Operator 2 - Relief Operator

Operator 2 - Relief Operator

Salary

$30.57 - $39.06 Hourly

Location

Water Reclamation Plant, 301 37th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901, MN

Job Type

Regular FT

Job Number

20260064

Department

Public Works

Opening Date

08/25/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The City of Rochester welcomes applications for:

Operator 2

(Relief Operator)

Water Reclamation Plant

The City of Rochester is committed to a community where all members feel a sense of belonging. We commit to recognizing the diversity of our community members, listening to ALL voices and providing equitable services to create an inclusive place to live, play and work.

We believe EQUITY should be at the center of all our work. We strive to represent our community in our teammates, as we know that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, and have an empowering impact on the work, progress and culture of our community.

It takes us all working together

The Water Reclamation Plant treats wastewater for the City's residents, industries, and numerous visitors, treating an average of 13 million gallons of wastewater per day, using a combination of physical, chemical, and biological processes to remove pollutants. The Water Reclamation Plant is staffed 24 hours per day and has 30 full-time employees. The site is situated on 32 acres with buildings covering 8 acres.

This position will be open until filled.

Nature of Work

The Operator 2 is a skilled position assisting in the operation and maintenance of the Water Reclamation Plant, a municipal wastewater treatment facility. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, monitoring and controlling plant processes; inspecting, maintaining, and repairing plant mechanical and control equipment and remote lift stations; cleaning plant equipment and process areas as necessary; and assisting in the maintenance of plant buildings and grounds.

Operator 2s or Relief Operators spend approximately 2/3 of their time working in a standard day schedule and the remaining 1/3 working in a relief role for the Operator 1. Relief hours earn a higher level of pay and will include some nights, weekends, and holidays.

This position relieves the Operator 1 position as assigned. When in the relief role, the operator oversees operations of the facility including identifying issues, making adjustments, and ensuring treatment of all processes.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, performing water quality testing; sample collection; instrumentation cleaning and calibration; adjusting pumping and chemical rates; cleaning plant equipment and process areas as necessary; assisting the Chief and Master Mechanics in equipment inspection and repair.

Pay: The 2026 hiring range for this position is $30.57 to $39.06 per hour.

Benefits: This position is eligible for benefits offered by the City of Rochester. Please check out the benefits tab at the top of the page for more details.

To have your application considered in the first round of reviews, please apply before September 10, 2026 at 1159pm CST. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The City of Rochester will not sponsor or transfer visas for this position including F1 OPT STEM.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor and control plant processes
• Monitor process control computer data to stay current with the status of all plant processes. Make adjustments to control set points as necessary to keep control parameters within normal operating ranges.
• Conduct routine inspections of plant operations and the buildings and grounds. Read gauges and other monitoring equipment and make adjustments to the process control parameters as required.
• Start and stop plant equipment in the event of power outages or severe equipment failures. Make adjustments as necessary to the plant processes to minimize the upset to the process due to equipment failures.
• Provide operational assistance as needed or assigned.
• Relieve Operator 1's
• Perform all duties listed above.
• Make operational decisions without direct supervision on over 20 unique process systems that require mechanical, chemical, physical, and biological understanding
• Review technical documents and be able to apply to plant operations as needed
• Respond to process and equipment failures.
• Effectively communicate decisions and status of all process to other Operators and Plant Staff to ensure proper understand of each system for coworkers coming on shift
• Collect wastewater and sludge samples and perform laboratory tests.
• Perform calculations necessary to make adjustments to chemical feed rates.
• Record and document issues so that mechanical, electrical, and engineering staff can use notes do diagnose and resolve the matter
• Determine equipment repair needs and arrange for equipment repair as appropriate.
• Maintain equipment
• Perform sample collection; perform water quality testing and interpret results as directed.
• Perform preventative maintenance on equipment in accordance with a predefined maintenance schedule.
• Inspect equipment by reading temperature, pressure, flow, and other meters and make adjustments as necessary.
• Report equipment malfunctions. Assist in troubleshooting and in repair of equipment as necessary.
• Record work activities and parts used with Computer Maintenance Management Software (CMMS).
• Assist in maintenance and calibration of plant equipment.
• Complete operational projects as assigned.
• Maintain a clean and orderly workplace
• Clean process areas and equipment as necessary in order to maintain a safe and clean working environment.
• Assist in the maintenance of the plant buildings and grounds.
• Report areas needing maintenance or cleaning.

Miscellaneous

• Assist in the training of new operators and other plant staff as assigned.
• Assist in the application of biosolids as necessary.
• Assist with plant tours.
• Advise supervisor on topics within area of expertise.

Perform other duties as assigned or necessary

• ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Completion of a diploma program in water environment technologies or related field from an accredited technical college training program and one year of operational experience at a Class A wastewater treatment facility

OR

High School diploma or equivalent and three years of operational experience at a Class A wastewater treatment facility

An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job may also be considered.

Licenses and Certifications

Applicants must possess noted licensures/certifications at the time of hire and if hired, must continuously maintain licensures/certifications as a condition of continued employment.

Valid drivers license

Certification as a Class D Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator; must obtain a Class C Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator within one year of hire

Special Boiler Operators license upon hire; must obtain a 2nd Class C low-pressure Boiler Operators license within one year of hire

Desirable Qualifications

Working knowledge of Windows based computer software

Class B Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator certification

Valid Class A drivers license

Special Requirements

This position will be assigned rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

THIS POSITION MAY BE COVERED BY THE CITYS RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM

(based on job assignment)

Employees in this position are required to use respiratory equipment, and the City of Rochester will conform to all State and Federal requirements in administering this program.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: equipment, facilities, materials, methods and procedures used in maintenance activities; the functions and servicing requirements of mechanical equipment and machinery; computer operations; basic wastewater processes including physical, chemical, and biological components; the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the operation of wastewater treatment plant equipment and processes; and the type and significance of laboratory tests performed in wastewater treatment operations.

Skill in: effective communication techniques and exercising sound judgment under stressful conditions.

Ability to: work quickly and efficiently under emergency conditions; use standard mechanical tools; read meters and gauges correctly; operate a variety of plant equipment; conduct standard wastewater laboratory tests; work with others in a cooperative manner; follow oral and written instructions; work as a team or alone; and prepare and maintain operating records.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.

In consideration of the overall amount of physical effort required to perform this position, the work is best described as Medium/Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds infrequently, and/or up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Physical demands that may be required continuously (2/3 or more of the time), frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) are noted below:

Continuous demands: standing and walking.

Frequent demands: lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, handling, fine dexterity, crouching, bending, twisting, balancing, simultaneous use of wrists and hands, and foot controls.

Occasional demands: carrying, sitting, climbing and crawling.

Sensory requirements necessary in the performance of the essential functions of this job include: sight, hearing, touch, and smell.

Environmental conditions that may exist in the performance of the essential functions of this job include:

• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
• Noise (need to shout in order to be heard)
• Vibration (exposure to oscillating movements of the extremities or whole body)
• Exposure to dust/gas/fumes/steam/chemicals
• Work outdoors (no effective protection from the weather)
• Walk on uneven ground (gravel, rocks, mounds, construction sites)
• Work at heights (such as on scaffolding or ladders)
• Working around moving machinery (fork-lifts, tractors, mowers)
• Protective equipment required (respirator, mask, earplugs, gloves, eyewear, etc.)
• Potential exposure to infectious diseases

As a City of Rochester teammate, we believe you are the most important resource for the delivery of high-quality services to our community. The City is committed to supporting the health and well-being of you and your family by offering a comprehensive and competitive benefits package.

The City provides certain core benefits that are at no cost to the employee, such as Base Life and AD&D Insurance and access to an employee assistance program. We also offer voluntary benefits which include medical, vision, and dental, a flexible spending account, long term and short team disability, supplemental life and AD&D insurance, and retirement savings plans.

Benefit summaries outline the Citys benefit offerings for our various collective bargaining agreements.

Click on the link below that takes you to the webpage where these are found.

https://www.rochestermn.gov/council-administration/careers/benefits/#BenefitsSummaries

01

By completing your application and supplemental questions you are attesting all information is true, accurate, and verifies your relevant education and experience. Your submitted materials will be used to determine your employment eligibility. Do you understand and agree with this statement?

• Yes
• No

02

What is your preferred name?

03

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status)?

• Yes
• No

04

Tell us how your professional, educational and lived experiences would help you be successful in this role.

05

Which of the following best describes the level or class of the drivers license that you currently possess?

• N/A - I do not currently possess a valid drivers license
• Class A: Any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GWVR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds
• Class B: Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR
• Class C: Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is placarded for hazardous materials
• Class D: passenger car or truck

06

Which of the following best describes your level of education?

• High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D.
• Less than 1 year of post-secondary training in Water Environment Technologies or closely related discipline
• Completion of Water Environment Technologies Diploma or closely related discipline
• Completion of a 2 or 4 year program in Environmental Sciences or closely related discipline
• Completion of a 2 or 4 year program in an area NOT related to Water Environment Technologies, Environmental Resources or closely related discipline
• None of the above

07

Please indicate the wastewater license that you possess: (license must be unexpired) Note: It is the responsibility of each applicant to verify their eligibility for Wastewater Licensure.

• Minnesota Class A Wastewater License
• Minnesota Class B Wastewater License
• Minnesota Class C Wastewater License
• Minnesota Class D Wastewater License
• Other State Wastewater License
• I do not possess a Class C or higher Wastewater License, but am able to obtain a Class C Wastewater License within one year of hire
• I do not possess a Class C or higher Wastewater License and am NOT able to obtain a Class C Wastewater License within one year of hire

08

Which of the following describes your current Minnesota Boilers License Classification:

• Special Engineer
• 2C Class
• 2B Class
• 2A Class
• 1C Class
• 1B Class
• 1A Class
• Other boilers license
• I do not have a boilers license

09

If you do not possess at least a 2C Class Boilers Licensure, are you able to obtain this certification within one year of hire?

• Yes
• No
• I already possess a 2C Class or higher licensure

10

The Operator 2 spends approximately 2/3 of their time working in a standard day schedule and the remaining 1/3 working in a relief role for the Operator 1. Relief hours will include some nights, weekends, and holidays. Are you able to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed?

• Yes
• No

11

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

12

Which of the following best describes your years of full-time employment experience performing operational duties at a Class A municipal wastewater facility?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• More than 1 year, but less than 2
• More than 2 years, but less than 3
• More than 3 years, but less than 4
• More than 4 years, but less than 5
• More than 5 years, but less than 7
• More than 7 years

13

Which of the following best describes your years of full-time employment experience performing operational duties at a Class B, Class C or Class D municipal wastewater facility?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• More than 1 year, but less than 2
• More than 2 years, but less than 3
• More than 3 years, but less than 4
• More than 4 years, but less than 5
• More than 5 years, but less than 7
• More than 7 years

14

Describe your experience performing operational duties at a municipal wastewater facility. Please include your position title(s), the employer name(s), duration of employment and the actual duties you performed. Do not type "See Resume". If no experience, type "N/A".

15

Which best describes your experience performing maintenance on mechanical equipment and machinery?

• Extensive - I have performed maintenance on mechanical equipment/machinery as a regular part of my job.
• Moderate - I have done some maintenance on mechanical equipment/machinery.
• Limited - I am somewhat familiar with performing maintenance on mechanical equipment/machinery.
• I have training/knowledge in performing maintenance on mechanical equipment and machinery, but no experience in this area.
• I have no experience, knowledge, or training in performing maintenance on mechanical equipment/machinery.

16

Share with us an example of time when you noticed someone struggling or in need, and you chose to help them. What moved you to step in to help?

17

Describe for us, in under 150 words, what value the Water Reclamation Plant would gain by hiring you as a team member.

18

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: If selected as a finalist, are you willing to undergo a background investigation which may include, but not limited to: verification of employment and educational records, identification verification, drivers license record and a criminal history?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Rochester

Address 201 4th Street SE

Rochester, Minnesota, 55904

Phone (507) 328-2555

Website https://www.rochestermn.gov/employment