Business Unit Manager, East Business Unit

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 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. Environmental Services water resource recovery facilities 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: https://metrocouncil.org/Wastewater-Water.aspx.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:
Under the direction of the Assistant General Manager of Operations, the Business Unit Manager (BU Manager), East Business Unit provides overall leadership, management, and technical support for the East Business Unit to ensure compliance with the environmental and safety regulations. The BU Manager develops the business unit culture, 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.

• Provides leadership and direction for the effective operation and maintenance of the East Business Unit, which consists of four wastewater treatment plants ranging in size from 2 to 35 million gallons per day (MGD) capacity.
• Manages a staff of approximately 25 to 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; and provides coaching, counseling, training, and development.

• Conducts grievance investigations as well as corrective action, performance improvement plans, and 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; and 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, and 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 and 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.

Any of the following combinations in completed education (degree field of study in engineering, chemistry, biology, environmental studies, or related field) and experience (in wastewater treatment or related field):

• High school diploma/GED with twelve or more years of experience, including five or more years of experience in a lead, supervisory, project management, and/or management role
• Associate degree with ten or more years of experience, including five or more years of experience in a lead, supervisory, project management, and/or management role
• Bachelor's or higher degree with eight or more years of experience, including five or more years of experience in a lead, supervisory, project management, and/or management role

• Class A wastewater certification for the State of Minnesota OR ability to obtain certification within twelve months.
• Driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

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

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

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!

Union/Grade: 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 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.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

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.