Water Reclamation Supervisor

The Water Reclamation Supervisor is responsible for the overall administration, direct supervision, operation, and maintenance of the Public Utility’s water and wastewater treatment plants, lift stations, force mains, water distribution systems, and certified laboratory. This role ensures compliance with regulations and standards set by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Supervisor manages, analyzes, and evaluates system performance; oversees proper construction activities; and trains staff in the operation of a membrane bioreactor (MBR) facility. Responsibilities also include recommending and implementing improved operational practices, preparing and monitoring operating and capital budgets, and ensuring full compliance with all federal, state, and local health and environmental regulations.

Supervisor Duties and Responsibilities

•          Directs, coordinates and reviews the work plan for the department; supervise and instruct in the construction, operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant, lift stations.
•          Meet with staff to identify and resolve problems; assign work activities and projects; monitors workflow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures.
•          Establish work priorities, inspect work sites, review work orders, initiate requisitions for equipment and materials, and make crew assignments
•          Assists the General Manager in the interview, employment, promotion, transfer and termination of employees.
•          Supervise personnel involved in the operations and maintenance of the Treatment Plant and Conveyance Systems, including training, assigning and reviewing work, scheduling, conducting performance evaluations and performance improvement plans, and taking or effectively recommending disciplinary and other personnel actions.
•          Provide assistance and direction to staff as required on emergency call situations.
•          Train maintenance technicians on proper preventive procedures.
•          Analyze safety training needs and organize training.
•          Conducts employee evaluations.
•          Prepare and implement apprenticeship and other training programs for employees. Schedules on-the-job training sessions and monthly safety training.
•          Motivates and evaluates department staff and completes annual performance evaluations; works with employees to correct deficiencies through feedback and coaching; negotiates settlements of employee problems or grievances; and implements discipline procedures.
•          Supports the development of employees that results in improved performance. Creates and maintains a work environment that builds talent to ensure the continuity of leadership for the organization.
•          Ensure that crews adhere to all safety and utility policies, procedures and regulations as well as departmental work rules.

Technical/Administrative/Ancillary Duties and Responsibilities

•          Ensure compliance with City, State and Federal policies and ordinances, especially the Safe Drinking Water Act, Federal Clean Water Act, and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System requirements.
•          Assist in the Department’s development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, standard operating procedures and priorities.
•          Conduct inspections, review operations, prepare and report Federal and State Water/Wastewater Quality Reports to MPCA, Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, prepare project designs, review improvement plans, develop operating policies and procedures, etc., to ensure safe and efficient operation of the Wastewater and Water Treatment Plants.
•          Review emergency plans and response criteria.
•          Inspect plant processes and provide technical advice and assistance on process control problems.
•          Approve requisitions for supplies and materials.
•          Recommend the purchase of equipment and assist in the development of specifications and bid documents.
•          Provide public relations assistance for water and wastewater plants, including providing technical responses and education programs.
•          Develop process control strategies; analyze operational and lab data and initiate control changes to maximize treatment effectiveness.
•          Work with custom farm operators who take Bio Solids to insure good farming practices and monitor land application requirements.
•          Prepare, implement and oversee capital improvement programs to ensure the Wastewater and Water Treatment Plant Systems and lift stations and force mains will maintain long term and stable operations.
•          Prepare and present initial budget request for submission to Public Utilities General Manager. Monitor changes in Federal and State treatment standards and regulations. Forecast personnel and equipment requirements to meet standards. Ensure timely submission of various reports required by regulatory agencies. Maintain records and prepare other reports as requested.
•          Attend Detroit Lakes Department staff meetings. Give Utility Commission and City Council presentations on issues pertaining to the potable water system and the wastewater system.
•          Supervise and participate in chemical and bacteriological examinations of water and wastewater in various stages of its treatment including chemical dosing and application of chemicals.
•          Develop and refine laboratory and safety methods and procedures and work with Lab Technician on all phases of testing.
•          Follow all safety rules and procedures established for work areas.
•          Develop and maintain cooperative and respectful relationship with staff, co-workers and supervisor.
•          Review and provide comments to City Engineer on City Infrastructure projects relating to water and sanitary sewer construction/replacement projects.
•          Conduct and schedule visitor tours at the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants.
•          Maintain proficiency by attending conferences and meetings, reviewing reports, reading job related materials and meetings with others in areas of similar responsibility. Actively participate in organizations which will benefit the Water, Wastewater Utility and the Utility of Detroit Lakes such as Minnesota Rural Water, MPCA, Minnesota Department of Health, American Water Works, MESERB and others.
•          Oversee operations and maintenance of sanitary and storm water lift stations and associated force mains.
•          Coordinate with General Manager and engineers on plans and specifications as well as work with contractors on water and sewer projects.
•          Handle customer complaints on water quality and wastewater issues.
•          Conduct sewer and water inspections when required.
•          Work with MPCA on inspections and projects.
•          Work with Public Utilities General Manager on water/wastewater rate studies.
•          Work with MDH on water corrosion control study and general water quality.
•          Update Wellhead Protection plans as required by MN Dept. of Health.

While these are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as part of their role with the City.

Requirements

•          Valid Minnesota Driver’s License
•          Minnesota Class A Wastewater Operator License
•          MPCA Biosolids Type IV License

•          Associate degree (A-WW) in Water Environment Technology, Water Quality Science, or a closely related field, and seven (7) years of progressively responsible management and supervisory experience in a municipal government setting; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

   

  
  

Both sick banks will align with Minnesota Earned Sick and Safe Time guidelines

Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) - Beginning January 1, 2026, employees will be eligible for Paid Family and Medical Leave benefits in accordance with Minnesota law. The City of Detroit Lakes will participate in an approved equivalent plan administered through MetLife. The total premium rate for the program is 0.79% of eligible wages, which will be split equally between the City and the employee (0.395% each). The program provides partial wage replacement and job protection for qualifying family and medical leave events, including the employee’s own serious health condition, bonding with a new child, caring for a family member, military-related events, or safety leave. Eligibility, duration, and benefit amounts are determined by statute and plan terms. Paid Family and   Medical Leave benefits coordinate with, but are separate from, accrued sick leave and vacation benefits.