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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWater SuperintendentUpdated: August 2025 (Admin Review) CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION Position 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 operational, financial and personnel activities of the Water division. Plans, directs, coordinates, and supervises the operation and maintenance of a municipal water plant, distribution system and related customer service activities and public information and education activities. 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 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, coordinates, and supervises the operation and maintenance of a municipal water plant, distribution system, customer service activities, and public information and education, including long-term planning and asset management. • Assures the compliance of local, state, and federal laws, regulations and standards. • Communicates with Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. • Responsible for division safety and safety policies. • Develops division operational and capital improvement budget requests and goals, plans, reviews and approves division expenditures, assists with setting rates. • Coordinates water facility work activities with other City departments, utilities, and contractors. • Prepares and reviews regulatory compliance reports, grant applications and progress reports, and documentation regarding division operation and maintenance activities. • Plans and manages special work projects involving consultant services. • Creates and implements staff policies, retention and succession planning, procedures, evaluations, disciplinary activities, and training. • Plans and implements capital improvement projects and reviews construction designs and specifications. • Negotiates with contractors and vendors for the purchase of supplies and services for the maintenance of water division facilities. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) • Develops and reviews plans and specifications regarding water plant operations and supervises construction and maintenance projects. • Develops new programs to enhance environmental and public health goals corresponding to water division responsibilities. • Works with division staff to create quality communication 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 opportunities, issues and questions. • Attend meetings and professional development to remain current in the field, participates in state or national conferences and represents industry on board and committees regarding drinking water quality issues. • Controls asset management of water plant and distribution system. • Oversees division safety and safety policies and risk management programs. • 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 all other related 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 Engineering, Environmental Science, or related. Experience in water treatment plant operations and maintenance. • State of Iowa DNR Grade III Water Treatment Operator’s Certificate. State of Iowa DNR Grade III Water Distribution Operator’s Certificate or equivalent from another reciprocating state. State of Iowa DNR Grade IV Water Treatment Operator’s Certificate within one year of hire. State of Iowa DNR Grade IV Water Distribution Operator’s Certificate 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 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. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) • 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 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 scientific and technical 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. • 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 software applications (Microsoft 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: August 2025 (Admin Review) 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) 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 ________________________________ __________________