(Atlantic) Tim Snyder, longtime Atlantic Wastewater Superintendent, is retiring. Community members, family, and friends joined Tim at a retirement party on Friday at 309 Sunnyside Lane from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
At Wednesday’s City Council meeting, Atlantic City Administrator John Lund commended Snyder for his service to the community.
Tim Snyder’s career in wastewater began in June 1976, when Dick McLaren called about a summer job at the water plant, which turned out to be in wastewater. He returned the following summer and during his senior year, worked part-time at the plant while attending wastewater classes and earning his Grade I certification.
After graduating from Atlantic High School in 1978, Tim was hired full-time at $725 a month, effectively transforming a summer job into a lifelong career. After upgrades to the plant in 1985, he became Superintendent in 1988, a role he held for three years before transitioning to the private sector with PeopleService. This position allowed him to manage water and wastewater systems across several towns in Iowa and Missouri, significantly broadening his expertise in the field.
In 2014, Tim returned to Atlantic to be closer to family and focus on day-to-day operations. At that time, the wastewater facility was just two years old and quickly gained recognition for its innovative systems. Atlantic has since led Iowa in nitrogen and phosphorus removal, achieving impressive results through optimization rather than costly upgrades.
In 2022, Tim participated in a state optimization initiative that transformed Atlantic’s operations. He noted, “My team engaged fully, and by 2025, we achieved excellent phosphorus removal numbers without substantial investments.”
Beyond managing the plant, Tim has been an active member of the Iowa Water Environment Association since 1980, holding various leadership positions. His journey has earned him several accolades, including the WEF Hatfield Award for outstanding wastewater operations and recognition as pH 7 by the Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers (5S). Tim’s experiences in wastewater have not only shaped his career but have also contributed to advancements in the field.
Tim Snyder’s retirement is today from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
