Team Leader Environment
About The Position
The Team Leader Environment operates the company’s Class A wastewater treatment facility under the general supervision of the department manager. The role coordinates operations and develops workplans for operations and maintenance personnel, and supports procedures for uninterrupted operation and maintenance of the pretreatment/headworks facility. Responsibilities include operating and maintaining a biological nutrient removal wastewater treatment facility; coordinating irrigation of plant effluent to permitted application sites in accordance with discharge limits and agronomic rates; monitoring plant production and potable water systems and water appropriations; and supporting regulatory data collection and monitoring. Entry-level applicants are expected to advance their state licensing through education and testing, with increased responsibilities and incremental pay at each licensing level. The position supervises wastewater plant operators, contractors, and farmer relations; oversees wastewater, drinking water, and process water treatment systems; ensures compliance with wastewater permits; coordinates maintenance, inspections, sampling, laboratory data review, and compliance reporting; and manages water/wastewater maintenance budget items. The role also supports environmental program management and sustainability efforts, contributes to capital planning, and implements continuous improvement activities to optimize performance and reduce costs. The work may take place in office, manufacturing operations, and environmental control systems. The position may require off-shift work or work during facility outages. The physical environment includes noise, variable hot and cold temperatures, and exposure to manufacturing conditions such as wet or slippery surfaces, fumes, smoke, odors, dirt, and allergens. Physical tasks include lifting, frequent standing and walking, moving on stairs, bending, stooping, reaching overhead, and working at or beneath equipment and at heights.
Requirements
- Progressive experience in the water or wastewater field, or 0–3 years of environmental, sustainability, regulatory compliance, or related experience as listed in the basic qualifications.
- Minnesota Wastewater Operators certificate or ability to obtain licensing within one year of employment.
- Strong English skills.
- Strong mechanical aptitude.
- Strong computer skills, including MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and SAP.
- Ability to apply mathematics to manage systems.
- Knowledge of operational practices and equipment used in wastewater and water treatment systems.
- Ability to learn and follow safe operating procedures, chemical safety, and spill prevention practices.
- Ability to learn and understand environmental permit conditions and compliance requirements.
- Understanding of food processing sanitation and quality control needs in manufacturing consumer food products.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds, move up and down stairs throughout the shift, and work in office, manufacturing, and environmental control settings.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, twist, and turn frequently; perform repetitious arm, wrist, and hand movements; work with hands and arms overhead and in or under equipment; and maintain manual dexterity, coordination, and balance, including at heights.
- Ability to operate work-related equipment and meet visual requirements including close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or a related technical field.
Nice To Haves
- Degree in water technology, engineering, biology, or agronomy.
- Knowledge of wastewater treatment systems, including anaerobic and aerobic biological treatment with biological nutrient removal, as well as primary, secondary, and chemical treatment.
- Experience with environmental laboratory methods and practices; previous experience with laboratory accreditation is preferred.
- Ability to interpret process control tests and laboratory results and use the data to apply corrective action to wastewater treatment processes.
- General knowledge of environmental regulations, including wastewater, air pollution control, spill control, and stormwater regulations.
- Good presentation skills.
- Experience using computerized maintenance management systems.
- Working knowledge of environmental regulations and compliance requirements.
Responsibilities
- Supervise wastewater plant operators and contractors and manage farmer relations.
- Manage, monitor, track, and oversee process wastewater treatment operations and drinking water and process water treatment systems.
- Understand and ensure operations comply with wastewater permit regulations and discharge guidelines.
- Schedule or conduct corrective and preventive maintenance and inspections to support reliable, uninterrupted facility operation.
- Develop and implement procedures and workplans for wastewater facility maintenance and operations.
- Coordinate with farm operators to schedule and distribute process water for land application.
- Coordinate sample collection and data analysis with company-certified laboratory personnel or contract laboratories.
- Manage analytical data and conduct quality assurance and quality control reviews.
- Manage the water/wastewater maintenance budget, including development of budget line items.
- Work with the environmental manager on periodic compliance reporting.
- Use information management software to track and document compliance task completion.
- Participate in sustainability activities supporting water efficiency, energy efficiency, and waste reduction.
- Support environmental program management and assist the Energy and Environmental Manager as needed.
- Participate in capital planning to ensure water/wastewater system needs are addressed in a timely manner.
- Implement continuous improvement activities to optimize system performance and reduce costs.
- Operate and maintain wastewater treatment processes, including biological nutrient removal, and coordinate effluent irrigation to permitted application sites.
- Monitor facility production and potable water systems and water appropriation.
- Collect and monitor data for regulatory programs.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts for health and dependent care, Health Reimbursement Accounts, and Health Savings Accounts
- Well-being programs, companywide events, and a wellness incentive program
- Paid Time Off
- 401(k) plan with company contributions
- Financial planning services
- Employee stock purchase program
- Life and accident insurance
- Family-friendly employee events
- Employee Assistance Program services, including mental health and concierge-type services
- Compensation and bonus incentive programs
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
