Plant Operator

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

Environmental Services is hiring eight (8) experienced Plant Operators. We are accepting applications until all positions are filled. The first review of applications will begin on November 18, 2024.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Join an award-winning wastewater industry leader in protecting our environment! Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) operates and maintains the wastewater collection and treatment system in the Twin Cities metropolitan region. It also provides coordinated long-range water supply planning, air, and water quality monitoring to meet future needs. MCES treatment plants consistently earn state and national awards for complete compliance with their environmental permits. MCES received a Governor's Award as a Great Place to Work.

To find out more about the Environmental Services division, please click on the link for more information: https://metrocouncil.org/Wastewater-Water.aspx.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

The Plant Operator is an experienced position performing operations, monitoring and maintaining Environmental Services wastewater treatment plants in the seven-county metro area to ensure the highest quality water and air standards possible for the region. Our nine wastewater treatment plants are located in: Cottage Grove, Eagan, Empire Township, Hastings, Rogers, Shakopee, St. Paul, Stillwater, and East Bethel. Operators could be assigned to any of the nine plants at hire and then bid for positions based on seniority.

Work Schedule for Plant Operators: Treatment plants operate 24/7 year-round. Plant operators work 8-hour, 10-hour, or 12-hour shifts. Plant location and work shift are determined through a job bid process. Most operators work a 12-hour shift (7 am to 7 pm -OR- 7 pm to 7 am) on one of the following schedules:

• First week: Monday - Wednesday
  Second week: Monday - Thursday
• First week: Friday - Sunday
  Second week: Thursday - Sunday

Operations and Equipment:

• Operate process control equipment (i.e., start/stop and control speed and flow rates on various types of pumps, compressors, generators, blowers, conveyor belts, incinerators, tanks, rotating equipment, instrumentation, land spreading and bio-solids) to ensure our compliance with permits requirements.
• Monitors and controls plant functions through computer information (i.e., SCADA), computers, automatic controllers, or manual controls to ensure proper process operations are maintained (i.e., feed rates, pressure, temperature, tank levels, sludge blanket levels, voltage, current, and other various parameters).
• Operate, control, and monitor treatment process equipment (preliminary, primary, secondary, disinfection, incineration, odor control, dewatering, and solids handling processes).
• Monitor and control plant functions through computer information (i.e., SCADA), computers, automatic controllers, or manual controls to ensure proper process operations are maintained (i.e., feed rates, pressure, temperature, tank levels, sludge blanket levels, voltage, current, and other various parameters).
• Monitor raw water, process water conditions, and add and adjust chemicals accordingly.
• Respond to spills, sewage stoppage, and cleanup of overflow by taking appropriate corrective action.

• Perform preventative maintenance on equipment and instruments to ensure efficient operation and accurate instrument reading. Performs routine adjustments and minor repairs to motors, pumps, and valves: Cleans tanks, weirs, pumps and other process control equipment utilizing hand tools and power tools.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and materials; inspect and monitor equipment. Troubleshoots operational and equipment problems.
• Maintain facility by cleaning, sweeping, and hosing down equipment, piping, and valves.

• Perform maintenance checks and service on safety equipment and stations, including fire extinguishers, first aid equipment, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, eye wash stations and respirator equipment.
• Use appropriate safety equipment (respirator equipment, oxygen, toxic/explosive monitoring equipment meters) necessary to complete work in hazardous atmospheres.
• Apply proper safety precautions, rules and regulations, and practices of a wastewater treatment plant. Must follow standard safety protocol and standards including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and respirators as needed.
• Respond to emergency on-call situations.
• Identify safe work practices to properly use safety equipment.

• Perform general maintenance and repair operations, with the use of tools, materials, and equipment.
• Perform troubleshooting functions. Make routine adjustments to motors, pumps, and other equipment.
• Use computers to track work orders, maintenance activities, tank readings, logbooks, and process summaries.
• Communications and Customer Service:
  • Communicate regularly with the supervisor and others on work progress to coordinate operations and activities.
  • Collaborate with others and work in teams.

Candidates must be at least 18 years of age to be considered.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience: Minimum of six (6) months of verifiable work experience in wastewater treatment plants, public utilities, wastewater collection systems, or industrial environments.

Experience Equivalency: Completion of the Wastewater Certification Program or a Water Environments Technology degree may replace 6 months of work experience.

License Requirements: Valid Driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Language: Ability to read at a sufficient level to understand training manuals, safety regulations, federal and state regulations and other regulations. Ability to comprehend, understand and apply written and verbal direction and standard operating procedures. Ability to communicate effectively and accurately using Standard Written English (grammar, punctuation, spelling, word usage and sentence structure).

Math: Knowledge of basic mathematics; ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.

Technical: Must have computer skills to be able to use standard or customized software.
What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Preferred Certification: State of Minnesota Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Class C or higher
• Experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive environments

• Knowledge of tools, materials, and equipment used in general maintenance and repair operations and general construction operations.
• Knowledge of pump and value components and operations.
• Ability to identify potential safety hazards.
• Ability to perform troubleshooting functions.
• Ability to make routing adjustments to motors, pumps, and other equipment.
• Knowledge of general municipal/industrial processes (e.g., power generation, water/wastewater, manufacturing).
• Knowledge of general industrial safe work practices, proper use of safety equipment and safety practices in with use of tools.
• Ability to operate an office computer and standard or customized software applications.
• Ability to read at a sufficient level to understand training manuals, safety regulations, federal and state regulations, and other regulations.
• Ability to comprehend, understand, and apply basic and complex written, and oral practices and techniques of wastewater treatment (water pumping, disinfections, storage, distribution, and wastewater collection activities, etc.).
• Ability to communicate effectively and accurately using Standard Written English (grammar, punctuation, spelling, word usage, and sentence structure).
• Knowledge of basic mathematics; ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to compute flow rates, ratios, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. Requires the skill to provide basic client services to the public and other agencies within the organization. Requires tact, courtesy, and cooperation in dealing with others where the primary purpose is the exchange of information.

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

Union: Operating Engineers, Local 49
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive: Yes

What your work environment would be: Must be able to work under conditions such as confined spaces, loud work environment, heights, obnoxious smells, heat, cold, rain and potentially hazardous areas. Uses common hand and power tools to operate and maintain plant equipment.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to safely lift and carry portable pumps, hoses, and other equipment weighing up to 50 pounds for short distances. Ability to climb ladders, and descend/ascend stairs, grasp, bend, kneel, and reach. Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of times. Physically and medically able to be certified on donning respirator and safety equipment.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.