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:
Division: Environmental Services
Department: Empire Plant
Opening Date: 10/15/2026
Closing Date: 10/28/2026 11:59 PM Central

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 Unitprovides 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
• 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

Additional Requirements:

• 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):

• 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.

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:

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

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

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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

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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: metrotra