Senior Water Plant Operator

Salary : $78,467.00 - $95,595.00 Annually
Location : Duluth, MN
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: L26076
Department: Public Works & Utilities
Division: Utility Operations
Opening Date: 09/09/2026
Closing Date: 9/23/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Basic
Probation Period: 12 months
Eligible List Duration: 6 months


Job Posting Information
About the Water Plant The Lakewood Water Treatment Plant is responsible for treating and distributing the City of Duluth's drinking water, sourced from Lake Superior. This facility plays a critical role in maintaining public health and meeting regulatory standards. Operators are essential to the day-to-day monitoring, operation, and maintenance of this system.

Important Application Information At this time, we are accepting applications for both Water Plant Operator and Senior Water Plant Operator. We anticipate filling one position at either level. To be considered for the Water Plant Operator position, you must have a Minnesota Class "C" or "D" Water Supply System Operator's certification. To be considered for the Senior Water Plant Operator position, you must have a Minnesota Class "A" or "B" Water Supply System Operator's certification. Applicants will only be eligible for hire into the position(s) for which they submit an application.
SUMMARY/PURPOSE

To maintain the safe and efficient operation of the City's Water Treatment Plant and Water Supply System, including stations, towers, and reservoirs, in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Employees at the Senior Water Plant Operator level are distinguished from the Water Plant Operator level by possessing their Minnesota Class "A" or "B" Water Supply System Operator's certification. They are certified by the MDH, and possess the knowledge needed to perform duties as assigned, and are expected to function with the highest amount of plant and system knowledge. This level exercises independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The supervisor makes assignments by defining objectives, priorities, and deadlines and assists incumbents with unusual situations which do not have clear precedents. Incumbents plan and carry out the successive steps and handle problems and deviations in the work assignment in accordance with instructions, policies, previous training, or accepted practices in the occupation.
SUPERVISION GIVEN

Does not have direct supervisory responsibility but does have significant oversight of employees or projects that require delegation and direction over the work of others.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)
1. Complete regular rounds and inspections of all Water Division facilities to ensure proper operations and functioning of process equipment and security of all buildings and stations, including monitoring in extreme weather conditions, such as high winds, lightning, blizzards, extreme cold, and stormy conditions.

2. Control the volume and pressure of raw, intermediate, backwash filters, and treated water to the appropriate points within the water system by monitoring and operating pumps and valves in order to meet demand for finished water.

3. Controls coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, fluoridation, and disinfection in the treatment process to meet all applicable standards for potable water treatment.

4. Provide safe, high quality water in adequate supply to meet health and sanitary needs of customers, and conduct laboratory testing and monitoring of the treatment plant process to ensure requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act are met.

5. Operate second, third, weekend, and holiday shifts without supervision, and make decisions and maintain equipment and processes used in treating and delivering water to produce potable water in accordance with all applicable standards.

6. Prioritize and process information pertaining to emergency maintenance needs by coordinating personnel and equipment to worksites.

7. Make initial assessments of an emergency and determine degree of danger, damage, urgency, and inconvenience involved.

8. Provide direction and assistance to others involved in operational and project problem solving.

9. Troubleshoot and correct abnormal operating conditions in emergencies, and make split-second decisions without supervision, in mechanical process, instrumentation, electrical, equipment and call out appropriate personnel to repair.

10. Assist with the delivery of hazardous chemicals received at the treatment facility.

11. Record, update, and log all pertinent data and information in regards to operation, monitoring, dosages, chemicals, and records for the operations, towers, stations, and reservoirs.

12. Collaborate with other individuals, within and without the City, in order to conduct regular repairs, upgrades, services, and emergency repairs that affect operations.

13. Maintain the plant operations 24/7/365, including operating 12-hour shifts, holidays, and weekends.

14. Be available in emergency situations, shift substitutions, to assist in operations of treatment plant or system.

15. Coordinate repairs to plant, system, station, reservoirs, startup/shutdowns with other services and contractors.

16. Train new operators in procedures and operations until ready to operate (4-6 months).

17. Be an effective team member by exhibiting self-motivation, supporting other employees in handling tasks, interacting effectively and respectfully with others, showing a desire to contribute to the team effort, accepting assignments willingly, and completing tasks within agreed upon timelines.

18. Coordinate with various City departments, other government agencies, and community groups to develop methods of sharing resources, minimizing duplication, and simplifying procedures.

19. Provide training on new or modified procedures and policies to all affected parties.

20. Coordinate and perform startups/shutdowns and operations of station pumps, reservoir levels, filters for work-pm-upgrades for functions and programs for the City.

21. In collaboration with the supervisor, organize and direct the work activities of assigned team, and determine work priorities, assignments, and work schedules.

22. Provide input on decisions regarding the hiring processes and onboarding procedures of personnel.

23. Establish and maintain positive working relationship with the supervisor and employees by maintaining two-way communication, producing consistent results, advocating for the team when appropriate, and offering expertise to improve processes, systems, and the organization.

24. Other duties may be assigned.

Job Requirements
Education & Experience Requirements

A. A minimum of five (5) years of full-time, verifiable professional experience operating a potable water treatment plant (surface water preferred).

B. Associate's Degree in Water Resource Technology or comparable degree preferred.
License Requirements

A. Possession of a Minnesota Class "A" or "B", Water Supply System Operator's Certificate.

B. Possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Class D driver's license or privilege.

C. Must obtain a Minnesota Special Boiler Operator's License within six (6) months of appointment and maintain thereafter.

Selection Process Information

Education/Experience Review (100% of scoring process; 70 pass point): Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be rated based on the type (relatedness) and extent of their education and experience as documented on their application and/or supplemental questionnaire. Applicants who pass this exam will have their names placed on an eligible list for this classification.


Non-Discrimination
The City of Duluth is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, disability, genetic information, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Alternative Exam Process (does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, temporary, or part-time non-union selections)
For individuals who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), alternative examination processes are available on an individual basis upon prior arrangement. Contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io, as soon as possible prior to the scheduled date of the exam. TDD services are available through View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Work Eligibility
In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Duluth requires verification of identity and work eligibility at the point of hire.

Right to Appeal (does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, temporary, or part-time non-union selections)
Any applicant who has been found qualified to participate in a selection process for a position in the classified service who has reason to contest the validity or fairness of any step in the selection process may appeal to the Civil Service Board within 10 calendar days of the examination. (If the examination is an Education & Experience Review, the applicant must appeal within 10 calendar days of the closing date for accepting applications.) The notice of appeal shall be in writing, shall contain a complete statement of the matter in controversy and the relief requested, and shall be signed and dated by the appellant. The notice shall be addressed to the Civil Service Board and be delivered to the Human Resources Office. If an applicant wishes to file an appeal electronically, the notice should be sent by email to .
VETERANS PREFERENCE
Does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, seasonal, temporary, or part-time non-union selections

To apply for Veterans Preference, the applicant must attach the required documents when submitting their application.

• Scan and combine all documents into one file before uploading it to the Attachments section of the application.
• Submitting this information is optional, but preference points cannot be awarded without it.
• Points are only awarded if the applicant passes all exams and submits all required documents to Human Resources.

OPEN SELECTIONS

Veteran

Required Documents:

• DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge.

Disabled Veteran

Required Documents:

• DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge;
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) Disability Rating Decision showing a service-connected disability rating of 10% or greater, dated within the past 12 months.

Spouse of Disabled Veteran

Required Documents:

• Marriage certificate;
• DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge;
• USDVA Disability Rating Decision showing a service-connected disability rating of 10% or greater, dated within the past 12 months.

Eligibility:

• The applicant must currently be married to the veteran;
• The veteran must meet the minimum qualifications for the position but be unable to use the preference because of a service-connected disability. The applicant must explain this in their response to the related question in the Agency Questions section of the application.

Spouse of Deceased Veteran

Required Documents:

• Marriage certificate;
• Death certificate;
• DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge;
• USDVA Disability Rating Decision showing a service-connected disability rating of 10% or greater.

Eligibility:

• The applicant must not have remarried;
• The veteran must have died during active duty or as a result of an injury received during active duty.

PROMOTIONAL OR INTERNAL SELECTIONS

Points are only awarded to Disabled Veteran's score one time, on first promotional or internal only selection process after securing City employment.

Disabled Veteran

Required Documents:

• DD214 or DD215 ("Member-4" copy) showing honorable discharge;
• USDVA Disability Rating Decision showing a service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater, dated within the past 12 months.

Please refer to for additional information about Veterans' Preference.
Eligible City of Duluth employees earn a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• Vacation, Sick and Personal Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Medical Plan
• Dental Plan
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Retirement Benefits
• Deferred Compensation
• Training and Advancement Opportunities
• Employee Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program

Benefits are prorated for part-time employees and administered in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement or management compensation plan.
01


Are you a current City of Duluth employee who has successfully passed a probation period for a classified/regular union position?

• Yes
• No

02


Which best describes how you meet the minimum Education & Experience Requirements for Senior Water Plant Operator?

• I meet the minimum Education & Experience Requirements for this job classification through a minimum of five years of full-time, verifiable professional experience operating a potable water treatment plant.
• I do not meet the minimum Education & Experience Requirements for this job classification.

03


Describe how you meet the Education & Experience Requirements for this position as indicated above (be specific).
04


Which best describes how you meet the Education & Experience preferred qualifications for Senior Water Plant Operator?

• I meet the Education & Experience preferred qualifications through an Associate's Degree in Water Resource Technology or a comparable degree.

05


Which best describes your current driver's license status?

• Valid MN Class D or equivalent
• Valid MN Commercial Class C or equivalent
• Valid MN Commercial Class B or equivalent
• Valid MN Commercial Class A or equivalent
• No valid driver's license

06


Which best describes your current Water Supply System Operator's Certificate?

• I have a valid Minnesota Class D Water Supply System Operator's Certificate or equivalent certification from another state.
• I have a valid Minnesota Class C Water Supply System Operator's Certificate or equivalent certification from another state.
• I have a valid Minnesota Class B Water Supply System Operator's Certificate or equivalent certification from another state.
• I have a valid Minnesota Class A Water Supply System Operator's Certificate or equivalent certification from another state.
• I do not have a valid Minnesota Water Supply System Operator's Certificate or equivalent certification from another state.

07


I understand that I must obtain a Minnesota Special Boiler Operator's License within six months of hire and maintain licensure thereafter.

• Yes
• No

08


Describe your experience with methods, tools, equipment, chemicals, and materials used in the treatment of water for consumption.
09


Describe your experience troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing mechanical plumbing, electrical and electronic systems.
10


What challenges do you believe you would encounter when dealing with a surface water treatment facility over a ground water treatment facility?
11


Describe your experience reading and interpreting information from charts, maps, diagrams, gauges, meters, and computers.
Required Question