HomeMy WebLinkAboutWastewater SuperintendentUpdated: August 2025 (Admin Review)
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Wastewater Superintendent
Department: Public Works
Division: Wastewater
Supervisor: Public Works Director
FLSA: Exempt
Civil Service: No
Pay Grade: 30
Job Number: 3007
Job Summary
Manages the operational, financial and personnel activities of the Wastewater division. Directs
the operations and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant, sewers, and lift stations
and assists in stormwater program activities. Ensures environmental health and compliance
through sound technical, financial and personnel management. Assures compliance with all
local, state, and federal environmental and safety regulations.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
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, and supervises the daily operations of the plant and sewer collection
systems including lift stations, reviews SCADA report to determine status.
• Assures compliance with local, state, and federal laws regulations and standards.
• Communicates with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency.
• Develops division budget requests and goals, plans, reviews and approves division
expenditures, assists with setting rates.
• Prepares and reviews regulatory compliance reports, grant applications and progress
reports and documentation regarding division operation and maintenance activities.
• Plans and implements capital improvement projects and reviews construction designs
and specifications, meets with engineers and contractors for regular updates.
• Completes contract development/negotiations/management.
• Responds to problems, requests and questions from customers and the general public;
investigates and resolves problems associated with wastewater collection and treatment
and stormwater infrastructure.
• Oversees industrial/commercial customer relations.
• Develops new programs to enhance environmental and public health goals
corresponding to Wastewater division responsibilities.
• Conducts long term facilities planning for the Wastewater division, including asset
management for the wastewater plant and sewer system.
• Oversees inter-division/department coordination.
Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review)
• Reviews and approves payroll to ensure timecards are accurate and complete prior to
submission.
• Directs division safety and risk management programs and policies.
• Attends meetings and professional development to remain current in the field.
• Serves as acting Public Works Director when assigned.
• Conducts self in a professional manner which demonstrates courtesy and respect for all
community members and coworkers.
• Performs other duties 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 Biology, Environmental Engineering or related.
Experience in treatment plant operations and maintenance.
• State of Iowa DNR Grade IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate. National
Incident Management System Training ICS 100, ICS 200, IS 700, IS 800, ICS 300, ICS 400 within
two years of hire. Valid State of Iowa driver’s license with satisfactory driving record. 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 position. 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 Abilities
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or
commissions, or elected officials.
• Ability to effectively supervise and motivate employees.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or
diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations necessary to perform duties including
advanced mathematical concepts.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical manuals, research journals, financial
reports, and legal documents.
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out duties.
• 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 articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and
format.
• Knowledge of City’s purchasing, financial and personnel policies.
Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review)
• Knowledge of federal and state environmental and safety regulations.
• Knowledge of financial documents and ability to manage and create budgets and
financial reports.
• Knowledge of microbiology, chemistry, environmental engineering, biological and
chemical research methods, and mechanical and electrical systems.
• Knowledge of quality and work output of all wastewater equipment.
• Knowledge of relevant computer software and hardware including word processing and
spreadsheets.
• Skill in observing, evaluating, monitoring, and oral and written communication.
• Skill in the operation of the tools, materials and equipment used in the operation,
maintenance and repair of wastewater plants and collection systems operations.
• Skill in using computers and applicable software applications (Microsoft Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook).
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
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
Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review)
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 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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