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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.

Educating

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

Minnesota North College, Vermillion – Website
888-223-8068
Wade.Klingsporn@vcc.edu
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

Job ID: 90708 

Location: Duluth 

Telework Eligible: Yes 

Full/Part Time: Full-Time 

Regular/Temporary: Unlimited 

Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers and MPCA employees eligible to express interest (permanent, classified  employees in the same job and class). Eligible MPCA employees wishing to express interest must apply through self-service and  confirm their interest bid by emailing Adriunna.yang-her@state.mn.us by 12/16/2025. 

Date Posted: 12/10/2025 

Closing Date: 12/29/2025 

Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MGEC 

Division/Unit: Municipal Division / North Regional Unit 

Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift 

Days of Work: Monday – Friday 

Travel Required: Yes – Up to 5% of the time 

Engineer 1 Graduate Salary Range: $26.62 – $39.28 / hourly; $55,582 – $82,016 / annually 

Engineer 2 Graduate Salary Range: $29.92 – $44.11 / hourly; $62,472 – $92,101 / annually  

Classified Status: Classified 

Bargaining Unit/Union: 212 – MN Govt Engineers Council/Engineers 

Last Incumbent: Wesley Leksell 

Supervisor Name: Paul Scheirer 

FLSA Status: Exempt – Professional 

Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes 

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. 

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the  well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees  by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities. 

Job Summary 

As a Municipal Wastewater Engineer at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), you will provide assistance to the National  Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and State Disposal System (SDS) permit programs through review and recommend  actions related to wastewater treatment projects in order to provide reasonable assurance that each project is technically acceptable and  feasible and that all applicable regulations and administrative requirements are met. The incumbent will conduct technical reviews of  planning documents, plans, and specifications. This position will ensure that all loan or grant requirements are met, inspect significant  construction activities, explain program requirements to interested parties, and participate in meetings and hearings. 

Minimum Qualifications 

Engineer 1 Graduate: 

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Chemical, Mechanical, Environmental Engineering or similar engineering field with an  environmental emphasis from an accredited engineering college. (Students in their final semester of college should apply for the position  and can start after their graduation date.)

Engineer 2 Graduate: 

Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Chemical, Mechanical, Environmental Engineering or similar engineering field with  an environmental emphasis from an accredited engineering college AND 18 months of engineering experience. 

All Candidates: 

Good communication and writing skills; effective human relations skills to work with clientele and staff; problems solving skills for  resolving technical matters; ability to bring projects to conclusion. 

Capable of gaining competency in environmental regulatory processes and procedures. 

Basic computer skills, proficient in WORD and familiar with EXCEL and PowerPoint.  

Possess a valid Driver’s license (see additional requirements). 

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas including F-1 STEM OPT extensions. In compliance  with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the  required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the United States. 

Preferred Qualifications 

Knowledge of the engineering principles associated with wastewater treatment, planning, and design specifications review. Knowledge and or familiarity with MPCA policies and goals, the NPDES/SDS permit program and requirements, agency water quality  rules and the federal Clean Water Act and implementing rules. 

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with representatives of government agencies, consultants, and the public. Strong time management skills, self-motivated, well organized and able to creatively solve problems 

Effective presentation skills of complex technical information that can be easily understood by a range of audiences. Ability to keep up to date with new wastewater technologies and processes. 

Ability to initiate, follow through and complete projects independently 

Students who have participated in one of the state or agency’s student leadership pipeline programs such as Right Track, Step Up,  Urban Scholar, Star of the North, or Increasing Diversity in Environmental Careers are encouraged to apply. 

Physical Requirements 

Some infrequent working out in the field in adverse weather conditions. Ability to conduct site visits at wastewater treatment facilities  which may involve climbing and/or stepping over obstacles and inspecting construction sites. 

Additional Requirements 

A driver’s license is an essential function of this position. This requires possession of an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License. The job  offer is contingent on confirmation of a valid driver’s license AND a satisfactory driver’s license record check. Requires a Class D driver’s  license: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver’s license. Operators may also  tow vehicles/trailers as long as the gross combination does not exceed 26,000 pounds. 

It is the policy of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The  background check may consist of the following components:  

  • Conflict of Interest Review 
  • Criminal History Check 
  • Education Verification  
  • Employment Reference / Records Check  
  • License / Certification Verification where applicable  


How to Apply 

If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651- 2593637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers

Contact 

If you have questions about this position, contact Adriunna Yang-Her at adriunna.yang-her@state.mn.us

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of  Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Adriunna Yang-Her at adriunna.yang-her@state.mn.us.

About Pollution Control Agency 

Our mission is to protect and improve the environment and human health. We work with many partners (citizens, communities, and  businesses, all levels of government, environmental groups and educators) to prevent pollution, conserve resources, and to help ensure  polluting does not have disproportionate impact on any groups of people. We emphasize work-life balance with flex schedules,  compressed schedules, and options to telework for some positions. 

Working together to improve the state we love.  

What do Minnesota’s State employees have in common?  

A sense of purpose in their work 

Connection with their coworkers and communities 

Opportunities for personal and professional growth 

Benefits  

As an employee, you’ll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help  you and your family be well. 

Your benefits may include:  

Paid vacation and sick leave  

12 paid holidays each year  

Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans  

Fertility care, including IVF 

Diabetes care 

Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children  

6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children 

Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years) 

Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death 

Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care  

Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being 

Support to help you reach your career goals: 

Training, classes, and professional development 

Tuition reimbursement 

Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness  Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support: 

A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance 

Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief  and loss, finances, and legal issues 

Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care 

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective  bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS 

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to  creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities,  members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and  perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex  (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status,  familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights  Commission or any other characteristic protected by law. 

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES 

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability  and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email  careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.