Water Resource Recovery Operator Technician A (Maintenance)

Salary : $56,347.20 – $76,606.40 Annually

Location : Mankato, MN

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 202300065

Department: Public Utilities

Division: 6494512 WW Treatment/ Maintenance

Opening Date: 10/06/2023

Closing Date: 10/24/2023 11:59 PM Central

Description
Grade: STA4 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive Position: Yes
Supervisor Title: Superintendent of Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) and/or Utilities Maintenance Supervisor-WRRF

Minimum Qualifications of Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to drive in the state of Minnesota.

OR

• Any satisfactory equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the job proficiently may be substituted for the above requirements.

Additional Salary Information: Upon reaching top steps in the pay structure, an additional $1.00-$2.00 per hour pay increase will apply for employees meeting additional wastewater certification requirements.
Nature of Work:

This position performs semi-skilled work as required for the efficient operation and maintenance of the Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF), bio-solids processing, and reuse water production. May be assigned to Shift Operator or Relief Operator/Maintenance functions. The primary focus for this position posting will be on the Relief Operator/Maintenance function.

About Us:

Our employees are committed to working in an environment that fosters the core values of the City of Mankato – positive attitude, accountability, respect, teamwork, and integrity. We care about making a positive difference in the lives of others. Our work is challenging and has purpose. We listen and engage with each other and our community. We are empowered and trusted to make good decisions that align with the public service principles and core values. Our organization is committed to investing and developing each other. We will recognize and celebrate our collective achievements and individual accomplishments.

We take pride in investing in our employees. Our team enjoys a supportive work environment that encourages not only success for the community we serve, but for you as well. Come grow your career with us!

View Job Description

Duties / Responsibilities
Primary Essential Work Functions:

• Relief Operator/Maintenance. Performs maintenance tasks around the facility including, but not limited to; oil changes, greasing pumps, rebuilding pumps, rebuilding motors, rebuilding mixers, repairing and replacing pipe of various sizes, repairing electrical panels, repairing HVAC equipment, repairing boilers, maintaining clean workspaces, and other assigned tasks associated with maintaining mechanical equipment at the facility.
• Shift Operator. Performs operational tasks around the facility including, but not limited to; utilization of SCADA system, utilization of tablet, paper and electronic reporting, pumping rate changes, chemical dosage changes, bacteriological testing, aeration adjustments, sludge blanket reading, digester feed rates, tank level controls, tank cleaning, online analyzer cleaning and maintenance, maintaining clean operational spaces, and other tasks associated with treatment operations at the facility.

Communicates With:

• Internally – Water Resource Recovery Facility, Public Works Operations, and other city employees
• Externally – Industry dispatch/emergency call center, homeowners/renters, farmers, and the general public

Supervision:

• Non-supervisory

Other Work Functions:

• Makes equipment adjustments on various components within the treatment system including, but not limited to bar screens, clarifiers, pumps, blowers, chemical skids, boilers, belt filter press, and generators.
• Performs process lab tests to ascertain pH, dissolved oxygen, phosphorus, temperature, and chlorine residual.
• Participates in Public Works Operations snow removal activities.
• Performs physical and mental demands and work environment requirements for this position.
• Attendance during regularly scheduled work hours and outside regular hours as necessary.
• Effective and respectful communication and interactions with other employees, supervisors, individuals from other organizations, and community customers.
• Performs other related work as assigned or apparent within various divisions of public works.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Basic knowledge of wastewater treatment plant operations and processes involving pumping and treating.
• Must have knowledge and ability to correctly and safely operate all hand tools, power tools, and mechanical cleaning equipment required to perform the various functions of the position.
• Basic knowledge of preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, and work order accounting methods.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary in the operation of a wastewater system.
• Knowledge of basic first aid.
• Ability to listen, comprehend, and effectively communicate information both verbally and in writing to all individuals.
• Ability to recognize unsafe conditions.
• Ability to carry out verbal and written directives safely, effectively, and efficiently.
• Knowledge and skill in the operation of equipment, cleaning methods, and materials associated with the position.
• Basic electrical knowledge.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, and the general public.
• Understand and comply with all safety standards, such as lockout/tagout, confined space, safety data sheets (SDS), chemical inventory and ARC flash safety.
• Ability to estimate materials and costs for projects, obtain quotes, and order parts and tools.

Persons with Disabilities:

The above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.

Qualifications / Conditions of Employment
Conditions of Employment:

• Ability to obtain a Minnesota Class D Wastewater Operator certification within two (2) years of employment.
• Must possess a valid Minnesota Class D driver’s license and be able to drive; and obtain a Minnesota CDL Class A driver’s license within 120 days of employment.
• Must possess a tanker endorsement within sixty (60) days of request.
• Must possess a Special Engineer Boiler Operators license or obtain one with six (6) months of employment; and must obtain a 2nd Class (2C) Boiler Operators license when eligible.
• Must register with the Department of Labor and Industry as an unlicensed maintenance electrician within six (6) months of employment.
• Must have the mobility and agility to move about work sites as work demands dictate.
• Must be able to respond to call outs within thirty (30) minutes while on call.
• Satisfactory completion of FMCSA Clearinghouse Query, background examination, physical examination, and drug testing.
• Ability to pass medical standards for respirator, and ability to wear while performing work duties.
• Must be able to work emergency overtime.
• Must meet expectations of the work functions and knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position.
• Must comply with organizational and departmental policies.
• Must comply with data practices policies and standards relative to not public data. Any access to not public data should be strictly limited to accessing the data that are necessary to fulfill the employment responsibility. While data are being accessed, incumbent should take reasonable measures to ensure the not public data are not accessed by individuals without a work reason. Once the work reason to access the data is reasonably finished the not public data must be properly stored according to city policy and the Minnesota Statutes.

Hours of Work
Hours and days of work for this position will vary by shift assignment. General working hours are Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This position will serve on an on-call rotation carrying a business cell phone to respond to emergencies outside of normal business hours. May be required to work nights, weekends, and on holidays.

City of Mankato

2023

BENEFITS OVERVIEW
For a Regular Full-Time Employee

The City of Mankato provides a comprehensive, balanced, and competitive benefits package as part of your total compensation. The City’s benefits programs address both the immediate needs that you and your family may have, such as medical coverage or flexible spending accounts, and your long-term needs, such as retirement savings.

The following outline of City-offered benefits serves as an overview and does not provide all provisions, limitations, and exclusions. If there is a contradiction between this and the official plan documents, the plan documents will prevail.

EMPLOYER PROVIDED BENEFITS:

Paid Vacation:
Vacation accruals, utilization and payouts vary within each collective bargaining agreement and/or employee handbook. The following is the general overview of the vacation benefit:

• Vacation hours may be accrued to a maximum of 50 days or 400 hours.
• Hours are accrued incrementally each pay period.
• Vacation hours may be taken in 30-minute increments.
• Unused balance carries over year to year.

Years of Service – Vacation Days Per Year
0 – 5 years – 10 days
6 – 10 years – 15 days
11 – 14 years – 17 days
15 – 20 years – 20 days
21 years – 21 days
22 years – 22 days
23 years – 23 days
24 years – 24 days
25 years – 25 days
26 years – 26 days
27 years – 27 days
28 years – 28 days
29 years – 29 days
30 years+ – 30 days

Paid Sick Leave:
Employees earn 8 hours of sick leave per month.

11 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday:
All regular full-time employees of the City, except those who are governed by a union contract or different holiday policy, receive ten (10) paid specific holidays and one (1) floating holiday.

Health Insurance Coverage Through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of MN:

• Health insurance plans to choose from: $5,000 HDHP, $3,000 HDHP, $500 CMM, $100 CMM
• City contributes up to $1,000/month ($12,000 annually) towards single coverage plans; and up to $2,500/month ($30,000 annually) for family coverage plans.
• All employee contributions towards premiums are deducted through payroll deductions on a bi-weekly basis.
• City contributions for union members will follow negotiated contract language.

NICE Healthcare (Free to all full-time employees):
Nice is an integrated primary care clinic – meaning NICE offers almost all of the services of a traditional primary care clinic and then some. And better yet, NICE brings that care to your home, office, or wherever you happen to be.
Offers employees and their household members an amazing healthcare benefit with no out-of-pocket fees. Below are the comprehensive primary care services that NICE offers:

• Same-Day Chat and Video Visits
• In-Home Visits with 35 Free Labs and Physical Tests
• 550+ Free Medications Can Be Prescribed by Our Clinicians
• Free Virtual Physical Therapy
• Free Virtual Mental Health Therapy
• Free In-Home X-rays and EKG Services

Term Life Insurance:
The City provides a term life insurance policy at no cost to the employee. (Face value is 125% of employee’s base salary up to a maximum of face value of $50,000).

Retirement
PERA (Public Employees Retirement Association)

1. Must participate as directed by Minnesota Statutes.
2. Employer and employee contribution rates vary depending on position.
3. May obtain refund of employee contribution on termination of service.

2023 Employer/Employee Contribution Rates – Effective January 1, 2023
Contributions are calculated on gross bi-weekly salary each pay period.

Coordinated Plan
Employer: 7.5%
Employee 6.5%

Police and Fire Plan
Employer: 17.7%
Employee 11.8%

OPTIONAL VOLUNTARY BENEFITS AVAILABLE:
The following benefits are available on an elective basis at the employee’s choice:

Deferred Compensation Plans (457)
Plans available through ICMA, Nationwide Retirement Solutions, and MN Deferred Compensation Plan.

Dental Insurance
Coverage through Delta Dental.

Health Care and Day Care Flexible Spending Accounts

Computer Purchase Program
0% interest for up to 3 years (max. $3,500)

Payroll deductions available for:

• YMCA membership at corporate rates.
• Savings Bonds.
• Various voluntary group life and disability plans.
• AFLAC
• Voluntary Dental Insurance

Credit Union Membership – Eligible for membership

• MN Valley Federal Credit Union
• Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union

Vacation Purchase Program
Employees may purchase additional vacation time (limits apply).

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Questions regarding benefit information can be directed to Human Resources at 507-387-8664.

01

The following supplemental information may be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Be certain that the choices you make correspond to the information you have provided in your application. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is true and accurate. Any information provided may be reviewed by the hiring manager. Any misstatements or falsification of information will eliminate you from consideration or may result in dismissal. Do you understand and agree with this statement?

• Yes
• No

02

Which of the following best describes your level of education?

• High school diploma / GED
• Some college
• Associates / 2 Year Degree/Certificate
• Bachelors
• Masters or higher
• None of the above

03

Which of the following best describes the field of study in which you possess a degree?

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• HVAC, Plumbing or Electrical
• Water/Wastewater
• My degree is in a field not listed above
• N/A – I do not possess a degree

04

If applicable, please list the specific field of study in which you possess a degree. If no degree, type N/A.

05

Which of the following programs have you completed? (select all that apply)

• Water operators program
• Wastewater operators program
• None of the above

06

Which of the following best describes the status of your driver’s license?

• I possess a valid Minnesota Class D (standard driver’s license)
• I possess a valid Minnesota Class C
• I possess a valid Minnesota Class B-CDL
• I possess a valid Minnesota Class B-CDL with tanker endorsement
• I possess a valid Minnesota Class A-CDL
• I possess a valid Minnesota Class A-CDL with tanker endorsement
• I possess a valid driver’s license from another state
• I possess a valid CDL from another state
• I possess a valid CDL with tanker endorsement from another state
• I do not possess a valid driver’s license

07

Which of the following valid Minnesota Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator class certification do you possess?

• Class D
• Class C
• Class B
• Class A
• Do not currently possess a Class D MN Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator certificate, but am willing and able to obtain one within two (2) years of employment.
• None of the above

08

Which of the following best describes your years of employment experience working in operating and/or maintaining a wastewater treatment plant?

• No experience
• Less than 6 months
• More than 6 months, but less than 1 year
• More than 1 year, but less than 2 years
• More than 2 years, but less than 3 years
• More than 3 years, but less than 4 years
• More than 4 years, but less than 5 years
• More than 5 years, but less than 6 years
• More than 6 years, but less than 7 years
• More than 7 years, but less than 8 years
• More than 8 years, but less than 9 years
• More than 9 years, but less than 10 years
• 10 or more years

09

Describe your experience operating or maintaining a wastewater treatment plant. If you do not have any experience, type N/A.

10

Which of the following best describes how frequently you work as a member of a team?

• Multiple times a day
• Once a day
• Multiple times a week
• Once a week
• None of the above

11

Select the work experience you have had in any of the following areas. (select all that apply)

• Chemical feeders
• Chemical handling
• Confined space entry
• Electrical equipment
• Filter press / solids dewatering
• Front end loader operation
• Greasing pumps
• Laboratory practice/apparatus
• Lock out/Tag out
• Mechanical equipment
• Oil changes
• Polymer systems
• Pump teardown
• Rebuilding mixers
• Rebuilding motors
• Repairing pumps
• Repairing and replacing pipes of various sizes
• Repairing electrical panels
• Repairing HVAC equipment
• Repairing boilers
• Tractor/forklift operations
• N/A – I do not have experience in the above listed areas

12

Please list any other mechanical and/or maintenance experience you have that is not listed above, If you have no other experience, type N/A.

13

Select any of the following endorsements, certifications, or licenses you currently possess. (select all that apply)

• Special Engineer Boiler Operator’s license
• Second Class (2C) Boiler Operator’s license
• Basic first aid / CPR
• None of the above

14

In the Public Works Utilities Division, we use the following types of software. Please select the current versions of software that you are PROFICIENT in using: (select all that apply)

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook & PowerPoint)
• Cartigraph or other asset management software
• SCADA
• Water Information Management Solution (WIMS)
• Basic knowledge of PLC’s operations and troubleshooting
• None of the above

15

Which of the following best describes your computer experience/ability?

• No experience
• Limited – I am somewhat familiar with computers.
• Moderate – I use a computer occasionally at home and/or at work.
• Extensive – I use various computer programs as a significant portion of my job.

16

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: Describe any other special training you’ve completed or skills and experience you currently possess that you feel would make you the best-qualified person for this position. If none, type N/A.

17

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: If selected as a finalist, are you willing to undergo a background investigation which may include, but not be limited to: verification of employment and education records, identification verification, driver’s license record, FMCSA Clearinghouse query, a criminal history, pre-employment drug testing, and physical examination?

• Yes
• No

18

Questions 18 through 20 indicate your willingness to accept the working conditions for this position. If you answer “NO” to any of these questions, you may want to reconsider applying for this position.If hired for this position, are you willing to work emergency overtime hours as needed?

• Yes
• No

19

Are you willing to work on-call as needed?

• Yes
• No

20

Are you willing to work holidays and weekends as needed?

• Yes
• No

Required Question