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
Make a career move with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community as a Wastewater
Operator! In this essential role, you’ll help keep things flowing smoothly by monitoring
purification processes and maintaining treatment plant equipment. From reading meters to
making system adjustments, you’ll play a vital part in protecting our environment and
community. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, mechanically inclined, and ready to dive
into a hands-on role. Enjoy weekly pay, on-site health clinics, and great benefits. Whatever
your career goals may be, let SMSC help get you there!
Job Overview: Assists with the operation of the treatment plant by monitoring and
regulating purification processes and the maintenance of the wastewater equipment.
Responsible for reading, interpreting, and adjusting meters and gauges that monitor the
purification process and operation.
Maximize Your Impact: The Responsibilities You’ll Own:
• Monitors all charts, gauges, and other operating equipment and maintains shift log.
Completes scheduled walk-through of the plant to ensure all stations are
functioning properly.
• Performs housekeeping duties in order to keep all facilities clean and neat. Cleans
tanks and filter beds, using hand tools and power tools.
• Schedules and carries out preventative maintenance on equipment. Maintains logs
of maintenance repairs of the facility treatment units. Changes chemical cylinders
when necessary.
• Performs troubleshooting of equipment using technical manuals and other
resources. Determines if repair or replacement is necessary.
• Unloads and ensures that all chemicals and supplies are stored securely and safely.
Job Requirements:
• High school diploma or GED
• Experience with equipment/maintenance repair and/or field experience to equal
two years.
• Basic knowledge of schematic prints as it pertains to manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to perform basic repairs and preventative maintenance on all types of small
and large equipment.
• Minimum of a Class D Minnesota Wastewater Treatment license or the ability to
obtain the license within six months of date of hire.
• Valid Class D driver’s license may be required with a good driving record.
• Industrial Truck Driving permit may be required (forklift)
Outstanding Benefits & Awesome Perks: At the SMSC, we are invested in our employees,
as demonstrated by the competitive benefits we offer. Employees may be eligible for
benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, and a
generous PTO package, which includes outreach hours for volunteer work through our
#SMSCgives outreach program. Plus, take advantage of perks like discounts on childcare,
fuel bus passes and fitness membership, free uniforms and free uniform cleaning, and
tuition reimbursement.
Who We Are: The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community contributes both time and
financial resources across the region, state, and country. The SMSC has donated more
than $400 million to organizations and causes, provided $500 million in economic
development loans to other tribes, and contributed millions more to support regional
governments and infrastructure. The SMSC’s Native Green initiative annually diverts
hundreds of tons of waste from landfills, has implemented compostable containers
throughout our properties, and restored hundreds of acres of prairie land. Team members
are eligible to participate in SMSC Gives, a community outreach initiative that organizes
various opportunities in the local community. To empower its team members to take part in
the Dakota tradition of giving, the SMSC provides paid hours to team members to volunteer
at events. Learn more at shakopeedakota.org.
Job ID: 86430
Location: Various
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 interest bid (permanent, classified
employees in the same job and class). Eligible bidders must apply through self-service and confirm their bid by emailing
patty.atchison@state.mn.us by 6/02/2025
Date Posted: 05/27/2025
Closing Date: 06/10/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
Division/Unit: Operations Division / PT Contracts Unit
Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
Days of Work: Monday – Friday
Travel Required: No
Salary Range: $32.99 – $48.93 / hourly; $68,883 – $102,165 / annually
Job Class Option: Contracts Coordination
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status: Exempt – Administrative
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
* This position may be located at one of the MPCA office locations: St. Paul, Brainerd, Duluth, Rochester, Detroit Lakes, Mankato or
Marshall
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
This position is located in the P/T (Professional Technical) contract unit at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). As a Lead
Contract Specialist, this position provides technical expertise and guidance to agency management and staff on P/T contracts by
applying professional knowledge of statutes, administrative rules, and procedures governing P/T contracts. The individual will be
responsible for overseeing, managing, and improving the existing contracts program. The work will include defining contract needs with
business units, soliciting and evaluating request for proposals (RFP), making recommendations for vendor selection, drafting contracts,
contract negotiations, contract amendments, and other work as needed. The types of contracts will include P/T contracts, master
contracts, work orders, equity select contracts, interagency agreements, joint powers agreements, and other agency agreements. This
position manages complex contracts for the MPCA, provides analysis, contract policy direction, training, and assistance on complex P/T
contract issues. This position leads the MPCA’s efforts to develop, evaluate, improve, and implement policies and procedures pertaining
to P/T contract development and determining if standards are met.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must clearly demonstrate the following qualifications and include the following:
Three (3) years of professional P/T contract development experience in the areas of drafting P/T contracts, soliciting and negotiating P/T
contracts with eligible suppliers.
AND
Experience interacting with recipients and applying human relations skills to include, persuade and work collaboratively with others.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite as well as expertise in editing reports and managing/creating spreadsheets and/or databases.
Strong oral communication, written communication, interpersonal, project management and problem-solving skill.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas. 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.
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated project management and leadership skills in order to manage multiple projects simultaneously and ability to meet
deadlines.
Experience in the state P/T contracting process to include interpreting and applying state and federal laws, rules, regulations, executive
orders, and procedures regarding contract administration.
Experience identifying PT contracts or process inefficiencies and recommending alternatives.
Understanding of the differences between P/T contracts, master contracts, service contracts, annual plans, and other types of
contractual agreements.
Knowledge of software collaboration tools (SharePoint, TEMPO; or equivalent) to provide leadership support in the design,
administration and implementation of such systems.
Knowledge of/experience with Statewide Integrated Financial Tools (SWIFT).
How to Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. 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 Patty Atchison at patty.atchison@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 Patty Atchison at patty.atchison@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.