Interceptor Operator - Experienced

WHO WE ARE

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. WOMEN AND MINORITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

We are accepting applications until all positions are filled. The first review of applications will begin on November 17, 2025.

These positions are located in Eagan, Mound or Mounds View. Employees are assigned to a base facility and may rotate among these locations.

Join an award-winning wastewater industry leader in protecting our environment! Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) operates and maintains the wastewater collection and treatment system in the Twin Cities metropolitan region. It also provides coordinated long-range water resources and supply planning, and air and water quality monitoring to meet future needs. MCES treatment plants consistently earn state and national awards for complete compliance with their environmental permits. MCES received a Governor's Award as a Great Place to Work.

To find out more about the Environmental Services division, please click on the link for more information : https : / / metrocouncil.org / Wastewater-Water.aspx .

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region :

The Interceptor Operator provides routine operation, preventative maintenance, and emergency repair of the regional wastewater collection systems and / or pumping stations. The hard-working individuals we need for our team will be capable of managing their own time, working independently as well as in teams, have the desire and ability to work in all types of outdoor conditions, performing physical labor, as well as providing technical support. Required work duties include climbing down into wastewater structures and pipes, checking for obstructions, inspection and cleaning, working in confined spaces, and dealing with obnoxious odors.

Work Schedule : Typical work schedule includes 8-hour shifts, Monday through Friday. Interceptor Operators will be expected to be on call some nights and weekends to respond to alarms and emergencies and to perform necessary routine weekend maintenance at designated facilities.

This recruitment may establish a six (6) month eligibility list for current and future vacancies if we have multiple qualified candidates. Placement on the eligible list does not guarantee you a job with the Council.

What you would do in this job

Operations and Equipment :

• Operate and maintain wastewater collections system equipment (i.e., pumps, control valves, heating / ventilation equipment, generators, blowers, etc.).

Perform preventative maintenance, lubrication and monitoring of equipment.

Operate and maintain flow measuring (meters) devices.

Respond to spills, wastewater stoppages, and cleanup of overflow by taking appropriate corrective actions.

Assist in the design and construction of small concrete and timber projects and perform a variety of construction fabrication duties such as carpentry, masonry, and metal work.

Transport and connect trailer mounted standby electrical generator and pump equipment.

Clear obstructions and verify proper operations of wastewater conveyance equipment and facilities.

Perform wastewater infrastructure inspections manually and remotely utilizing sanitary sewer CCTV (closed circuit televising) equipment and video cameras; rehabilitate system as required.

Perform Gopher State One Call locates using maps, blueprints, and other reference materials. Operate metal locaters, line tracing equipment and KorWeb (Ticket Management system).

Utilize technology to record conditions of wastewater system components as well as inspections of maintenance performed and to collect geographic data with GPS devices.

Operate specialty equipment such as skid loaders, forklifts, all-terrain vehicles, jet / vac trucks (Vactors), sanitary sewer CCTV (closed circuit televising) and boom trucks.

Respond to emergency on-call alarms and situations.

Maintenance :

Perform preventative maintenance on equipment and instruments to ensure efficient operation and accurate instrument reading. Perform routine adjustments and minor repairs to motors, pumps, and valves. Clean bar screens, pumps and other process control equipment utilizing hand tools and power tools.

Maintain tools, equipment and materials; inspect and troubleshoot operational and equipment problems.

Maintain facilities by cleaning, sweeping, and hosing down equipment, piping, and valves. Perform general building maintenance and grounds-keeping tasks, lawn maintenance and snow removal.

Safety :

Use appropriate safety equipment (oxygen, toxic / explosive monitoring equipment meters, fall protection, respirator protection) necessary to complete work in hazardous atmospheres.

Apply proper safety precautions, rules and regulations, and practices of a wastewater collection system.

Deploy traffic control devices.

Use defensive driving techniques.

Communications and Customer Service :

Communicate with the public when performing Gopher State One locates and while on various work sites.

Represent MCES in a positive light by using defensive driving techniques, responding to odor complaints and emergencies in a timely manner and being courteous and respectful in all interactions with the public and staff.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

High school diploma or equivalent and one (1) year of verifiable work experience in HVAC, electrical, mechanical maintenance, or related field (please refer to Supplemental Questions for complete list).

License Requirements :

Must obtain and maintain a MN Wastewater Operator S-D Level certificate or higher within 18 months. Training preparation for S-D Certificate provided by Met Council through Sacramento State Wastewater Collection Systems curriculum. Failure to obtain the S-D certification will result in disqualification from employment.

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications) :

Wastewater collections system experience in water and / or sewer, vactor operation, general lift station operation, sanitary sewer CCTV (closed circuit televising), or Gopher State One Call locating.

NASSCO Pipeline Assessment Certificate Program (PACP) certification.

Possession of a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

Experience interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Multi-lingual.

What knowledge, skills and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job :

Technical : Knowledge of tools, materials, and equipment used in general maintenance and repair operations and construction operations (wrenches, drivers, socket sets, screwdrivers, hammers, cutting tools, small electrical and / or air power tools such as impact wrenches and drills).

Language : Ability to read and communicate at a sufficient level to understand training manuals, safety regulations, federal and state regulations and other regulations. Ability to comprehend understand and apply basic written, oral practices and techniques. Ability to communicate effectively and accurately using standard written English (grammar, punctuation, spelling, word usage and sentence structure).

Math : Knowledge of basic mathematics; ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.

You must watch this 7-minute video " Overview of MCES Interceptor Services " in order to answer the supplemental questions.

What you can expect from us :

We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.

We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work / life balance.

More about why you should join us!

Additional information

Union / Grade : AFSCME / Grade C

FLSA Status : Non-Exempt

Safety Sensitive : Yes, subject to random drug screening

Full Salary Range : $29.15 - $47.34 hourly / $60,632 - $98,467 annually

Starting Salary : $33.10 hourly

What steps the recruitment process involves :

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then :

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council , you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and / or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council , you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files / databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and / or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

IMPORTANT : If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.

If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us .