staff policies, reten�on and succession planning, procedures,
evalua�ons, disciplinary ac�vi�es, and training.
• Plans and implements capital improvement projects and reviews construc�on designs
and specifica�ons.
• Nego�ates with contractors and vendors for the purchase of supplies and services for
the maintenance of water division facili�es.
Updated: March 2024
• Develops and reviews plans and specifica�ons regarding water plant opera�ons and
supervises construc�on and maintenance projects.
• Develops new programs to enhance environmental and public health goals
corresponding to water division responsibili�es.
• Works with division staff to create quality communica�on with water customers, the
general public and other City departments.
• Assists the Director of Public Works and City engineering staff with review of
environmental engineering issues and water facility expansion issues.
• Represents the City with regard to drinking water opportuni�es, issues and ques�ons.
• Atend mee�ngs and professional development to remain current in the field,
par�cipates in state or na�onal conferences and represents industry on board and
commitees regarding drinking water quality issues.
• Controls asset management of water plant and distribu�on system.
• Oversees division safety and safety policies and risk management programs.
• Serves as ac�ng Public Works Director when assigned.
• Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the
workplace and community.
• Performs all other related du�es as assigned.
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution and six years of related
experience; or ten years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of
education and experience. Degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, or related.
Experience in water treatment plant operations and maintenance.
• State of Iowa DNR Grade III Water Treatment Operator’s Cer�ficate. State of Iowa DNR
Grade III Water Distribu�on Operator’s Cer�ficate or equivalent from another
reciproca�ng state. State of Iowa DNR Grade IV Water Treatment Operator’s Cer�ficate
within one year of hire. State of Iowa DNR Grade IV Water Distribu�on Operator’s
Cer�ficate within one year of hire. National Incident Management System Training ICS 100,
ICS 200, IS 700, IS 800, ICS 300, ICS 400 within two years of hire. Must be 18 years of age.
Must live within 25 miles of the corporate limits of Iowa City, Iowa within one year of
appointment to the posi�on. Must pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution and eight years of related
experience; or twelve years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of
education and experience. Supervisory experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abili�es
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to effec�vely present informa�on to top management, public groups, and/or
commissions, or elected officials.
• Ability to effec�vely supervise and mo�vate employees.
Updated: March 2024
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instruc�ons in mathema�cal or
diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations used in water operations including
hydraulics, chemistry, mass balances, budgeting, chemical dosing and pipe flow analysis.
• Ability to read and interpret technical materials including maps, contracts and
specifications, common scien�fic and technical journals, financial reports, and legal
documents.
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out du�es.
• Ability to research and manage long term projects.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory
agencies, or members of the business community.
• Ability to write reports and ar�cles for publica�on that conform to prescribed style and
format.
• Knowledge of City’s purchasing, financial and personnel policies.
• Knowledge of financial documents and ability to manage and create budgets and
financial reports.
• Knowledge of modern ground and surface water treatment processes, techniques, and
procedures.
• Knowledge of the design and construction of treatment facilities and distribution systems.
• Skill in problem solving, oral and written communication, ability to supervise the work of
others, motivate and empower others and build teams to accomplish divisional mission
and goals.
• Skill in using computers and applicable so�ware applica�ons (Microso� Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook) and database systems.
Supervision
Assists with the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of a program function or unit for
the department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's
policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include supervising direct reports including
interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; writing
and delivering performance reviews; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing
complaints and resolving problems; and terminating employees.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The
employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands
and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or
crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision
Updated: March 2024
abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception
and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties and responsibilities.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Duties are generally performed in
an office setting with a controlled environment. The job requires sitting for extended periods of
time and the work may expose the employee to unpleasant social situations and significant
work pace pressure.
Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Reviewed/Approved by: Ron Knoche, Public Works Director (4/2024)
I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I
agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Employee Date
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