Manager - Business Unit

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.

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:

The Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) is seeking a full-time Wastewater Manager to manage one of MCES' Operation's Business Units (BU).

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

The Manager - Business Unit will be assigned by the Assistant General Manager of Operations to 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.

What you would do in this job

• Provides leadership and direction for the effective operation and maintenance of an Operations Business Unit. Assignment would be to the Seneca Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility Business Unit, with a 34 million gallons per day (MGD) capacity.
• Depending upon business unit assigned to will manage a staff of 25-35 people including operators, assistant managers and administrative positions. 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.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

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.

License Requirements:

• 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.

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• 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.

What knowledge, skills and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

• 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.

What you can expect from us:

• 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.

More about why you should join us
Additional information

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.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.

If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-

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