Senior Treatment Plant Operator

Resource Renew - the brand of WLSSD; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12 paid holidays + 4 personal leave

Front-loaded vacation plan

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Public Employer Pension Program (PERA)

Life Insurance & LTD

Tuition Reimbursement & Professional

Wellness Programs

Job summary

Resource Renew, the brand of WLSSD, seeks a Full-Time Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator in Duluth, MN. The role focuses on operating and monitoring treatment facilities, SCADA control, and coordinating with licensed operators to ensure safety and environmental stewardship.

Qualifications include MPCA Class B wastewater certificate, a valid Class D driver's license, and a boiler license or ability to obtain one.

Qualifications

• MPCA Class B Wastewater Operator Certificate required.
• Knowledge of NPDES permit and air permit requirements is expected.
• Ability to coordinate resources to ensure permit compliance.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor wastewater treatment and collection systems.
• Utilize SCADA to control processes and address issues with staff.
• Maintain operating records, inspections and SOPs for the plant.
• Respond to emergencies and coordinate with district resources.
• Monitor safety, security and permit compliance across facilities.

Skills

SCADA operation

Process monitoring

Safety compliance

Emergency response

Communication

Troubleshooting

Education

MPCA Class B Wastewater Operator Certificate

Tools

SCADA

Job description

Join Resource Renew as a Full-Time Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator. This on-site position located in Duluth, MN provides advanced technical expertise in treatment processes, equipment operation, regulatory compliance and system optimization. As a Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, you will be responsible for monitoring, operating and controlling the daily operation of the wastewater collection and treatment facilities and related systems. In this role, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with licensed operators and trades professionals to ensure safety, operational excellence and environmental stewardship within our community that District serves.

WHO WE ARE

Resource Renew, the brand of Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD), is committed to preventing pollution and protecting the environment, including the region's most precious resource - Lake Superior. Founded as 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, Resource Renew provides wastewater and solid waste services and oversight for a 530 square mile region around Duluth, Minnesota. Our facilities include a main wastewater treatment plant, multiple pump stations, and solid waste collection sites of varied types.

WHAT DOES A SENIOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR DO?

• Performs the role of Operator on Duty, which involves operating the wastewater treatment and collection system and monitoring related computer control and facility systems including heating, power generation and distribution
• Provides overall process and facility oversight through monitoring and control of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to ensure operational issues are quickly identified and addressed through coordination of operations, maintenance and other necessary staff and resources
• Maintains site security through monitoring of closed circuit television (CCTV), access control and other security systems; coordinates with necessary staff and resources to address any security issues, both within and outside normal business hours
• Takes independent action to deal with emergency situations; coordinates the efforts of District employees in emergency response according to District procedures; secures and coordinates outside responders until relieved by the responsible District representative; alerts management of emergency conditions and documents as necessary
• Receives, records and forwards communications from industrial users and the public; responds to public inquiries in a timely, helpful and professional manner and informs management of pertinent issues and/or process deficiencies
• Monitors, controls and adjusts operating parameters based on established permit and limits and/or other facility considerations
• Develops graphics and control charts needed to appropriately monitor the process; troubleshoots and provides the first level of correction for process computer problems
• Maintains a high quality operational record of the wastewater treatment facility including daily operational data, key observations and process exceptions
• Conducts routine inspections of plant operations and buildings and grounds
• Develops and maintains standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the wastewater treatment plant and processes
• Monitors and adjusts boiler operation according to special license requirements and following standard operating procedures determined by the Chief Boiler Engineer
• Keeps up-to-date on the WLSSD National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements, air permit requirements and process performance
• Maintains a constant awareness of safe work practices; ensures compliance with the District Safety Program to complete work without accidents or injuries

A TYPICAL SKILLSET FOR THE ROLE IS:

• Knowledge of the NPDES wastewater discharge permit and air emissions permit requirements and the ability to recognize and respond to operating conditions which may lead to operating outside normal range or non-compliance
• Knowledge of statistical process control methods and tools to analyze operating data and identify process issues and opportunities
• Knowledge of 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 the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the operation of wastewater treatment plant equipment and processes
• Ability to act independently to coordinate district resources as needed to ensure consistent compliance with permit conditions
• Ability to locate, troubleshoot and repair minor operational equipment deficiencies

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 an Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Class "B" Wastewater Operator Certificate
• Possess a Class "D" driver's license or equivalent
• Possess (or obtain upon hire) a State of Minnesota Special Engineer (boiler) license

BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH US!

• 12 paid holidays + 4 personal leave days annually
• Front-loaded vacation plan
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Public Employer Pension Program (PERA)
• Basic Life Insurance, Supplemental Life and Long-Term Disability plans
• Professional Development; Tuition Reimbursement, opportunities to attend conferences, training courses, and more!
• Employee Wellness Programs; Fitness Reimbursement, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Health and Safety Education, Wellness Committee, Environmental Stewardship and more!

SELECTION PROCESS & TESTING INFORMATION

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications. Those who meet the minimum qualifications will be given an examination, which may consist of a written exam, a presentation, a hands-on test or an oral exam. Final selection will include a panel interview. Passing the examinations and interviews will require a score of 70% or higher.

Alternative Exam Process: For individuals who request reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), alternative examination processes are available on an individual basis upon prior arrangement. Contact Human Resources at [phone].

Work Eligibility: In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Resource Renew requires verification of identity and work eligibility.

Veterans: Resource Renew is an equal opportunity employer and values the contributions of veterans. For applicants claiming veterans' preference, may voluntarily choose to provide proof of service, such as a DD214 during the selection process.

Non-discrimination: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, disability, genetic information, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

You are not legally required to provide any of the private data listed above. Resource Renew employees from the Human Resources Department and other departments involved in the selection process may have access to your private data if their work assignments reasonably require access. Others who may legally access the above data are individuals or agencies to whom we are required to release the data by law, rule or court order.

This posting applies only to external applicants.