Business Unit Manager, East Business Unit

Business Unit Manager, East Business Unit

Salary

$122,907.20 - $199,409.60 Annually

Location

Empire/Farmington Plant, MN

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-00338

Division

Environmental Services

Department

Empire Plant

Opening Date

10/15/2026

Closing Date

10/28/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

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.

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.

What you would do in this job

• 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.

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

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
• Bachelors 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

Additional Requirements:

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

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

• MN Type 4 Waste Disposal Management License (land application license) and experience administering land spreading programs.
• Experience creating and managing plant or facility operating budgets.
• Experience with facility maintenance.
• Experience with facility design and construction.
• Project management experience.
• Experience working in a public sector and union environment.
• Experience promoting an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values culture and diversity among all employees

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

• Comprehensive understanding of wastewater treatment plant processes, industry-related processes, and process-control techniques.
• Knowledge of environmental and safety regulations for municipal wastewater treatment plants including air, water, and land.
• Knowledge of biological, chemical, and hydraulic principles common in wastewater/industrial treatment applications.
• Mechanical aptitude to operate and understand process and plant equipment.
• Knowledge of basic accounting and finance principles, practices, and procedures, including budget development and administration.
• Knowledge of management practices, principles of supervision, and performance management and ability to perform employee hiring, coaching, counseling, mentoring, staff development, training, performance improvement, and discipline.
• Ability to develop high-level strategic planning for the department.
• Knowledge of personnel supervision in a highly unionized environment, including understanding of labor relations issues, contract interpretation, and grievance procedures.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, both orally and in writing, including the ability to read and interpret documents, such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Skilled in writing and editing detailed reports and manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to ad hoc questions from individuals and groups of customers, clients, and/or employees. Skilled in dealing with conflict and ability to respond to stressful situations in a calm, effective manner. Able to communicate with tact, courtesy, and professionalism.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to pay attention to detail and manage multiple responsibilities/priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to operate basic hand and power tools, and meters.
• Strong knowledge of and skill in personal computers and software including MS Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Ability to identify problems, analyze issues, and implement resolutions.
• Effective analytical and detailed investigative skills in researching accidents or other process breakdown incidents and recommending improvements.

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: 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 your physical requirements are:

Position may occasionally be required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and turn, twist, bend at waist. Position requires manual and finger dexterity to handle or grasp hand tools and power equipment and for computer work. Position is required to reach with hands and arms. Position must occasionally be able to lift/carry/push and pull up to 10 pounds on a regular basis and up to 50 pounds occasionally.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

• We review your minimum qualifications.
• We rate your education and experience.
• We conduct a structured panel interview.
• We assign a leadership assessment.
• 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: It is important that your application shows all relevant education and experience you possess. 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 my application and 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
• X (formerly known as 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.

04

Please select the option below that reflects your education and experience level.

• High school diploma/GED AND twelve or more years of experience in wastewater treatment or related field
• Associate degree in engineering, chemistry, biology, environmental studies, or related field AND ten or more years of experience in wastewater treatment or related field
• Bachelor's or higher degree in engineering, chemistry, biology, environmental studies, or related field AND eight or more years of experience in wastewater treatment or related field
• Some education in engineering, chemistry, biology, environmental studies, or related field AND some experience in wastewater treatment or related field, but less than the education/experience combinations above
• None of the above

05

If you indicated in question #4 that you have an educational degree, please indicate the degree type and field. If this doesnt apply, please type "N/A."

06

If you indicated in question #4 that you have experience in wastewater treatment or related field, please describe that experience including your positions, duration of experience in each, and duties performed. If this doesnt apply, please type "N/A."

07

Please select the items below that you have (select ALL that apply).

• 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
• Drivers license with an acceptable driving record

08

Please select the items below in which you have experience (select ALL that apply).

• Managing a plant or multi-faceted heavy industrial process
• Creating and managing plant or facility operating budgets
• Supervising or managing employees in a unionized environment
• Working with EPA, MNPCA, OSHA, and/or other regulatory agencies

09

If you indicated in question #8 that you have experience managing a plant or multi-faceted heavy industrial process, please describe that experience in detail including industry type, level of responsibility, and accountability. If this doesnt apply, please type "N/A."

10

If you indicated in question #8 that you have experience creating and managing plant or facility operating budgets, please describe that experience in detail including level of responsibility, accountability, and budgetary amount. If this doesnt apply, please type "N/A."

11

If you indicated in question #8 that you have experience supervising or managing employees in a unionized environment, please describe that experience in detail including with contract negotiation, interpretation, and grievance procedures as well as the number of employees and unions with which you worked. If this doesnt apply, please type "N/A."

12

If you indicated in question #8 that you have experience working with EPA, MNPCA, OSHA, and/or other regulatory agencies, please describe that experience in detail including with which agencies you worked and your role in that interaction. If this doesnt apply, please type "N/A."

13

Describe your experience working with diverse populations promoting an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values culture and diversity among all employees.

Required Question

Employer Metropolitan Council

Address 390 Robert St. N.

St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101

Website https://metrocouncil.org