Interceptor Operator - REPOST

Position: Interceptor Operator Status: REPOST Salary: See Position Description Location: Various MCES locations (metro area) as assigned, MN Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 2025-00286 Division: Environmental Services Opening Date: 03/24/2026 Closing Date: Continuous

Description

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. WOMEN AND MINORITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

We are accepting applications until all positions are filled. The first review of applications will begin on April 7, 2026.

These positions are located in Eagan, Mound or Mounds View. Employees are assigned to a base facility and may rotate among these locations.

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 Governors Award as a Great Place to Work.

To find out more about the Environmental Services division, please click on the link for more information: https://metrocouncil.org/Wastewater-Water.aspx.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region: The Interceptor Operator provides routine operation, preventative maintenance, and emergency repair of the regional wastewater collection systems and/or pumping stations. The hard-working individuals we need for our team will be capable of managing their own time, working independently as well as in teams, have the desire and ability to work in all types of outdoor conditions, performing physical labor, as well as providing technical support.

Required work duties include climbing down into wastewater structures and pipes, checking for obstructions, inspection and cleaning, working in confined spaces, and dealing with obnoxious odors.

Work Schedule: Typical work schedule includes 8-hour shifts, Monday through Friday. Interceptor Operators will be expected to be on call some nights and weekends to respond to alarms and emergencies and to perform necessary routine weekend maintenance at designated facilities.

This recruitment may establish a six (6) month eligibility list for current and future vacancies if we have multiple qualified candidates. Placement on the eligible list does not guarantee you a job with the Council.

What you would do in this job

Operations and Equipment:

• Operate and maintain wastewater collections system equipment (i.e., pumps, control valves, heating/ventilation equipment, generators, blowers, etc.).
• Perform preventative maintenance, lubrication and monitoring of equipment.
• Operate and maintain flow measuring (meters) devices.
• Respond to spills, wastewater stoppages, and cleanup of overflow by taking appropriate corrective actions.
• Assist in the design and construction of small concrete and timber projects and perform a variety of construction fabrication duties such as carpentry, masonry, and metal work.
• Transport and connect trailer mounted standby electrical generator and pump equipment.
• Clear obstructions and verify proper operations of wastewater conveyance equipment and facilities.
• Perform wastewater infrastructure inspections manually and remotely utilizing sanitary sewer CCTV (closed circuit televising) equipment and video cameras; rehabilitate system as required.
• Perform Gopher State One Call locates using maps, blueprints, and other reference materials.
• Operate metal locaters, line tracing equipment and KorWeb (Ticket Management system).
• Utilize technology to record conditions of wastewater system components as well as inspections of maintenance performed and to collect geographic data with GPS devices.
• Operate specialty equipment such as skid loaders, forklifts, all-terrain vehicles, jet/vac trucks (Vactors), sanitary sewer CCTV (closed circuit televising) and boom trucks.
• Respond to emergency on-call alarms and situations.

Maintenance:

• Perform light maintenance on the regional sanitary sewer collection system and pumping stations with specialty equipment.
• Perform preventative maintenance on equipment and instruments to ensure efficient operation and accurate instrument reading.
• Perform routine adjustments and minor repairs to motors, pumps, and valves.
• Clean bar screens, pumps and other process control equipment utilizing hand tools and power tools.
• Maintain tools, equipment and materials; inspect and troubleshoot operational and equipment problems.
• Maintain facilities by cleaning, sweeping, and hosing down equipment, piping, and valves.
• Perform general building maintenance and grounds-keeping tasks, lawn maintenance and snow removal.

Safety:

• Perform maintenance checks and service on safety equipment and stations, including fire extinguishers, first aid equipment, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, and eye wash/shower stations.
• Use appropriate safety equipment (oxygen, toxic/explosive monitoring equipment meters, fall protection, respirator protection) necessary to complete work in hazardous atmospheres.
• Apply proper safety precautions, rules and regulations, and practices of a wastewater collection system.
• Deploy traffic control devices.
• Use defensive driving techniques.

Communications and Customer Service:

• Communicate regularly with manager, leads, and co-workers to coordinate work activities.
• Communicate with the public when performing Gopher State One locates and while on various work sites.
• Represent MCES in a positive light by using defensive driving techniques, responding to odor complaints and emergencies in a timely manner and being courteous and respectful in all interactions with the public and staff.

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

• High school diploma or equivalent and one (1) year of verifiable work experience in HVAC, electrical, mechanical maintenance, or related field (please refer to Supplemental Questions for complete list).

License Requirements:

• Valid drivers license with an acceptable driving record. (Commercial Drivers License (CDL) a plus, but not required).
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a CDL with Tanker and Air Brake endorsements within six (6) months. CDL training provided by Met Council through a 3rd party trainer. (Note: Inability to obtain CDL license within the 6 months probationary period will lead to disqualification from employment).
• Must obtain and maintain a MN Wastewater Operator S-D Level certificate or higher within 18 months. Training preparation for S-D Certificate provided by Met Council through Sacramento State Wastewater Collection Systems curriculum. Failure to obtain the S-D certification will result in disqualification from employment.

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

• Completion of a wastewater treatment or relevant vocational/technical degree or certification (WETT/WUTT) program.
• Wastewater collections system experience in water and/or sewer, vactor operation, general lift station operation, sanitary sewer CCTV (closed circuit televising), or Gopher State One Call locating.
• NASSCO Pipeline Assessment Certificate Program (PACP) certification.
• Possession of a Class A Commercial Drivers License (CDL).
• Experience interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Multi-lingual.
• *Training pertinent to both licenses/certifications will be provided while on the job.

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

• Technical: Knowledge of tools, materials, and equipment used in general maintenance and repair operations and construction operations (wrenches, drivers, socket sets, screwdrivers, hammers, cutting tools, small electrical and/or air power tools such as impact wrenches and drills).
• Language: Ability to read and communicate at a sufficient level to understand training manuals, safety regulations, federal and state regulations and other regulations. Ability to comprehend understand and apply basic written, oral practices and techniques. Ability to communicate effectively and accurately using standard written English (grammar, punctuation, spelling, word usage and sentence structure).
• Math: Knowledge of basic mathematics; ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.

You must watch this 7-minute video "Overview of MCES Interceptor Services" in order to answer the supplemental questions.

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: AFSCME/Grade CFLSA
• Status: Non-Exempt
• Safety Sensitive: Yes, subject to random drug screening
• Full Salary Range: $29.15 - $47.34 hourly / $60,632 - $98,467 annually
• Starting Salary: $33.10 hourly

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.

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 youre 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-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.

We believe our employees are a key to our agencys success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below:

• Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund
• Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan
• Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80%
• Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance

The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free:

• Well@Work clinic
• Bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year
• Parking at many job locations
• Fitness centers at many job locations
• Employee Assistance Program
• Extensive health and wellness programs and resources

01 Applicant Instructions: The supplemental questions listed below are to further evaluate your education and experience and to determine your eligibility for this position. Answer each question completely, and please do not type "see resume" otherwise your application will be considered incomplete, and you will not receive further consideration for this position. The experience you indicate in your responses should also be consistent with the Work History section of this application. If you attach a resume and/or cover letter to your application, it will be reviewed at the education and experience review step.

I have read and understand the above instructions regarding supplemental questions. [Yes / No]

02 How did you first hear about this job opening?

• CareerForce Center
• Community Event/Organization
• Employee Referral
• Facebook
• Glassdoor
• Indeed
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Metro Transit Bus Advertisement
• Twitter
• Website: governmentjobs.com
• Website: metrocouncil.org
• Website: metrotransit.org
• Website: minnesotajobnetwork.com
• Other

03 If you selected Other, please describe where you first heard about this job. If you selected Employee Referral please enter the employees first and last name, ID number (if known), and job title. Type N/A if not applicable.

04 Do you have a high school diploma or GED? [Yes / No]

05 Do you have a valid drivers license with an acceptable driving record? [Yes / No]

06 If you have a valid commercial drivers license, please select all that apply.

• Class A
• Class B
• Air Brake Endorsement
• Tanker Endorsement
• Other

07 Please select the areas below with which you have at least one year of full-time (or equivalent) work experience (select all that apply).

• Plumbing
• Public Works/Utilities
• Wastewater Worker
• Construction
• Manufacturing/Machine Operation
• Assembly/Factory
• Landscape
• Gopher State One Call Locating
• Other
• None of the above

08 If you indicated you have experience in question 7, please identify the employer(s), your job title(s), and major job duties for each work experience selected. If you selected other, please explain. If you do not have this experience, indicate N/A.

09 If you have a current wastewater operator collection system certificate, provide your certification # and expiration date. If you do not have a certificate, indicate N/A.

10 I have read the job description and understand that failure to obtain and maintain a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with Tanker Endorsement and Air Brakes within the six (6) month probationary period will lead to disqualification of employment. [Yes / No]

11 I have read the job description and understand that failure to obtain and maintain a Wastewater S-D Certification or higher within the 18-month period will lead to disqualification of employment. [Yes / No]

12 Please select the areas below with which you have education and/or experience (select all that apply).

• Vocational/technical degree in wastewater treatment, engineering, civil technical or construction
• Wastewater collections experience in water and/or sewer, vactor operation, general lift station operation, sanitary sewer CCTV (closed circuit televising), or Gopher State One Call locating
• NASSCO Pipeline Assessment Program certificate
• None of the above

13 This job involves being on call and working some weekend and/or night shifts. Long hours may be required at times. Are you willing and able to be on call and work these hours/shifts? [Yes / No]

14 This position will REQUIRE you to do all the following:

• Work in confined spaces, such as wastewater vaults, pipes, tunnels, or holding tanks.
• Regularly climb up and down ladders and stairs.
• Work in and around raw wastewater.
• Be on call to respond to emergency situations at any hour of the day, night, weekends and holidays.
• Work in all types of weather conditions.
• Lift up to 50 pounds.

Are you willing to work under these conditions? [Yes / No]

15 Provide example(s) of when you worked with any of the conditions listed in question 14. Please describe in detail. If this does not apply to you, please indicate N/A.

16 Describe a hands-on project (home or work) where you performed a physical task that used tools and equipment to make a repair or perform a task. In detail, describe the task, tools used, and result.

17 Describe a technical issue you resolved. Briefly outline what steps you took in the process.

18 Outline roles you have had improving processes, safety or work practices. Briefly describe one or two examples where you have made a difference in those areas.

19 Briefly describe your experiences (work or personal) interacting with people from backgrounds different than your own.

20 The posting includes a link to a short video to give you a better idea of what the position is like. What did you find the most interesting in the video?

21 The Interceptor Operations department has maintenance facilities located in Eagan, Mound, and Mounds View. Which work location would be your preference? Select all that apply.

• Eagan
• Mound
• Mounds View
• Any of the locations

22 The Metropolitan Council recognizes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and generative tools are increasingly used in application processes. While the Council permits the use of AI to assist in the preparation of application materials, all applicants must certify to the following:

I affirm that all information provided in my application including any uploaded documentation is true and accurate. I further affirm that I have personally reviewed, verified, and approved all content, including any content generated with the assistance of AI. I will provide all interview responses directly and in real-time without unauthorized assistance. I will not use AI avatars, external assistance in answering including computer-generated suggestions, or any recording and transcription tools during the interview process unless I have received prior approval from Human Resources for a disability-related reasonable accommodation.

Required Question

Employer: Metropolitan Council Address: 390 Robert St. N. St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101 Website:https://metrocouncil.org