Senior Water Treatment Operator

Act as lead operator in the operation and maintenance of the City's water treatment system to ensure adequate quantity and quality of potable water to Minneapolis and its surrounding customers.

Work Location

This position currently works on-site only.

The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

*This position is restricted to employees within the Public Works Water Department*

• Determine and set production rates, distribution rates, system pressure, tanks, and reservoir levels and verify the proper functioning of the chemical delivery and pumping systems.
• Train, coordinate, and direct the work of Water Treatment Operators in operating the 5 Water Treatment Plants and 9 Pumping facilities. Maintain and supervise a schedule of inspections throughout the facilities by directing and providing technical assistance to Water Treatment Operators as they operate the system's facilities.
• Detect changing water chemistry through testing and analyses to determine the required treatment that will ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. Typical treatment decisions would decide when to adjust various water treatment chemicals such as coagulants, oxidizing agents, or disinfectants.
• Manage the operations treatment logs on water quality, production volume, and chemical inventory. This information is critical for required reporting to government agencies: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency - Department of Agriculture - Minnesota Department of Health - Metropolitan Council Environmental Services.
• Operate pumps and chemical systems in automated facilities by remote control and dispatch others (Water Treatment Operators) to the necessary facilities to investigate problems, put in or take out of service chemical systems and investigate alarm conditions.
• Communicate treatment system status effectively and professionally with all staff.
• Coordinate and manage the after-hours delivery of treatment chemicals and residual truck hauling by reviewing documentation of the outside contractors and subsequently approving or denying access to the facility.
• Communicate with suburban customers/clients answering questions on problems with water pressure and operations and take corrective actions to avoid disruption of water flow.
• Make decisions on the need for additional personnel in emergencies or equipment failure to protect the employees and mitigate the potential loss of water quality.
• Manage the schedule of various overtime shifts based on Department guidelines.
• Consult with the laboratory and engineering staff concerning issues of water quality and facility improvements.
• Perform the duties of Water Treatment Operator when required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Perform office and fieldwork. Field type conditions in a water treatment plant and outside; work may include working in all kinds of weather conditions; exposure to heat, gases, fumes, chemicals, dust, dirt, and noise; ability to climb and work off of stairs, ladders and other platforms; ability to lift, maneuver and carry tools/equipment weighing up to 50 pounds; operate valves requiring up to 100 pounds of force; as needed, wear a respirator; work alone; work in confined spaces, in spaces which are not easily accessible and underground; climb down and work in manholes; work/stand on various surfaces.

AVAILABILITY:

The Minneapolis drinking water utility is a 24-hour day, 7-days-a-week operation. The person(s) filling this position must be willing to work fixed or rotating shift assignments anytime throughout 24 hours, including weekends and holidays, and work unanticipated, extended shifts until relieved by another employee.

• Typical shifts: 6:30 am - 2:30 pm. 2:30 pm - 10:30 pm, 10:30 pm - 6:30 am. Actual shift assignment dependent upon vacancy.
• 25% of work shifts will be operating or training assignments in treatment plants and pump stations.

Minimum Qualifications:

Water Environment Technologies Diploma (Year Program) or equivalent to studying Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or related science.

Minimum Expereince:

Three years of directly related experience.

Equivalency: A combination of directly related education in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or related science field and experience working at a water treatment plant may be considered.

Licenses/Certifications:

Minnesota Class 'C' Water Supply System Operator Certificate

Possess and continue to maintain a valid Driver's License

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience examination 100%. It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score 70% on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.

Background Check

The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

All job applicants must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be required to sign a notification and consent form prior to undergoing drug and alcohol testing. Applicants who do not consent to undergo drug and alcohol testing will not be required to do so and the City will withdraw the conditional job offer, resulting in the job applicant no longer being considered for the position.

Union Representation

This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and the Laborers Local 363 (CLB). For more information on the terms and conditions of this agreement please visit: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/hr/labor-agreements/laborers/

Eligible List Statement

The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire three months after it has been established.

Interview Selection

The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate's education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work 8-hour shifts on a fixed or rotating basis, including weekend and holiday work.
• Obtain a Minnesota Class B Water Supply System Operator certificate within four years of hire.
• HAZWOPER Operations Level Certification within 12 months of employment.

1. Good knowledge of mathematics, introductory chemistry, laboratory techniques and interpretation, and analytical instrumentation used in water treatment operations.
2. Good knowledge of Computerized Water Control (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition).
3. Knowledge of water plant maintenance and ability to identify and solve problems with the water treatment system.
4. Ability to identify and solve problems in the water treatment system
5. Experience and ability to lead and direct the work of others
6. Ability to identify potential safety hazards and recognize unsafe work habits
7. Experience in maintaining accurate records
8. Experience in preparing clear and concise reports
9. Knowledge of the occupational hazards and proper safety precautions of the job
10. Experience and ability to modify plant operation to cope with changing river conditions
11. Ability to perform applied mathematics (flow, velocity, solution or mass feed rate calculations, etc.)
12. Knowledge of water treatment and water chemistry
13. Knowledge of all Minneapolis water treatment and pumping facilities, chemical treatment systems, dewatering, and water storage and distribution systems
14. Knowledge of a range of rules and regulations covering potable water, including the MDH (Minnesota Department of Health) water treatment regulations; the MPCA (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency) regulations; the MCES (Metropolitan Council Environmental Services) requirements; and the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) requirements.
15. Knowledge of emergency response procedures.

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.