Principal Engineer – Water Production

Application Reviews Start On December 3rd, 2026

Type:

Full Time

Salary Range:

Pay Grade 11: $107,806 - $161,730/year, pay based on qualifications

Phone:

(515) 222-3510

Fax:

(515) 222-3378

[email protected]

West Des Moines Water Works is now accepting applications for the Principal Engineer – Water Production position. Under the general direction of the General Manager, plans, directs, and coordinates, all activities related to water production projects of the Water Works including, but not limited to, design, construction and maintenance of water production, water quality analysis, water treatment process modeling and all other water production projects undertaken by the Water Works.

Duties and Responsibilities:

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

• Plans, coordinates, oversees, and evaluates the construction of water production projects and other projects (e.g. towers, booster stations, and ASRs) overseen by the water production division to maintain effective and efficient operations and quality service to all customers.
• Assists in establishing goals and objectives for the Water Works to ensure compliance with company policy directives; all applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules and regulations; and the strategic plan of the utility.
• Serves as the Loss Prevention Manager and coordinates the safety program for the utility.
• Manages the performance of staff in carrying out Water Works activities including assigning work through delegation, training and performance management. Also directly supervises Civil Engineer I – Water Production.
• Manage and oversee all source water protection efforts.
• Prepares reports and correspondence and reviews those prepared with staff relating to departmental activities, direction, accomplishments, and compliance with federal, state, and local rules and regulations. Confirms accuracy and adherence to quality standards.

Click here to review complete Job Description

Minimum Qualifications:

Licenses and Certifications:

• State of Iowa Professional Engineering License (or ability to obtain within six months)
• State of Iowa Public Water System Certificate – Grade III Water Treatment (or ability to obtain within twelve months)
• State of Iowa Public Water System Certificate – Grade II Water Distribution preferred

Education/Experience:

Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge is qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering, Biosystems Engineering, or related field.
• Five years of engineering design or review of water production utility facilities, two years of which must include progressive engineering in utility, public works, construction, consulting engineering responsibilities and/or management skills.
• Two years of supervisory/personnel management experience preferred.

Skills:

• Advanced communication skills, oral and written.
• Advanced analytical and decision-making skills.
• Advanced team management and leadership skills.
• Advanced customer service/human relations skills.
• Advanced planning/organizing skills.
• Skill in applying engineering principles to the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of a water treatment plant.

Other Information

Working Conditions:

• Primarily office environment. Occasional field visits.
• Long periods of sitting, standing, and walking over uneven terrain.
• Constant talking, hearing, near and far sight acuity, color vision, field of vision, concentration, handling, dexterity, and good judgment.
• Frequent stooping, handling, and writing ability.
• Occasional exposure to traffic, noise and hazards associated with construction sites.
• Occasional exposure to weather, including heat, cold, rain, snow, and wind.

West Des Moines Water Works complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Christina Murphy, General Manager at 515-273-0730 or [email protected]

This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required. The Water Works may revise this position description at any time. The position description is not to be considered as a contract of employment.

Benefits

Click here to review a Summary of Benefits

How to Apply:

Complete the online employment application form here: Online Employment Application.

You may also receive an employment application paper copy from West Des Moines Water Works in person or download it from here: Employment Application PDF Form.

Applicants must also submit their cover letter and resume.

To complete the Employment Application PDF Form electronically, you will need the latest version of Adobe Acrobat. If you choose to submit an electronic application, it is recommended to save and verify the completed document as a PDF and attach the saved file to an email.

Return the completed application, resume and cover letter to the West Des Moines Water Works at:

or email to: [email protected]

Applications reviews start on December 3rd, 2026

West Des Moines Water Works is an Equal Opportunity Employer