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Water Treatment Operator

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Water Treatment Operator

Salary

$82,064.32 - $86,611.20 Annually

Location

Minneapolis, MN

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

2026-00005

Department

Public Works - Water Treatment & Distribution

Division

PW Water Treatment

Opening Date

01/16/2026

Closing Date

1/30/2026 11:59 PM Central

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

CLB

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Position Description

Operate a wide variety of pumps, valves, pipes, and reservoirs used in the water production system, impacting pumping stations, chemical water treatment systems, dewatering facilities, lagoons, lift stations, and boilers and monitor chemical dosage levels and operate chemical feed equipment to ensure proper functioning and application of chemicals .

The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Work Location

This position currently works on-site only.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

+ Operate and monitor the water systems equipment such as filters, membrane units, chemical feeders, pumps, boilers, valves, tanks, and filter presses to produce potable water.

+ Operate pumping stations, chemical water treatment systems, dewatering facilities, lagoons, lift stations, and filter presses.

+ Monitor and measure chemical dosage levels and operate chemical feed equipment to ensure proper functioning and application of chemicals.

+ Operate various pumps, valves, pipes, and reservoirs used in the water production system.

+ Inspect and perform essential maintenance of all related chemical, pumping, and analytical equipment.

+ Perform inspections throughout the facilities on a roving schedule to assess conditions and effect required corrective action, including regular, pre-defined, and as-needed tasks.

+ Record and maintain process information on water quality, production, pumping, and maintenance.

+ Perform and interpret routine water quality analyses by collecting samples and performing physical and chemical analyses.

+ Positively engage in training both as a trainee and mentor in areas in Minneapolis plant operations. When serving as a mentor, assist supervisors in assessing training progress.

+ Clean, maintain and calibrate analytical equipment and chemical feed pumps.

+ Perform routine monitoring of building mechanical systems and low-pressure heating boilers. If qualified and properly licensed, additional boiler duties may be assigned.

+ Perform housekeeping duties and ground maintenance within and around facilities.

+ Operate forklifts, pallet movers, and specialized equipment for moving railroad cars.

+ Receive chemical deliveries, including escort, unloading, and transferring.

+ Repair ultrafiltration membrane filters.

+ Perform other related duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

Perform office and fieldwork. Field type conditions in a water treatment plant and outside; work may include working in all kinds of weather conditions; exposure to heat, gases, fumes, chemicals, dust, dirt, and noise; ability to climb and work off of stairs, ladders and other platforms; ability to lift, maneuver and carry tools/equipment weighing up to 50 pounds; operate valves requiring up to 100 pounds of force; as needed, wear a respirator; work alone; work in confined spaces, in spaces which are not easily accessible and underground; climb down and work in manholes; work/stand on various surfaces.

Availability

The Minneapolis drinking water utility is a 24 hours a day, seven-days-a-week operation. Therefore, the person(s) filling this position must be willing to work fixed or rotating shift assignments, 24 hours a day and 365 days per year, including weekends and holidays, and be willing and able to work unanticipated, extended shifts until relieved by another employee.

Typical Shifts

6:30 am – 2:30 pm, 2:30 pm – 10:30pm, 10:30 pm – 6:30am

Required Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Water Environment Technologies Diploma (One Year Program) or Equivalent; post-secondary course work in Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology or related science field.

Minimum Experience

N/A. This is an entry level position, years of experience performing operator work is desirable but not required.

License/Certifications

Currently posses a Minnesota Class 'D' Water Supply Operator Certificate or ability to obtain certificate before hire.

Currently possess and maintain a valid Driver's License without restrictions.

Equivalency

A combination of directly related education and/or experience may be considered.

Directly-related education in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related field or experience working at a water treatment plant performing the duties listed above.

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience and/or an oral examination (100%). It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score (70%) on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.

Background Check

The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants maybe required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

All job applicants must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be required to sign a notification and consent form prior to undergoing drug and alcohol testing. Applicants who do not consent to undergo drug and alcohol testing will not be required to do so and the City will withdraw the conditional job offer, resulting in the job applicant no longer being considered for the position.

Medical Exam

After a conditional job offer, candidates will be required to pass a medical examination which includes a physical screening.

Union Representation

This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and the Laborers Local #363. For more information on the terms and conditions of this agreement please visit:https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/hr/labor-agreements/laborers/

Eligible List Statement

The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire three (3) months after it has been established.

Interview Selection

The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate’s education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

+ Knowledge of mathematics, introductory chemistry, laboratory techniques and interpretation, and analytical instrumentation used in water treatment operations.

+ Knowledge of Computerized Water Control (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition).

+ Knowledge of water plant maintenance and ability to identify and solve problems with water treatment systems.

+ Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.

+ Knowledge of emergency response procedures.

+ Knowledge of national and state regulatory monitoring and reporting requirements for water treatment and residual disposal.

+ Ability to monitor/evaluate/adjust treatment processes.

+ Ability to work in teams.

+ Skill in the operation and regulation of machinery and mechanical equipment.

+ Skill in analytical testing.

+ Ability to read and interpret prints and mechanical drawings, and equipment manuals.

+ Ability to identify potential safety hazards and recognize unsafe work habits.

+ Ability to interpret data.

+ Ability to perform chemical analysis and interpret results.

+ Ability to evaluate the condition of equipment and perform preventive maintenance.

+ Ability to perform safety procedures.

+ Ability to operate mechanical process equipment in a water facility (pumps, valves, gates).

+ Knowledge of chemical feeding equipment.

+ Knowledge of testing equipment and calibration procedures for analytical instruments.

+ Knowledge of analytical laboratory procedures and sampling techniques.

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose—serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.

Benefits Summary

Our employees enjoy competitive salaries and generous benefits. We pride ourselves on a comprehensive benefits program that supports employees' health and financial well-being. Programs, resources, and benefit eligibility varies based on position, average hours worked, location and length of service. For detailed benefits information, please visit the benefits page (http://www.minneapolismn.gov/hr/benefits/WCMS1Q-066289) .

Insurance

Health insurance

Eligibility for benefits begins the first of the month following employment date. The City of Minneapolis offers eligible employees one plan design (http://cityofminneapolis.welcometomedica.com/page/61) with a choice of six provider networks, allowing you to select the best option for you. Available plans include Medica Choice Passport, Medica Elect, VantagePlus with Medica, Park Nicollet and HealthPartners Medical Group First with Medica, Ridgeview Community Network powered by Medica, and Clear Value with Medica.

Dental insurance

The City of Minneapolis offers dental insurance through Delta Dental of Minnesota and pays 100% of the monthly premium for eligible employees.

Life insurance

The city provides basic life insurance of one times your annual salary up to $50,000. You can elect to purchase optional life insurance.

Paid time off

Our generous leave package includes vacation, holidays and paid sick leave, which gives employees the opportunity to enhance their quality of life outside work. Amounts and accrual rates are based on years of experience and collective bargaining agreements (http://www.minneapolismn.gov/hr/laboragreements/index.htm) .

Paid parental leave

City employees are eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in the event of a birth or placement for adoption of a child.

Retirement

City employees earn a pension and may choose to participate in additional retirement savings programs.

+ Pension: The City of Minneapolis participates in the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA). Employees and the City both contribute a percentage of your pay to fund future benefits.

+ Deferred compensation: Employees may choose to participate in pre-tax or after-tax savings plans through the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS).

Transportation

Eligible City employees may choose to participate in the following transportation programs:

+ Metropass: TheMetropass (http://www.minneapolismn.gov/hr/benefits/trans/benefits\_pre-tax-transit) program allows eligible employees to enroll in a pass for unlimited bus or light rail rides at a discounted price.

+ Parking or Van Pool:The City of MinneapolisTransportation Benefits Plan (http://www.minneapolismn.gov/hr/benefits/trans/WCMS1P-113620) gives you options to pay certain commuting costs, such as qualified parking and van pool expenses, with pre-tax dollars.

Learning and development

To engage and develop employees, the City of Minneapolis offers classes in leadership, cultural agility, change management and more. Additionally, educational discounts at Augsburg University, Hamline University, St. Catherine’s, and St. Mary's University of Minnesota are available to City employees.

Other perks

Employees can also take advantage of flexible spending accounts, theEmotional Wellbeing Solutions (https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/hr/benefits-wellness/) , health club discounts and more.

01

How did you find out about this position? (Select all that apply)

+ Recruiter

+ City of Minneapolis website

+ City of Minneapolis employee

+ City of Minneapolis job interest card

+ City of Minneapolis Career Opportunities Bulletin

+ Friend or family member

+ League of Minnesota Cities website

+ Diversityjobs.com website

+ Governmentjobs.com website

+ Indeed.com website

+ Minnesotajobs.com website

+ Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Website

+ Other website

+ LinkedIn

+ Twitter

+ Facebook

+ Other social media site

+ Newspaper

+ Other media

+ College or University

+ Community organization

+ Job Fair

+ Professional association

+ Site Visit

02

Please specify where you heard about the position (e.g., website name, City of Minneapolis employee name, job fair, professional association).

03

The Minneapolis City Water Utility is a 24 hour, 7 day a week, 365 days a year operation. Are you able to work a fixed or rotating shift assignment that includes: nights, weekends, and holidays?

+ Yes

+ No

04

Do you currently possess and maintain a valid driver's license?

+ Yes

+ No

05

Select the field(s) of study of your post secondary educational background (Select all that apply)

+ Biology

+ Chemistry

+ Environmental Studies

+ Water Environmental Technology

+ Related field

+ Other

+ None of the above

06

Which of the Minnesota Water Supply System Operators or Waste Water Treatment Certificate do you currently possess? If you possess one of the below certificates, please attach a copy to your application.

+ Class 'A' Water Supply System Certificate

+ Class 'B' Water Supply System Certificate

+ Class 'C' Water Supply System Certificate

+ Class 'D' Water Supply System Certificate

+ Class 'E' Water Supply System Certificate

+ Type S-A Waste Water Treatment Certificate

+ Type S-B Waste Water Treatment Certificate

+ Type S-C Waste Water Treatment Certificate

+ I do not currently posses a certificate but will obtain one before being hired.

+ None of the above

07

How many years of experience do you have directly working at a water plant?

+ No experience

+ Less than 1 year

+ More than 1 year but less than 3 years

+ More than 3 years but less than 5 years

+ More than 5 years but less than 7 years

+ 7 years or more

Required Question

Employer

City of Minneapolis

Address

350 South 5th Street

Room 1

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55415

Phone

(612) 673-2282

Website

http://www.minneapolismn.gov/jobs

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