Technical Assistance Optimizer - Engineer Senior - Job ID 73920

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

Job Summary

This position’s primary role is to provide wastewater-related technical assistance to small, rural, and tribal publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) throughout the state for the purpose of protecting and improving Minnesota’s water quality and natural resources.

The person in this position will perform technical assistance activities for the municipal wastewater sector. Specifically, this position will provide wastewater engineering support to optimize the operation of wastewater treatment facilities (WWTF), source reduction work, assess improvement and/or design projects, help evaluate process improvement at wastewater facilities, and help municipalities access funding opportunities. The incumbent in this position is responsible for working with other Technical Assistance staff and consulting with data managers, compliance and enforcement staff, permit writers, and other Agency staff to create a plan to provide meaningful technical assistance. This person will identify assistance needs, delivery mechanisms, priorities, and measures. The person in this position is responsible for implementing the plan and incorporating sound engineering practices into design and operation as well as coordinating across the program with other technical experts to provide education and assistance on wastewater requirements. The incumbent is also responsible for managing special projects and coordinating contractor technical assistance tasks.

This work is performed under limited supervision in coordination with staff at all levels of state and local government and non-governmental organizations. A variety of skills are needed, including project management, a strong knowledge in state and federal water quality requirements, strong understanding of engineering principles related to wastewater including planning, design, and operations of wastewater treatment technologies, in-depth knowledge about the operation of POTWs, innovative engineering processes and operational practices as well as effective written and oral communication to a variety of audiences.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Civil, Chemical, Mechanical, Environmental or similar engineering field from an accredited engineering college 

AND

Licensure as a professional engineer with the Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience and Interior Design or be able to obtain licensure through reciprocity.

Strong understanding of wastewater engineering, operations and treatment principles and practices.

Strong technical and administrative written and oral communication skills.

Possess a valid Driver’s license (see additional requirements).

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

Wastewater optimization experience to help improve plant performance and productivity.

Understanding of federal and state regulatory frameworks and their applicability to wastewater treatment facilities.

Demonstrated knowledge of biological and chemical nutrient removal. 

Strong collaboration skills to work with teams, including other engineers, wastewater operators, consultants, MPCA staff, and other wastewater professionals to come up with creative solutions.

Strong understanding of challenges facing small, rural wastewater communities.

Strong time management skills, self-motivated, well organized and able to creatively solve problems.

Excellent presentation skills and the ability to present complex technical information in a manner that can be easily understood by a range of audiences.

Effective human relations skills and knowledge to facilitate a good working relationship between wastewater facilities, wastewater operators, city administrators/mayors, wastewater organizations, and other state and local entities.

Ability to keep up-to-date with new wastewater technologies and processes.

Ability to initiate, follow through and complete projects independently. 

Physical Requirements

May require the ability to conduct site visits in all types of weather conditions at wastewater treatment facilities which may involve climbing and/or stepping over obstacles and observing wastewater construction sites. Ability to carry up to 20 pounds (monitoring equipment, file boxes).

Additional Requirements

A driver’s license is an essential function of this position. This requires possession of an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License. The job offer is contingent on confirmation of a valid driver’s license AND a satisfactory driver’s license record check. Requires a Class D Driver's License: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver's license. Operators may also tow vehicles/trailers as long as the gross combination weight does not exceed 26,000 pounds.

About Pollution Control Agency 

Our mission is to protect and improve the environment and human health. We work with many partners (citizens, communities, businesses, all levels of government, environmental groups, and educators) to prevent pollution, conserve resources, and to help ensure polluting does not have disproportionate impact on any groups of people. We emphasize work-life balance with flexible schedules, compressed schedules, and options to telework for some positions.