Skip to content

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.

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

Vermillion Technical College – Website
Wade Klingsporn
Water Resources
218-235-2145

Wade.Klingsporn@vcc.edu


St Cloud Technical and Community College – Website

Gregg Kropp
Water Environment Technologies Instructor
320-308-5952
Gregg.kropp@sctcc.edu

Brand new program just starting March 2021


St. Paul College – Website

Carol Kaszynski
Cell:   612-965-1666
Desk:  651-266-6295
Carol.Kaszynski@ci.stpaul.mn.us


Career Opportunities

Posted

02

Feb
2021

Water/Wastewater Operator
Breckenridge, MN

General Duties: Performs intermediate technical work maintaining and repairing equipment in the wastewater and water control system, monitoring and maintaining sanitary and storm sewers, responding to emergency or after hour requests, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Water/Wastewater Foreman. Yearly salary $48,010-$57,327 depending on experience.

    • Takes and test samples, adds and adjust chemical feeders in water plant.
    • Maintain and flush sewers.
    • Locate utility lines.
    • Hauls waste to external facility.
    • Assist with other City crews as needed.
    • Position will be on-call for 7-day periods on a rotating basis.

Minimum requirements:

  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Minnesota Driver’s License
  • Have or able to obtain a MN Class C Water License within one year of hire.
  • Have or able to obtain a MN Class D Wastewater License within one year of hire.
  • Have or able to obtain a CDL license with tanker endorsement in the State of Minnesota within one year of hire.


To apply: City application on website at www.breckenridgemn.net or by emailing Liane Mauch at lmauch@breckenridgemn.net.
Phone: 218-643-1431.

Application deadline February 22nd or until filled.

EOE

SALARY: $33.48 – $45.56 Hourly / $69,638.40 – $94,764.80 Annually
LOCATION: Mankato, MN
JOB TYPE: Full-Time
OPENING DATE: 05/22/2023
CLOSING DATE: 6/13/2023 11:59 PM Central
Apply Online: http://www.mankatomn.gov/jobs

Description
Grade:  PM1   FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt
Supervisor Title:  Superintendent of Water Resource Recovery Facility  
 

Minimum Qualifications of Education and Experience:
– High School Diploma/GED is required.
– Three (3) years of wastewater treatment operations or maintenance experience.
– One (1) year of supervisory experience or experience leading a team.
– Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to drive in the state of Minnesota.

Nature of Work:

– This role is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the maintenance employees of the Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF). The position schedules the weekly tasks to be completed, assigns daily labor to the maintenance team, manages facility maintenance projects, works with operations staff in setting the facility up to be able to complete projects, manages the inventory of all spare equipment, and assists in biosolids hauling operations.

About Us:
Our employees are committed to working in an environment that fosters the core values of the City of Mankato – positive attitude, accountability, respect, teamwork, and integrity. We care about making a positive difference in the lives of others. Our work is challenging and has purpose. We listen and engage with each other and our community. We are empowered and trusted to make good decisions that align with the public service principles and core values. Our organization is committed to investing and developing each other. We will recognize and celebrate our collective achievements and individual accomplishments. We take pride in investing in our employees. Our team enjoys a supportive work environment that encourages not only success for the community we serve, but for you as well. Come grow your career with us!  

Primary Essential Work Functions:
– Supervises staff to include prioritizing and assigning work; ensuring staff are trained; ensuring that employees follow policies and procedures; maintaining a healthy and safe working environment; and making hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations. 
– Prioritizes and schedules items from the asset management system for all equipment within the Water Resource Recovery Facility.
– Manages the receiving and repair of equipment needed to maintain equipment within the facility.
– Manages the repairs of the facility and attempts to forecast future needs based off current issues.  
– Maintains the equipment within the facility following the asset management plan, including actively repairing equipment at the facility.
– Troubleshoots corrective maintenance and initiates plans prior to assigning to others based off the maintenance rotation.   
– Conducts project management for large facility projects.
– Participates in Public Works Operations snow removal activities.

Communicates With:
– Internally – WRRF Superintendent, Public Works supervisors, wastewater staff
– Externally – Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, contractors, vendors

Supervision:
– 3 direct reports/leads 8

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:
– Familiar with the maintenance of heavy machinery including pumps, motors, mechanical drives, electrical panels, and similar industrial equipment.
– Knowledge of standard methods, procedures, materials, and equipment associated with operations and maintenance of water resource recovery/wastewater facilities.
– Ability to perform maintenance on systems as an unlicensed maintenance electrician.
– Ability to plan, assign, and supervise operational and maintenance personnel with safe and effective standard procedures.
– Ability to maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinate employees, and the general public.
– Ability to operate a personal computer.
– Ability to listen, comprehend, and effectively communicate information both verbally and in writing to all individuals.
– Ability to recognize unsafe conditions.
– Ability to carry out verbal and written directives safely, effectively, and efficiently.
– Knowledge and skill in the operation of maintenance tools and equipment associated with the position.
– Knowledge of departmental policies, practices and applicable state and federal regulations.
– Skill in planning, implementing, administering, and evaluating operations and maintenance projects at the water treatment facility.

Persons with Disabilities: 
The above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties. View job description for more details about the job.

Conditions of Employment:
– Must obtain a Minnesota CDL Class A driver’s license within one hundred and twenty (120) days of employment.
– Must obtain a Minnesota Class D Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator certification within two (2) years of employment. 
– Must obtain a Minnesota Class A Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator certification within six (6) months of eligibility.
– Must obtain a Special Engineer Boiler Operators License within (3) months of employment.
– Must obtain a Second Class (2C) Boiler Operators license when first eligible by the Department of Labor and Industry.
– Must register with the Department of Labor and Industry as an unlicensed maintenance electrician.
– Satisfactory completion of pre-employment assessment, background examination, physical examination, drug testing, and fingerprinting.
– Must have the mobility and agility to move about each worksite as work demands dictate.
– Ability to pass medical standards for a respirator and ability to wear a respirator while performing work duties.
– Must comply with organizational and departmental policies.
– Must comply with data practices policies and standards relative to not public data. Any access to not public data should be strictly limited to accessing the data that are necessary to fulfill the employment responsibility. While data are being accessed,

incumbent should take reasonable measures to ensure the not public data are not accessed by individuals without a work reason. Once the work reason to access the data is reasonably finished the not public data must be properly stored according to city policy and the Minnesota Statutes.

Hours of Work:
General working hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and evening, weekend, holidays, and outside of regular hours as necessary. Must have the ability to field calls after hours as needed.

Apply Online: http://www.mankatomn.gov/jobs
Contact Person: Diane Biedscheid, HR Specialist, (507) 387-8664 or dianeb@mankatomn.gov

The City of Austin is accepting applications in order to fill a second shift operator position; 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM, at our WWTP. Qualifications for an operator include Associate’s degree or equivalent training at a technical or vocational school with a focus on wastewater technology or related field; two years of experience in wastewater, Class B Wastewater Operator License, or ability to obtain or equivalent combination of education & experience.

A City of Austin application and supplemental questionnaire are required. Position will remain open until filled, with the first round of application review beginning, Wednesday, May 31, 2023. Apply early, for first round review.

Wage range for a fulltime operator is $30.11 – $43.01, non-exempt (starting wage dependent on qualifications); plus, a .40¢ per hour shift differential. Application materials and additional

information is available on the City’s website; www.ci.austin.mn.us or at City Hall, 500 4th Avenue NE, Austin.

Class B Treatment Plant Operator

Pay: $30.15 – $34.37 hourly

Schedule: Varied 24/7 coverage

FTE: Full Time (42 hours per week)

Location: 2626 Courtland Street, Duluth, MN- Plant Location

Link to posting: https://wlssd.applicantpro.com/jobs/2875004.html 

Who is Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD)?

Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD) provides wastewater and solid waste services and oversight for a 530 square mile region around Duluth, Minnesota that includes the cities of Duluth, Cloquet, Hermantown, Proctor, Rice Lake, Carlton, Scanlon, Thomson and Wrenshall, and eight surrounding townships. WLSSD is a special purpose unit of government created by the Minnesota Legislature in 1971 to address serious environmental pollution problems in the lower St. Louis River Basin. Feel free to explore our website (click here) and get to know us more.

What is WLSSD hiring for?

WLSSD is seeking a skilled full-time Treatment Plant Operator (Class B) to join our Clean Water team!

What are some things you will be doing in this job?

  • Efficiently and safely operate equipment and facilities of the wastewater treatment plant
  • Plan and coordinate operational maintenance tasks or projects
  • Lead training of other operators and staff
  • Support design of capital project improvements to the wastewater plant
  • Monitor Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and other process control data
  • Ensure compliance with NPDES and other permit requirements
  • Maintain plant security and plant integrity for the entire complex after normal business hours

What education and experience must you have?

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

  • A combination of education and/or experience that meets the qualification requirements of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Class “B” Wastewater Operator Certificate
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job may also be considered.

Licenses and Certifications

  • Possess a Class “B” Wastewater Operator Certificate or higher
  • Possess a Class “D” driver’s license or equivalent

***Must hold current Operator Certificate or be in the process of obtaining*** more information can be found: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/business-with-us/wastewater-training-and-certification

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (jargon for: What should a Treatment Plant Operator know?)

  • Knowledge of the NPDES wastewater discharge permit and air emissions permit requirements and ability to recognize and respond to operating conditions which may lead to operating outside normal range or non-compliance
  • Knowledge of specific theories and practices of wastewater treatment and advanced secondary treatment
  • Knowledge of the type and significance of laboratory tests performed in wastewater treatment operations including proper sampling techniques and wastewater testing protocols
  • Knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods and procedures used in maintenance activities
  • Knowledge of computer operations and computerized process control systems (including SCADA system)

Full Time
$32.10 – $41.75 Hourly

The City of Owatonna Wastewater Treatment Facility provides wastewater treatment that results in high quality return flows to the river.  The average daily flow through the wastewater system is approximately 3.5 to 4.0 MGD.  The facility is currently under construction to upgrade and expand its current capacity to more than nine MGD to continue meeting the needs of the growing community.  The project is expected to be completed in late 2024. 

The City of Owatonna is focused on maintaining and enhancing a positive workplace culture.  The Foreman position will be a key leader in modeling and promoting the city’s core values of Pride in our Work, Better Together, and Community Stewardship.

CLASS SUMMARY:
The second level in the Wastewater Series is responsible for supervising and assigning the work of employees, contractors relating to wastewater operations, collections, lift stations and repair of sanitary and storm sewers.  Responsibilities may include: monitoring the performance of all equipment; operating, maintaining and repairing heavy equipment; calibrating equipment; and training wastewater operators.

TYPICAL CLASS ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (These duties are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.) 

1. Monitors, maintains, performs safety checks, of treatment plant and pump lift stations; records statistical data on the performance of equipment.

2. Operates, maintains, and repairs electrical equipment, plumbing systems, heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems.

3. Calibrates, modifies, repairs, and maintains inventory of repair parts for wastewater instrumentation.

4. Directs the operation of sewer cleaning equipment.

5. Responds to citizens’ and/or business questions related to sewer issues.

6. Assigns work and provides work direction as a lead worker for other wastewater employees.

Qualifications

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (positions in this class typically require):
High School diploma or equivalent (G.E.D); 3 years maintenance and equipment operation or related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the duties such as those listed above.

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS (positions in this class typically require):
Licensing Requirements:

  • Wastewater Treatment Operator Class B Certificate;
  • State of MN Class B commercial driver’s license with tanker endorsement or obtained within 6 months of start date;
  • Others may include: Boilers License, Fork Lift Certification, Skid Steer Certification, and/or Class 4 Land Application Certification Operator.

KNOWLEDGE (position requirements at entry):
Knowledge of:

  • Equipment, facilities, materials, methods and procedures used in wastewater treatment plant maintenance and operation, including laboratory practices;
  • Maps and drawing of collections systems and inflow and infiltration problems;
  • Storm water systems and sump pump lines;
  • Trenching and excavation safety and confined space entry procedures;
  • Data collection procedures.

SKILLS (position requirements at entry):
Skill in:

  • Operating generators, pumps, gauges, common hand and power tools, detection devices, dial indicators, and a variety of lab equipment;
  • Operating a variety of sewage equipment, including: sludge spreader truck, confined space man lift tripod, manhole ventilator, safety equipment, etc.;
  • Collecting data and creating/implementing programs related to sewer operations and construction;
  • Scheduling and assigning work to others and establishing standard procedures;
  • Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with subordinates, coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
  •  
  • HOURS OF WORK:
    Full-time position typically scheduled Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm.  Hours may vary due to departmental needs.

    PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
    Positions in this class typically require: kneeling, talking, repetitive motions, stooping, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, hearing, seeing, crawling, climbing, and balancing.

    Very Heavy Work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

    Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, blood and other body fluids, oils, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, work space restrictions, intense noises, threatening environmental danger, and travel.

Learn more and apply online.

Job Type Full Time 
Department Public Works 
To Apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/rochester/jobs/3978329/equipment operator-sanitary-sewer-system 

Nature of Work: 

The Equipment Operator (Sanitary Sewer System) is an entry-level skilled position that operates  complex pieces of equipment to complete a wide range of maintenance activities on City  infrastructure. Typical job duties may include, but are not limited to: inspecting, cleaning,  maintaining, and reconstructing City sanitary and storm sewers; performing quality control  related tasks such as generating and maintaining accurate documentation; performing snow  and ice control during winter months (must be available for call-in during off hours in the case of  inclement weather); performing safety operations; and completing other duties as assigned.  

Types of equipment that Equipment Operator (Sanitary Sewer System) are required to operate  include, but are not limited to: sewer jetting systems, sewer jet-vac trucks, CCTV inspection  crawlers, mechanical sewer rodders, forklifts, ATVs, graders, rollers, wheel loaders, backhoes,  dump trucks, jackhammers, air compressors, pavers, sweepers, various hand tools, and other  related equipment. 

2023 starting wage: 
$26.57-$34.48 per hour based on experience; OR
$28.53-$36.47 per hour with valid MPCA Collections System Operator’s License Class S-D
This position is also 2nd shift; therefore, there will be a $0.25 per hour shift differential

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience 

High school diploma or equivalent and two (2) years full-time equivalent employment experience  in operation, maintenance, or construction of sanitary or storm sewer systems 

Licenses and Certifications 

Valid Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL); a Class A driver’s license with a tanker endorsement is required within 1 year of hire.
Valid MPCA Collections System Operator’s License Class S-D required within 1 year of hire.
NASSCO PACP and MACP training required within 3 years of hire.

Grade 13: range $74,942.40 – 90,792.00 base salary not including OT and on call pay 

General Duties: This position performs difficult skilled technical work planning and supervising  the operations and maintenance of the water and wastewater systems. This position contributes to  the overall planning, design, and upgrading of the water and wastewater systems. This position is  responsible for providing a continuous supply of safe drinking water and maintaining a safe discharge of effluent wastewater within local, State and Federal regulations.  

  • Requirements: Associate’s Degree with two years of experience; or any equivalent  combination of experience and education. This position must have and maintain a Class A  Wastewater License and Class C Water License. Must have and maintain Type IV bio-solids  certificate, must obtain Special Engineer Boiler license for equipment operations; Must have and maintain a Class B driver’s license with tanker endorsement; 
  • Must be able to respond within 30 minutes when on call and work outside normal working  hours and respond to emergencies; 

For a full job description contact the City Clerk at 634-7071 or cityclerk@cityofkasson.com

Apply: City Clerk, 401 5th St. SE, Kasson, MN 55944. Call 507-634-7071 or email  cityhall@cityofkasson.com or cityclerk@cityofkasson.com to request an application. Applications due by May 12, 2023.

Pay: $27.55 – $34.37 hourly

Schedule: Varied 24/7 coverage

FTE: Full Time (42 hours per week)

Location: 2626 Courtland Street, Duluth, MN- Plant Location

Online posting: https://wlssd.applicantpro.com/jobs/2768340.html

Benefits: We offer a full suite of benefits that include; Paid Holidays, Paid Vacation, Personal Days, Medical, Dental, Public Employer Pension Program (PERA), Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Tuition Reimbursement and more. For a full list please visit our benefits page (click here).

Who is Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD)?

Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD) provides wastewater and solid waste services and oversight for a 530 square mile region around Duluth, Minnesota that includes the cities of Duluth, Cloquet, Hermantown, Proctor, Rice Lake, Carlton, Scanlon, Thomson and Wrenshall, and eight surrounding townships. WLSSD is a special purpose unit of government created by the Minnesota Legislature in 1971 to address serious environmental pollution problems in the lower St. Louis River Basin. Feel free to explore our website (click here) and get to know us more.

What is WLSSD hiring for?

We are seeking a few qualified full-time Treatment Plant Operator (s).  We are interested in finding folks with varied backgrounds and will be hiring into different classifications based on your license type. 



What are some things you will be doing in this job?

  • Efficiently and safely operate equipment and facilities of the wastewater treatment plant 
  • Monitor Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and other process control data 
  • Inspect equipment and make adjustments as necessary 
  • Perform maintenance and repair of process equipment 
  • Sample process streams and perform process control tests 
  • Maintain plant security and plant integrity for the entire complex after normal business hours  

For a full list of job duties, click on the job description below!

What education and experience must you have?

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

  • A combination of education and/or experience that meets the qualification requirements of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Class “D” Wastewater Operator Certificate, or Class “C” Wastewater Operator Certificate, or Class “B” Wastewater Operator Certificate
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job may also be considered

Licenses and Certifications

  • Posses a Class “D” Wastewater Operator Certificate or higher (C or B)
  • Possess a Class “D” driver’s license or equivalent


***Must hold current MPCA Wastewater Certificate, or be in the process of obtaining.*** More information can be found: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/business-with-us/wastewater-training-and-certification

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (jargon for: What should a Treatment Plant Operator know?)

  • Knowledge of specific theories and practices of wastewater treatment and advanced secondary treatment 
  • Knowledge of the type and significance of laboratory tests performed in wastewater treatment operations including proper sampling techniques and wastewater testing protocols
  • Knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods and procedures used in maintenance activities
  • Knowledge of computer operations and computerized process control systems (including SCADA system)

We are looking forward to your application and getting to know you more. Please put your best foot forward and include as much information that is relevant to the posting. The more you tell us, the better we will be able to see how you match this position.

Classification is based upon experience and/or certifications.
Class IV starting salary: $40,000 (Entry Level Experience)
Class V starting salary: $50,000 (Intermediate Level Experience)

The Project Manager/Technical Assistance Provider (PM/TAP) generally works in one of MAP’s nine states. the PM/TAP will work with project communities and utilities to provide guidance, training and technical assistance to improve or develop water, wastewater, solid waste systems and other related programs or services.

Primary responsibilities include: project management; provide technical guidance; plan and/or deliver training; perform outreach and networking; program development; perform research and analysis; general administrative duties; contract management/mediation; assist with codes/ordinances/grants and grants management; promote system operational standards to meet regulatory compliance; identify cost savings and promote system longevity/sustainment; and assist communities with drafting of by-laws, policies, procedures and rate setting. Work performed is generally in the capacities of technical, financial and managerial.

Job Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree preferred, but not required (Qualifying experience is equally important to education preferences.)
  • Any combination of applicable experience in environmental policy management, water, wastewater or solid waste facilities development or planning.
  • Advanced personal computer skills are critical to success. Must be familiar with Microsoft Office, Outlook, Word, and Excel. Should also be familiar with Adobe Pro.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively in writing.
  • Financial and Managerial certifications, training or experience is helpful.
  • Certain positions may require water and/or wastewater operator certification.
 

More info and apply: https://www.map-inc.org/employment.html.