Plant Operator

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.

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.

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 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.

To find out more about the Environmental Services division, please click on the link for more information: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

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

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.

Work Schedule for Plant Operators:
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

Operations and Equipment:

• Operate process control equipment (i.e., start/stop and control speed and flow rates on various types of pumps, compressors, generators, blowers, conveyor belts, incinerators, tanks, rotating equipment, instrumentation, land spreading and bio-solids) to ensure our compliance with permits requirements.
• Monitors and controls plant functions through computer information (i.e., SCADA), computers, automatic controllers, or manual controls to ensure proper process operations are maintained (i.e., feed rates, pressure, temperature, tank levels, sludge blanket levels, voltage, current, and other various parameters).
• Operate, control, and monitor treatment process equipment (preliminary, primary, secondary, disinfection, incineration, odor control, dewatering, and solids handling processes).
• Monitor and control plant functions through computer information (i.e., SCADA), computers, automatic controllers, or manual controls to ensure proper process operations are maintained (i.e., feed rates, pressure, temperature, tank levels, sludge blanket levels, voltage, current, and other various parameters).
• 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. Performs routine adjustments and minor repairs to motors, pumps, and valves:
  Cleans tanks, weirs, pumps and other process control equipment utilizing hand tools and power tools.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and materials; inspect and monitor equipment. Troubleshoots…