Wastewater Operator

3M•Cottage Grove, MN

1d•$45 - $47•Onsite

About The Position

The Wastewater Operator is responsible for the overall operation of the Cottage Grove Wastewater and Water Quality Plants and for meeting all State and Federal agency requirements. The role operates, monitors, and controls treatment processes and equipment; coordinates operating conditions between shifts; monitors wastewater and process water conditions; and responds to spills, stoppages, and process upsets. The operator performs preventive maintenance, inspections, troubleshooting, cleaning, filter and resin changes, and safety-equipment checks. The role also includes hazardous waste management, maintaining operational and maintenance records, conducting process-control laboratory tests, collecting and analyzing samples, and using computer control systems and software. The operator collaborates with supervisors, process engineers, management, and teammates, and must follow applicable safety procedures and corporate policies. This position is located in Cottage Grove, Minnesota and requires mandatory rotating shift work. Overtime may be required, including more than eight hours per day and more than 40 hours per week. The starting rate stated in the posting is $45.19; a US-applicant section separately lists a starting rate of $44.84 with potential to reach $47.24. Relocation assistance may be authorized.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to obtain a Class D Wastewater license within 12–15 months of hire.
Ability to work mandatory rotating shifts.
Ability to work overtime when required, including more than eight hours per day and more than 40 hours per week.
Ability to work in confined spaces, loud environments, at heights, and in conditions involving unpleasant odors, heat, cold, rain, or potentially hazardous areas.
Ability to use common hand and power tools to operate and maintain plant equipment.
Must be legally authorized to work in the country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status.
Regular job attendance is required.

Nice To Haves

Minnesota Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Class D certification or higher.
Ability to read and understand training manuals, safety regulations, and Federal and State regulations, and to understand and apply written and verbal directions and standard operating procedures.
Knowledge of basic mathematics, including arithmetic with whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Computer skills for using standard and customized software.
Experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive environments.

Responsibilities

Operate the Cottage Grove Wastewater and Water Quality Plants and meet applicable State and Federal requirements.
Coordinate operating conditions between shifts.
Operate process controls and equipment, including pumps, screens, compressors, blowers, generators, tanks, sludge-thickening belts, thermal oxidizers, activated sludge systems, sewer systems, ponds, carbon and ion-exchange systems, filtration systems, and related equipment.
Monitor and control plant functions using computer information, automatic controllers, or manual controls, and maintain process parameters within proper operating conditions.
Operate, control, and monitor wastewater, water-quality, and regeneration treatment processes.
Monitor wastewater and process-water conditions, and add or adjust chemicals as needed.
Respond to spills, stoppages, and process upsets by taking appropriate corrective actions.
Perform preventive maintenance, inspections, troubleshooting, and routine equipment adjustments.
Clean tanks, weirs, pumps, equipment, piping, valves, offices, and laboratory areas using hand and power tools as appropriate.
Manage hazardous waste according to 3M guidelines, including handling, mixing, disposal, storage, shipping, labeling, and documentation as applicable.
Change filters and resin in water filtration systems as needed.
Check and service safety equipment and stations, including fire extinguishers and eyewash stations.
Use required safety equipment and follow safety procedures, including PPE, respirator use when needed, lockout/tagout, confined-space entry, line-opening, spark, and open-flame permit procedures.
Attend and participate in department and safety meetings.
Use computers to track work orders, maintenance activities, tank readings, logbooks, and process summaries.
Maintain operational logs, calibration records, analytical-operation records, preventive-maintenance records, and other required data and documents for inspection.
Understand and comply with applicable plant permit requirements.
Communicate operational problems and parameters with supervisors, process engineers, and management; collaborate with others and work in teams.
Perform calculations related to permit compliance, process parameters, chemical feed rates and dosages, and chemical analysis.
Initiate SWOs when needed to maintain plant operation and meet State and Federal guidelines.
Conduct process-control tests, collect samples, test and analyze samples, and maintain related records.
Attend meetings, workshops, and training; review documents and remain current on relevant principles, practices, and developments.
Perform other assigned or apparent duties and maintain regular job attendance.