Talent Operations Specialist Jobs in Iowa
Talent Operations Specialist jobs in Iowa are steadily active, concentrated in healthcare administration, financial services, insurance, and large-scale manufacturing, with openings at the coordinator through senior manager level. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City account for the bulk of postings, anchored by major employers such as Principal Financial Group, UnityPoint Health, and University of Iowa Health Care. The most in-demand specialties include HR systems administration, recruiting process optimization, and workforce analytics. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 26+ Talent Operations Specialist jobs
Requisition ID: 110594
Share Our Purpose. Be Yourself. Feel Valued.
People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.
We are Beautifully Different. We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role! Click here for more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.
For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Primary Role
About the Internship: Join Iowa American Water as an Engineering Intern and explore exciting career opportunities in the water and wastewater field. As the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., American Water (NYSE: AWK) has been providing safe, clean, reliable, and affordable services since 1886. We serve over 14 million people across 14 regulated jurisdictions and 18 military installations. Our 6,500 professionals leverage their expertise and our national scale to deliver excellent results for customers, employees, investors, and stakeholders.
Why American Water?
- Growth and Investment: We plan to invest $30 to $34 billion in infrastructure over the next decade.
- Sustainability and Community: We are committed to safety, affordability, customer service, environmental protection, workforce inclusivity, and community strengthening.
- Recognition: Featured on the 2023 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, ranked 18th on Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable U.S. Companies 2023 List, and recipients of multiple national awards.
Learn More: Visit amwater.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Key Accountabilities
- Gain firsthand experience in how water utilities support communities and ensure sustainability.
- Collaborate with a team of engineers to develop water supply plans, asset management plans, and support various engineering and construction projects for the company’s water and wastewater systems.
- Gain hands-on experience by contributing to technical projects such as hydraulic modeling, reviewing pipeline and production design drawings, prioritizing pipeline replacements using the PRP model, optimizing storage tank and booster station records, completing safety training, and performing field observations.
Key Tasks:
- Provide engineering support to both engineers and operational staff.
- Assist Engineering Project Managers with site inspections and progress updates for Capital Improvement Projects.
- Run simulations using Pipeline Replacement Planner and provide recommendations
Knowledge/Skills
- Detail-Oriented: Conduct thorough analyses and evaluations, and implement timely decisions and recommendations.
- Independent Worker: Manage time across multiple projects and deadlines.
- Collaborative: Seek input and coordinate with staff.
- Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Technical Proficiency: Good working knowledge of computer programs, databases, and software.
- Organizational Skills: Demonstrated organizational and administrative abilities.
- Analytical Skills: Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
Experience/Education
- Enrollment in an Civil Engineering or Engineering undergraduate degree program.
- Minimum of 1 year of completed engineering coursework
Other
- Valid Driver’s License.
- Ability to pass a background check.
We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and join us in making a difference in our communities.
Short Description
Competencies
Requisition ID: 110594
Share Our Purpose. Be Yourself. Feel Valued.
People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.
We are Beautifully Different. We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role! Click here for more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.
For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Primary Role
About the Internship: Join Iowa American Water as an Engineering Intern and explore exciting career opportunities in the water and wastewater field. As the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., American Water (NYSE: AWK) has been providing safe, clean, reliable, and affordable services since 1886. We serve over 14 million people across 14 regulated jurisdictions and 18 military installations. Our 6,500 professionals leverage their expertise and our national scale to deliver excellent results for customers, employees, investors, and stakeholders.
Why American Water?
- Growth and Investment: We plan to invest $30 to $34 billion in infrastructure over the next decade.
- Sustainability and Community: We are committed to safety, affordability, customer service, environmental protection, workforce inclusivity, and community strengthening.
- Recognition: Featured on the 2023 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, ranked 18th on Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable U.S. Companies 2023 List, and recipients of multiple national awards.
Learn More: Visit amwater.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Key Accountabilities
- Gain firsthand experience in how water utilities support communities and ensure sustainability.
- Collaborate with a team of engineers to develop water supply plans, asset management plans, and support various engineering and construction projects for the company’s water and wastewater systems.
- Gain hands-on experience by contributing to technical projects such as hydraulic modeling, reviewing pipeline and production design drawings, prioritizing pipeline replacements using the PRP model, optimizing storage tank and booster station records, completing safety training, and performing field observations.
Key Tasks:
- Provide engineering support to both engineers and operational staff.
- Assist Engineering Project Managers with site inspections and progress updates for Capital Improvement Projects.
- Run simulations using Pipeline Replacement Planner and provide recommendations
Knowledge/Skills
- Detail-Oriented: Conduct thorough analyses and evaluations, and implement timely decisions and recommendations.
- Independent Worker: Manage time across multiple projects and deadlines.
- Collaborative: Seek input and coordinate with staff.
- Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Technical Proficiency: Good working knowledge of computer programs, databases, and software.
- Organizational Skills: Demonstrated organizational and administrative abilities.
- Analytical Skills: Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
Experience/Education
- Enrollment in an Civil Engineering or Engineering undergraduate degree program.
- Minimum of 1 year of completed engineering coursework
Other
- Valid Driver’s License.
- Ability to pass a background check.
We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and join us in making a difference in our communities.
Short Description
Competencies
See All 26 Talent Operations Specialist Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsTalent Operations Specialist Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Talent Operations Specialist Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Food & Beverage
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in talent operations specialist jobs across Iowa.
- Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field
- Hands-on experience with an applicant tracking system such as Workday or Greenhouse
- Demonstrated ability to build and document talent workflows and standard operating procedures
- Proficiency in HR data reporting tools including Excel, Power BI, or similar platforms
- Strong project coordination skills with experience managing cross-functional recruiting initiatives
- Familiarity with HRIS platforms and experience maintaining accurate employee or candidate data
Talent Operations Specialist Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a talent operations specialist in Iowa?
Most Iowa employers require a bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field as the foundation for this role. Iowa does not have a state-issued license for talent operations specialists, so credentials through the Society for Human Resource Management, such as the SHRM-CP, carry the most weight with hiring managers at large Iowa employers. Building hands-on experience with applicant tracking systems and HR data tools strengthens a candidate's profile considerably.
Which companies hire talent operations specialists in Iowa?
Companies currently hiring talent operations specialists in Iowa include Pella, Snyder & Associates, and OpenLoop, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Iowa's large insurance carriers, regional health systems, and financial services headquarters in Des Moines generate particularly consistent demand for this role year-round.
Which Iowa cities have the most talent operations specialist jobs?
Des Moines, Pella, and Ankeny are the Iowa cities with the most talent operations specialist openings. Des Moines drives the largest share of postings given its concentration of insurance headquarters, financial services firms, and large hospital networks, while Cedar Rapids and Iowa City benefit from major manufacturing operations, regional health systems, and the presence of the University of Iowa and its affiliated medical center.
Are there remote talent operations specialist jobs in Iowa?
Yes, and more than many HR roles, because talent operations work is largely desk-based and systems-driven. About 54% of talent operations specialist openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how well this role travels outside the office. The portions of the job focused on ATS administration, reporting, and workflow documentation are the most likely to be performed fully remotely.
How can I get hired as a talent operations specialist in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an HR coordinator or recruiting coordinator role at a large Iowa employer, where exposure to applicant tracking systems and hiring workflows closely mirrors what talent operations specialists do. UnityPoint Health, Principal Financial Group, and Mercy Medical Center regularly bring on HR associates and talent acquisition coordinators who can build the systems experience the specialist role requires. Earning the SHRM-CP credential or completing an HRIS certification course signals readiness to move into an operations-focused seat even without a direct title on your resume.
Where can I find and apply to talent operations specialist jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to talent operations specialist jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings in this role. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience and location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 26 Talent Operations Specialist Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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