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-4:30pmSalary
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
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 City's Human Resources department by phone at or by email at .