Utilities Engineer I, II, III or IV

The City of Cedar Rapids is hiring Utilities Engineers (I-IV) to support water and wastewater infrastructure projects. Responsibilities include planning, designing, and managing capital improvements, collaborating with contractors and internal teams, and ensuring compliance with engineering standards. This role offers opportunities for both emerging and experienced professionals. Strong communication skills are essential. The position is based in Cedar Rapids, IA, and does not offer remote work options.
The City of Cedar Rapids is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Utilities Engineer to support vital water and wastewater infrastructure projects. This role plays a key part in planning, designing, and managing capital improvements that serve our growing community. You’ll work alongside contractors, consultants, and internal teams to ensure projects meet engineering standards, regulatory requirements, and operational goals. With multiple levels available—Engineer I through IV—this position offers opportunities for both emerging and experienced professionals. If you're ready to apply your engineering expertise to impactful public projects, we invite you to join our team and help build a stronger Cedar Rapids.

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

The Utilities Engineer is responsible for managing municipal water and wastewater treatment projects, including design, permitting, bidding, and construction. This role oversees capital improvement projects by directing consultants and contractors, managing schedules and budgets, preparing reports and designs, and ensuring compliance with policies, standards, and regulations. Strong communication skills are essential for collaborating with internal teams, contractors, regulators, and the public. This position reports to the Utilities Process & Facilities Engineering Manager. Classification will be based on your experience with complex engineering projects. Join the second-largest city in Iowa and help shape a growing, vibrant community—apply today!

The City of Cedar Rapids does not offer sponsorship for employment authorization.Job Duties and Responsibilities
• Plans and manages portions of utilities projects
• Assists with the evaluation, design, construction administration and inspection of capital improvement projects
• Develops and interprets engineering plans, designs, and specifications for the city’s utilities department
• Evaluates plans, develops statements of work and budgets
• Evaluates project changes and coordinates activities with contractors
• Assists Utilities Department staff in troubleshooting operational issues and facilitating improvements
• Conducts or directs bench and pilot scale studies as needed
• Assists with reviews of regulatory and code requirements and implementation of any required updates
• Responds to distribution system information requests
• Identifies project surveying information requirements
• Identifies infrastructure needs and implements necessary next steps
• Assists with the selection and preparation of contract design services
• Assists with bid coordination
• Develops and delivers presentations, and communicates with and responds to property owners
• Implements and enforces safety procedures and standards; ensures safety procedures are followed at all sites across all projects/programs
• Performs related work as required

Utilities Engineer I:

Required Education and Experience
• Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering or a related field and
• 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
• Certified as an Engineer in Training (EIT) or Engineering Intern (EI) in the State of Iowa or ability to obtain State of Iowa EIT or EI certification within six months of appointment
• Valid U.S. Driver’s License

Utilities Engineer II:

Required Education and Experience
• Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering or a related field and
• One (1) to three (3) years’ experience in water and/or wastewater treatment and/or utility project design 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
• Certified as an Engineer in Training (EIT) or Engineering Intern (EI) in the State of Iowa or ability to obtain within six months of appointment
• Valid U.S. Driver’s License

Utilities Engineer III:

Required Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering or a related field and
• Five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in project engineering, design and construction 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
• Licensure as a Professional Engineer issued by the State of Iowa or if issued by another state, the ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Valid U.S. Driver’s License

Utilities Engineer IV:

Required Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering or a related field and
• Seven years of experience in project engineering, design and construction 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
• Licensure as a Professional Engineer issued by the State of Iowa or if issued by another state, the ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Valid U.S. Driver’s License
Work Schedule
• Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:30pm
Salary
• I: $67,995.20- $91,852.80 annually
• II: $72,758.40- $98,300.80 annually
• III: $83,304.00- $112,403.20 annually
• IV: $89,148.80- $120,348.80 annually