Engineer - Wastewater Process/Specialist Studies Focus

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.
The Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) division has one (1) vacancy for an Engineer -Wastewater Process Engineering/Special Studies in the Operational Support Services Process Engineering, Research and Development, and Air Quality unit.

This position will be posted until filled and may close without further notice on August 16, 2024. The first review of applications will be August 23, 2024.

Join an award-winning wastewater industry leader in protecting our environment! Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) 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. MCES treatment plants 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:

As an Engineer (wastewater process engineer/special studies) working in this function, you would assist with the identification, design, and performance of targeted research studies to increase our understanding of the wastewater treatment processes and associated systems that are critical to MCES's operational objectives. These studies might vary widely and could range from addressing immediate optimization opportunities or troubleshooting challenges to developing long-term research programs to generate needed information on emerging topics. Tasks can include all aspects of applied engineering research and wastewater treatment system process engineering, including problem definition; experimental design; engineering analysis; lab-, pilot-, and/or full-scale testing; data gathering and analysis; and report generation. In this position, you would work with senior staff in the Process Engineering, Research and Development, and Air Quality group to identify and address key study areas. Topics for study will be developed through partnerships and collaborations with other stakeholders including those who operate and maintain MCES facilities and those who plan and design facilities to meet future requirements and/or new treatment goals.

This position is focused on accomplishing on-site work of both field and laboratory studies and is generally an on-site position. After a period of developing familiarity with the position, this position may be eligible for a limited hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

• Apply scientific and engineering concepts to help identify, characterize, and solve treatment process problems or manage other technical issues of interest to MCES.
• Design and perform targeted laboratory, pilot-scale, and/or full-scale experiments to collect data from wastewater and MCES treatment processes in support of process performance improvements or optimization.
• Identify and apply new laboratory methods and techniques necessary to accomplish research/study goals.
• Prepare technical memos, reports, and presentations to disseminate results.
• Assist in the organization and oversight of the R&D laboratory and related equipment and resources.
• Collaborate and partner with a wide range of stakeholders to identify topics of interest and troubleshoot, optimize, or generate planning information for our wastewater system.
• Balance/assist with multiple projects and prioritize tasks according to urgency and benefit to MCES.

Any combination of professional and responsible related work experience paid graduate-level academic engineering research experience, AND successful completion of the Fundamental of Engineering (FE) exam within six months of hire.
(Note: The FE exam replaces the former Engineering in Training (EIT) exam.

• Bachelor's degree AND two (2) years of related work experience.
• Master's degree or higher, no work experience required.

• A graduate degree in a relevant engineering field with experience performing laboratory and pilot-scale research on wastewater treatment topics.
• Interest and some experience in the application of molecular biology concepts and laboratory techniques to wastewater-related issues.
• Interest and some experience in the application of advanced data analytics and/or state-of-the-art mechanistic models to wastewater process engineering.
• Experience, fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion competency and understanding.

• Proficiency with fundamental scientific, mathematical, and engineering concepts.
• Specific proficiency with fundamental process engineering concepts.
• Proficiency in basic experimental design and data analysis.
• Basic knowledge of wastewater treatment processes.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite and data analysis tools.
• Proficiency with basic scientific laboratory procedures.
• Strong critical thinking skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong data analysis skills, including a solid understanding of basic mathematical and statistical methods and procedures.
• Strong technical writing and verbal presentation skills.
• Strong and effective communication skills for interactions with coworkers and internal and external partners, including the ability to build relationships and trust.
• Basic command of time- and project management skills.
• Ability to read, interpret, analyze, and critique relevant scientific and engineering literature, consultant reports, and other relevant technical documents.
• Ability to respond appropriately to common inquiries from stakeholders, collaborators, and executives.
• Ability to effectively present information to executives, public groups, or Council members.

• 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.

Union/Grade: AFSCME Grade G
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Full Salary Range: $34.70 - $52.36 hourly / $72,176 - $108,909 annually

What your work environment would be:
The majority of the time, work is performed in office and laboratory settings. Fieldwork, including sample collection and pilot system operation, at any of our nine wastewater treatment plants or other MCES locations will be required. In this position, one may be exposed to or come in close proximity to moving parts, fumes, airborne particles, sewage, outdoor weather conditions, and vibration. Confined space entry at industry and various facilities may be required. Appropriate safety trainings will be provided.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.