Manager - Business Unit Interceptor Services

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

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 Manager - Business Unit Interceptor Services will provide overall leadership, management, and technical support for the assigned business unit to ensure compliance with the environmental and safety regulations. The Business Unit Manager develops the business unit culture and oversees the business unit processes and develops and monitors short and long-term business unit objectives in accordance with the Wastewater Treatment Services strategic plan.

• Provides leadership and direction for the effective operation and maintenance of an Operations Business Unit. Assignment would be to the Regional Maintenance Facility Business Unit, with 635 miles of interceptor sewers, 60 lift stations and 230 meter stations.
• Oversees scheduling to meet staffing requirements. Provides daily work direction and sets daily work priorities. Checks work for conformance to standards, policies, and procedures.
• Sets performance goals and expectations for the department as well as direct reports; monitors departmental and staff performance, provides coaching, counseling, training, and development.
• Conducts grievance investigations, as well as corrective action, performance improvement plans, or disciplinary action as required.
• Oversees the hiring process. Leads and conducts interviews and makes hiring decisions.
• Coordinates operator certification process to meet certification requirements.
• Prepares and monitors annual operating budget, communicates to staff, generates and approves purchase requisitions for materials, equipment and supplies per authorization limits. Presents and negotiates budget with senior management. Solicits input from staff on budget development processes.
• Develops and implements short- and long-term plans related to processes and staffing. Prioritizes work orders, schedules plant or business unit shutdowns with maintenance and construction. Conducts strategic planning for business unit with ES management. Identifies ways to improve process efficiency through monitoring trends and analyzing past performance.
• Reviews trends and monthly process reports; interacts with engineers, lead operators and staff to increase efficiency. Troubleshoots process problems; develops and implements solutions. Ensures air and water quality permit parameters are in compliance including permit-related chemical inventory.
• Reviews capital projects and provides input for design/construction. Participates in numerous task force groups and studies.
• Develops, manages, implements, and enforces MCES policies and procedures.
• Coordinates safety training for staff.

Any of the following combinations of completed education (in engineering, chemistry, biology, environmental studies or related field) and experience (in wastewater treatment or related field):

• Bachelor's degree or higher with eight (8) years of experience, including five (5) years of experience in a lead/supervisory/project management or management role.
• Associate degree with ten (10) years of experience, including five (5) years of experience in a lead/supervisory/project management or management role.
• High school diploma/GED with twelve (12) years of experience, including five (5) years of experience in a lead/supervisory/project management or management role.

• Class A wastewater certification for the State of Minnesota, or ability to obtain certification in twelve (12) months.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

• Experience with creating and managing plant or facility operating budgets.
• Experience with Facility Maintenance.
• Experience with Facility Design and Construction.
• Project management experience.
• Experience working with diverse populations promoting an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values culture and diversity among all employees.

• Comprehensive understanding of wastewater treatment plant processes and industry-related process and process-control techniques.
• Knowledge of environmental and safety regulations for municipal wastewater treatment plants including air, water, and land.
• Knowledge of biological, chemical, and hydraulic principles common in wastewater/industrial treatment applications.
• Mechanical aptitude to operate and understand process and plant equipment.
• Knowledge of basic accounting and finance principles, practices and procedures, including budget development and administration.
• Knowledge of management practices, principles of supervision, performance management and ability to perform employee hiring, coaching, counseling, mentoring, staff development, training, performance improvement, and discipline.
• Ability to develop high-level strategic planning for the department.
• Knowledge of personnel supervision in a highly unionized environment, including understanding of labor relations issues, contract interpretation, and grievance procedures.
• Communicates in English clearly and effectively both orally and in writing, including the ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Skilled in writing and editing detailed reports and manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to ad hoc questions from individuals and groups of customers, clients and/or employees. Skilled in dealing with conflict and respond to stressful situations in a calm, effective manner. Able to communicate with tact, courtesy and professionalism.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to pay attention to detail and manage multiple responsibilities/priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to operate basic hand and power tools, and meters.
• Strong knowledge of and skill in personal computers and software including MS Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Ability to identify problems, analyze issues and implement resolutions.
• Effective analytical and detail investigative skills in researching accidents or other process breakdown incidents and recommending improvements.

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• 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.

Union/Grade: Metropolitan Council Management Association (MANA) / Grade L
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: Yes

What your work environment would be:
It is anticipated that a minimum of 50% of time will be spent in the field at various work locations throughout the seven (7) county metropolitan area. Work is divided between the field, with exposure to malodorous conditions, outdoor weather and a normal office environment. Position may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles and occasionally to wet, humid conditions and toxic or caustic chemicals. There is occasional exposure to extreme heat and risk of electrical shock. Position works near moving parts and equipment. Position is frequently required to travel by car locally. Position may be required to work at night and on weekends.

Physical Requirements:
A pre-employment physical must be completed as part of the hiring process. Ability to safely lift and carry portable pumps, hoses and other equipment weighing up to 50 pounds for short distances; routinely climb ladders and descend/ascend stairs; routinely enter and exit confined spaces; sit and stand for extended periods of time.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.
5. We conduct a leadership assessment.