Wastewater Operator

About the role

The position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career. This role operates and maintains the Cottage Grove Wastewater and Water Quality Plants, ensuring compliance with State and Federal agencies.

Responsibilities

• Ensure coordination between all shifts on operating conditions.
• Operate process controls on equipment including pumps, bar screens, compressors, blowers, generators, tanks, sludge thickening belts, thermal oxidizers, rotating equipment, activated sludge, sewer systems, inspections, ponds, activated carbon systems, ion exchange resin systems, ultra-filtration, reverse osmosis, distillation systems, regeneration systems, instrumentation, etc.
• Maintain plant functions through computer information, automatic controllers, or manual controls to ensure proper process operations are maintained.
• Monitor wastewater, process water conditions, and add and adjust chemicals accordingly.
• Respond to spills, stoppages, and cleanup of upsets by taking appropriate corrective actions.
• Perform preventive maintenance on equipment to ensure efficient operation and accurate instrument readings.
• Clean tanks, weirs, pumps, and other process control equipment utilizing hand tools and power tools.
• Inspect and monitor equipment.
• Troubleshoot operational and equipment issues.
• Maintain facility by cleaning, sweeping, and hosing down equipment, piping, and valves.
• Handle, mix, dispose, store, ship, prepare labels, and document for handling hazardous waste.
• Change out filters and resin as needed in water filtration systems.
• Use appropriate safety equipment necessary to complete work in hazardous atmospheres.
• Follow standard safety protocol and standards including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and respirators as needed.
• Identify safe work practices to properly use safety equipment.
• Adhere to all safety procedures including lock-out/tag-out, confined space entries, line openings, spark, and open flame permits, etc.
• Attend and participate in all department and safety meetings.
• Attend meetings, workshops, and training sessions, review documents, and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas.
• Initiate SWO’s when necessary to keep operation of treatment plant in good running order and meeting State and Federal guidelines.
• Operate computer control systems at Plant.
• Conduct various process control tests, collect and test samples, and analyze samples.
• Maintain operational logs, calibration records, analytical operation, and preventive maintenance records.
• Communicate with Supervisors, Process Engineers, and Management in the identification of problem areas with operational parameters and activities.
• Collaborate with others and work in teams.
• Perform mathematical calculations to determine compliance with permits, parameter, chemical feed rates, chemical dosages, chemical analysis.
• Maintain proper operational records and data logs.
• Comply with corporate policies, procedures, and security standards while performing assigned duties.
• Contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.

  Requirements

  High school diploma or equivalent.

  Ability to obtain a Wastewater license requirement of Class “D” within 12-15 months of hire.

  Ability to read and understand training manuals, safety regulations, federal and state regulations, and other regulations sufficiently.

  Ability to comprehend, understand, and apply written and verbal directions and standard operating procedures.

  Knowledge of basic mathematics; ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

  Computer skills to use standard and customized software.

  Preferred certification: State of Minnesota Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Class D or higher.

  Experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive environments.

  Qualifications

  To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Ability to obtain a Wastewater license requirement of Class “D” within 12-15 months of hire.
  • Ability to read and understand training manuals, safety regulations, federal and state regulations, and other regulations sufficiently.
  • Ability to comprehend, understand, and apply written and verbal directions and standard operating procedures.
  • Knowledge of basic mathematics; ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
  • Computer skills to use standard and customized software.
  • Preferred certification: State of Minnesota Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Class D or higher.
  • Experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive environments.

  Skills

  • Read and understand training manuals, safety regulations, federal and state regulations, and other regulations sufficiently.
  • Comprehend, understand, and apply written and verbal directions and standard operating procedures.
  • Knowledge of basic mathematics; ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
  • Computer skills to use standard and customized software.
  • Preferred certification: State of Minnesota Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Class D or higher.
  • Experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive environments.

  Benefits

  This position may be eligible for a range of benefits including:

  • Medical
  • Dental & Vision
  • Health Savings Accounts
  • Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Disability Benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Voluntary Benefits
  • Paid Absences
  • Roth IRA
  • Retirement Benefits

  Pay

  The starting rate of pay for this position is $45.19. The range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s relevant knowledge, training, skills, work location, and/or experience.

  Schedule

  This job will require mandatory rotating shift work. Regular job attendance is required. Overtime may be required, including more than 8 hours/day and more than 40 hours/week.

  Location

  Work location: Cottage Grove, MN

  Equal Opportunity Employer

  3M is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.