Plant Operator

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.

Environmental Services is hiring up to ten (10) experienced Plant Operators. We are accepting applications until all positions are filled.
The first review of applications will begin on January 7, 2026.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

MCES operates and maintains the wastewater collection and treatment system in the Twin Cities metropolitan region. It also provides coordinated long‑range water supply planning, 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. More information: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..aspx

The Plant Operator is an experienced position performing operations, monitoring and maintaining Environmental Services wastewater treatment plants in the seven‑county metro area to ensure the highest quality water and air standards possible for the region. Our nine wastewater treatment plants are located in:
Cottage Grove, Eagan, Empire Township, Hastings, Rogers, Shakopee, St. Paul, Stillwater, and East Bethel. Operators could be assigned to any of the nine plants at hire and then bid for positions based on seniority.

Treatment plants operate 24/7 year‑round. Plant operators work 8‑hour, 10‑hour, or 12‑hour shifts. Plant location and work shift are determined through a job bid process. Most operators work a 12‑hour shift (7 am to 7 pm – OR – 7 pm to 7 am) on one of the following schedules:

• First week:
  Monday – Wednesday, Second week:
  Monday – Thursday
• First week:
  Friday – Sunday, Second week:
  Thursday – Sunday

A video overview of the history and operations of Environmental Services: MCES Overview

• Operate process control equipment (e.g., start/stop and control speed and flow rates on pumps, compressors, generators, blowers, conveyor belts, incinerators, tanks, rotating equipment, instrumentation, land spreading and bio‑solids) to ensure compliance with permits requirements.
• Monitor and control plant functions through computer information (SCADA), computers, automatic controllers, or manual controls (feed rates, pressure, temperature, tank levels, sludge blanket levels, voltage, current, and other parameters).
• Operate, control, and monitor treatment process equipment (preliminary, primary, secondary, disinfection, incineration, odor control, dewatering, and solids handling processes).
• Monitor raw water, process water conditions, and add and adjust chemicals accordingly.
• Respond to spills, sewage stoppage, and cleanup of overflow by taking appropriate corrective action.

• 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 tanks, weirs, pumps and other process control equipment using hand tools and power tools.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and materials; inspect and monitor equipment. Troubleshoot operational and equipment problems.
• Maintain facility by cleaning, sweeping, and hosing down equipment, piping, and valves.

• Perform maintenance checks and service on safety equipment and stations, including fire extinguishers, first aid equipment, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, eye wash stations, and respirator equipment.
• Use appropriate safety equipment (respirator equipment, oxygen, toxic/explosive monitoring equipment meters) necessary to complete work in hazardous atmospheres.
• Apply proper safety precautions, rules and regulations, and practices of a wastewater treatment plant. Must follow standard safety protocol…