Business Unit Manager, East Business Unit

Metropolitan Council•Empire/Farmington Plant, MN

14h

About The Position

The Business Unit Manager (BU Manager), East Business Unit, provides overall leadership, management, and technical support for the East Business Unit under the direction of the Assistant General Manager of Operations. The role ensures compliance with environmental and safety regulations, develops the unit’s culture, oversees its processes, and develops and monitors short- and long-term objectives aligned with the Wastewater Treatment Services strategic plan. The East Business Unit comprises four wastewater treatment plants with capacities ranging from 2 to 35 million gallons per day and approximately 25 to 35 employees. The manager leads plant operations and maintenance, supervises staff and staffing processes, manages budgets, and plans operational and staffing needs. The role also monitors treatment processes and permit compliance, resolves process issues, contributes to capital project design and construction, supports strategic planning, and implements organizational policies and safety practices. The position is safety-sensitive and exempt. At least 50% of work time is anticipated to be spent in the field at work locations across the seven-county metropolitan area, with the remainder divided between field work and a normal office environment. Field conditions may include malodors, outdoor weather, fumes or airborne particles, wet or humid conditions, toxic or caustic chemicals, occasional extreme heat, electrical-shock risk, and work near moving equipment. Local travel by car is frequent. Night and weekend work may be required.

Requirements

One of the following education and experience combinations in engineering, chemistry, biology, environmental studies, or a related field, with experience in wastewater treatment or a related field: high school diploma/GED and at least 12 years of experience, including at least 5 years in a lead, supervisory, project-management, or management role; an associate degree and at least 10 years of experience, including at least 5 years in such a role; or a bachelor’s or higher degree and at least 8 years of experience, including at least 5 years in such a role.
Minnesota Class A wastewater certification, or ability to obtain it within 12 months.
Driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
Comprehensive understanding of wastewater treatment plant and related industry processes and process-control techniques.
Knowledge of environmental and safety regulations for municipal wastewater treatment plants, including air, water, and land regulations.
Knowledge of biological, chemical, and hydraulic principles used in wastewater and 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 and supervision principles and performance management; ability to hire, coach, counsel, mentor, develop, train, and discipline staff.
Ability to develop high-level strategic plans for a department.
Knowledge of personnel supervision in a highly unionized environment, including labor relations, contract interpretation, and grievance procedures.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, orally and in writing, and to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Skill in writing and editing detailed reports and manuals and presenting information and responding to questions from individuals and groups.
Skill in handling conflict and responding calmly and effectively to stressful situations; ability to communicate with tact, courtesy, and professionalism.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Ability to pay attention to detail and manage multiple responsibilities and priorities simultaneously.
Ability to operate basic hand and power tools and meters.
Strong knowledge of and skill with personal computers and Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
Ability to identify problems, analyze issues, and implement resolutions.
Effective analytical and investigative skills for researching accidents or process breakdowns and recommending improvements.

Nice To Haves

Minnesota Type 4 Waste Disposal Management License (land application license) and experience administering land-spreading programs.
Experience creating and managing plant or facility operating budgets.
Experience with facility maintenance.
Experience with facility design and construction.
Project management experience.
Experience working in the public sector and a union environment.
Experience promoting an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values culture and diversity among employees.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and direction for effective operation and maintenance of the East Business Unit’s four wastewater treatment plants.
Manage approximately 25 to 35 employees, including operators, assistant managers, and administrative staff.
Oversee scheduling, provide daily work direction, set priorities, and check work for conformance with standards, policies, and procedures.
Set performance goals and expectations; monitor department and employee performance; and provide coaching, counseling, training, and development.
Conduct grievance investigations and administer corrective action, performance improvement plans, and discipline as needed.
Oversee hiring, conduct interviews, make hiring decisions, and coordinate operator certification processes.
Prepare and monitor the annual operating budget, communicate budget information to staff, approve purchase requisitions within authorization limits, and present and negotiate the budget with senior management.
Solicit staff input on budget development and generate purchase requisitions for materials, equipment, and supplies.
Develop and implement short- and long-term plans for processes and staffing; prioritize work orders; and schedule plant or business-unit shutdowns with maintenance and construction.
Conduct strategic planning for the business unit with Environmental Services management.
Identify process-efficiency improvements by monitoring trends, analyzing past performance, and reviewing monthly process reports.
Work with engineers, lead operators, and staff to improve efficiency; troubleshoot process problems; and develop and implement solutions.
Ensure compliance with air and water quality permit parameters, including permit-related chemical inventory.
Review capital projects and provide input on design and construction.
Participate in task forces and studies.
Develop, manage, implement, and enforce Metropolitan Council policies and procedures.
Coordinate staff safety training.