Careers
Jobs with benefits: Helping people, helping the environment.
Wastewater operator. It sounds like a dirty job, but it’s more about using science, collecting data and managing a system. It’s also a vital job for human and environmental health. Wastewater operators make sure water flushed from toilets, sinks, bathtubs, washing machines – all the water from homes and businesses – is cleaned up enough to be discharged to a lake or river.
If you have a job posting to submit, please fill out our contact form.
Small towns. Big cities. Communities across Minnesota are looking for wastewater operators, people who like science, like variety, like a steady job and like making a difference. These are jobs with benefits, including helping people and helping the environment.
You may qualify for this job through:
- On-the-job training
- 2-year program at Vermillion Community College or St. Cloud Technical College
- 4-year degree in chemistry at any accredited college
Degree Programs Information
St Cloud Technical and Community College – Website Gregg Kropp Water Environment Technologies Instructor 320-308-5952 Gregg.kropp@sctcc.edu
St. Paul College – Website Carol Kaszynski Cell: 612-965-1666 Desk: 651-266-6295 Carol.Kaszynski@ci.stpaul.mn.us
The City of Willmar is currently hiring an Environmental Compliance Manager.
Purpose
The Environmental Compliance Manager is a critical technical and leadership role responsible for ensuring the City’s comprehensive compliance with all federal, state, and local environmental regulations. This position manages the City’s essential environmental programs, including Wastewater Pretreatment, Biosolids, and MS4 Stormwater, and acts as the primary regulatory liaison for the City. This role requires proactive identification and analysis of current and future environmental policies to mitigate the impact on municipal operations and ensure the sustainability of public resources.
Essential Functions
- Wastewater NPDES/SDS and Delegated Pretreatment Program
- Develop and manage the City’s Delegated Pretreatment Program to ensure compliance with NPDES permit requirements.
- Direct the monitoring, permitting, and enforcement activities for Significant Industrial Users (SIUs) and prepare Industrial Wastewater Discharge permits in coordination with the Wastewater Superintendent.
- Administer the hauled waste program, including permitting, billing coordination, and compliance monitoring.
- Lead the implementation of required environmental mitigation plans, including the Chloride Reduction Plan, Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan, Mercury Minimization Plan, and the new PFAS Pollutant Management Program.
- Ensure all required laboratory analysis is performed and communicate with wastewater lab staff regarding influent abnormalities or treatment process impacts from industrial and hauled waste sources.
- Biosolids and Land Application Program
- Manage the City’s Biosolids Land Application Program, ensuring strict adherence to all MPCA and EPA regulations.
- Prepare and submit all required annual biosolids reports and land application site approval forms to regulatory agencies.
- Coordinate the collection of soil and biosolids samples for laboratory analysis and maintain up-to-date application records.
- Communicate potential PFAS and other emerging contaminants’ impacts to participating landowners and maintain awareness of future regulatory changes affecting the program.
- Stormwater Management (MS4) and Compliance
- Lead and execute the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program, ensuring full compliance with the General Permit and completing all Annual Reporting requirements.
- Direct comprehensive MS4 field inspections, including construction sites, structural BMPs (ponds, outfalls), stockpiles, and high-priority illicit discharge areas.
- Implement and maintain the Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) program for city staff.
- Coordinate and deliver annual mandatory staff training on topics such as winter maintenance, Smart Salting, and illicit discharge recognition and reporting.
- Develop and revise City ordinances and regulatory control mechanisms to ensure ongoing MS4 compliance.
- Present the annual stormwater program update to the City Council.
- Comprehensive Environmental Oversight and Regulatory Affairs
- Serve as the City’s primary technical representative and liaison for regulatory and permitting efforts regarding wetland and public waters issues, coordinating with the MN DNR and County Environmental Services.
- Coordinate and implement the Inflow/Infiltration (I/I) sewer lateral inspection program.
- Prepare and secure required environmental operating permits for City-owned facilities (e.g., DNR Water Appropriation, Hazardous Waste Generator License) and file all associated periodic reports.
- Lead the City’s coordination and follow-up on environmental spills or natural emergencies under the direction of management staff, ensuring proper follow-up with regulatory agencies (MPCA) and the Responsible Party.
- Supervise the Environmental Compliance Technician in implementing public education and outreach programs.
- Act as the City’s technical representative for external organizations such as MESERB and BWSR’s One Watershed, One Plan.
- Research and prepare research memoranda and technical reports addressing identified environmental issues for staff and governing bodies.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental-related field (Environmental Science, Engineering, Ecology, etc.).
- Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience managing environmental, natural resource, or water resource management programs of similar complexity.
- Possession of a Class D Wastewater and Type IV biosolids license, or the ability to obtain within 12 months of hire.
- U of M Construction Installer certification, Construction Site Management certification, or SWPPP Design certification, or the ability to obtain within 12 months of hire.
- Demonstrated knowledge of municipal environmental and regulatory issues, including NPDES and MS4 permit procedures.
- Proven ability to communicate complex technical information effectively in varied settings to a wide variety of audiences (written, oral, and presentation skills).
This is a full-time, non-exempt position with a pay range of $34.96-47.12/hour and comprehensive benefits.
Submit applications here by October 4, 2026.
St Michael, MN – Veolia North America
Wastewater Operator
Full-Time
Open Until Filled
$33.50-$42.00 DOQ
This position is responsible for operating and maintaining the wastewater treatment
plant and collection system located in St Michael, MN. Work involves daily operation
and maintenance activities to achieve efficient and safe operation while ensuring
effluent quality meets or exceeds various permit limits. Job duties include customer
service with residents, lab sampling and testing, equipment maintenance, complying
with company safety programs, assisting with projects in the surrounding area, and
other duties as assigned. On-Call is required every 3 weeks with alternating holidays.
Submit resume or questions to: ruth.klick@veolia.com
The City of Austin Wastewater Treatment Plant is seeking a skilled and motivated Maintenance Technician to join our team! If you enjoy hands-on work, solving technical challenges, and contributing to the reliability of critical public infrastructure, we’d love to hear from you.
About the Role:
Under general supervision, this position performs electrical and instrumentation work, including preventive maintenance and repair on electrical distribution systems, motors, pumps, instrumentation, and more. Work is varied, technical, and essential to the efficient operation of our wastewater treatment systems.
Compensation: $36.57 – $48.76 per hour, based on qualifications.
Schedule: Full Time, 40 Hours per Week, Monday – Friday
Status: Non-Exempt
Other Requirements: Position may require occasional emergency after‑hours call‑ins.
Deadline: Priority will be given to applications received by Sunday, July 26, 2026.
Posting will remain open until filled.
Job Application & Supplemental Questionnaire may be emailed to HR@ci.austin.mn.us or mailed/dropped off at City Hall, 500 4th Avenue NE, Austin, MN 55912
Required Application Documents Needed to Be Considered for this Position
Job Application
Supplemental Questionnaire
Information Only; Do not Return
Job Description
Benefits Statement
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (summary)
- Preventive maintenance, repair, and calibration of electrical, electronic, pneumatic, radio, and telephone systems
• Troubleshooting and repairing instruments and control systems
• Assisting with installation of transformers, generators, and distribution control systems
• Maintaining system schematics, drawings, and technical records
• Monitoring plant electrical systems and processes
• Preparing specifications, technical reports, and field sketches
• General plant, facility, and grounds maintenance
This is a summarized list of responsibilities. A full job description is available in the application packet or on the City’s website.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate’s degree or equivalent technical training in the electrical field
- Three (3) years of experience in electrical troubleshooting, repair, and installation
- Master Electrician License (required)
Join a team where your skills support the essential services our community relies on every day!
Application available at City Hall, 500 4th Avenue NE, or on-line at https://www.ci.austin.mn.us/maintenance
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY