Assistant Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $31.11 - $41.76 Hourly
Location : 229 Tyler Road N., Red Wing, MN
Job Type: Regular, Full-Time
Job Number: 26-00052
Department/Division: Public Works/Public Services
Opening Date: 07/09/2026
Closing Date: 7/31/2026 4:30 PM Central
Job Summary
The City of Red Wing is currently accepting applications for a full-time Collection & Distribution Operator/Assistant Operator (Depending on Qualifications) in the Public Works Department - Public Services Division. Monday through Friday work schedule. Performs a variety of tasks to maintain and repair the City's water distribution and sewer collection system to ensure the safety and quality of the City's water supply. Assists with operation and maintenance of utility infrastructure including water and/or wastewater treatment facilities, pump stations, wells, reservoirs, and underground distribution and collection systems. It is the intent that individuals would work toward higher level positions upon gaining the necessary experience and operator licenses. Starting pay is $31.11 for Assistant Operator and $34.53 for Operator.
Tentative Hiring Schedule:
Application Open: 7/9 - 7/31
Review of Applications: Early August
Interviews: Mid-August
Start Date: TBD
*Dates subject to change*
Essential Job Functions
An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential duties:
Day-to-Day:

• Perform operational and maintenance activities independently or jointly with other staff; clean and maintain facilities, equipment and tools, vehicles, and building and grounds.
• Monitor and record facility operations through site visits and through the use of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.
• May make routine adjustments to treatment plants, lift stations, booster pumps, and water reservoirs operational parameters and controls. May make process adjustments under the direction of Operators or after receiving the necessary training to do so. Wastewater and water treatment equipment may be complex including pumps, chemical feed systems, treatment and dewatering equipment, and monitoring instrumentation. Equipment can be manually operated or automated.
• Participate in daily and weekend rounds and inspections independently. Complete laboratory tests, maintain records, and monitor facility and equipment operations associated with weekend rounds using documented Standard Operating Procedures and checklists.
• Utilize preventative maintenance (PM) computer software to receive work task assignments and complete documentation of preventative maintenance activities using the PM software.
• Operate Utility Division equipment, including trucks, skid-steers, portable pumps, vactor truck, sewer jetting and rodding equipment, tanker trucks, sewer cameras, jackhammers, and tampers.
• Assist with locating underground utility infrastructure.

Regularly:

• Some tasks may require working in confined spaces or require specialized personal protection equipment such as respirators. Must maintain certification to work in these areas.
• Assist with snow removal and temporary assignments to other divisions.
• Perform related tasks as assigned.

Experience, Education, Certifications, Physical Requirements
All positions have a residency requirement of forty (40) minute driving distance of Public Works 229 Tyler Road N.
Starting Salary based on Licensure. This position will be filled at one of the following levels depending upon candidate qualifications:
Assistant Operator: Must have HS diploma or equivalent. Must possess a Minnesota Class D Water Treatment Operator's Certificate AND a Class D or SD Wastewater Operator Certificate. A valid unrestricted Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with air brakes and tanker endorsement is required. Must pass a DOT physical.
Assistant Operator starting pay of $31.11 per hour.
Operator: Must have HS diploma or equivalent. Must have a Class A CDL with tanker endorsement and be able to pass a DOT physical. Must possess at least one Minnesota Class C AND 1 Class C Water or Class SD or D Wastewater Operator Certificates.
Operator starting pay of $34.53 per hour.
**The successful candidate would be automatically promoted to a higher level upon achieving the minimum certifications for that position.
Physical Requirements:

• Heavy manual labor requiring continuous use of large motor skills, standing for long periods, and frequent bending, stooping, twisting, turning, crouching, stretching, and reaching.
• Frequent exposure to hazardous chemicals, noise, grease, oil and grime.
• Frequent exposure to seasonal temperature extremes.
• Workers are exposed to a wide variety of chemicals and all manner of unknown materials that may be in sewage, some of which are likely to present hazards if not correctly handled.
• Work around moving equipment requires caution as well as use of safety apparel.
• Work may include intermittent lifting, pushing or pulling of over 60 pounds.
• Work may include excavating or working in confined spaces.
• Must be domiciled within a forty (40) minute driving distance of their Primary Work Station.
• Required to work in permit and non-permit confined spaces in the role of Entrant or Attendant.
• Work entails high or dangerous work conditions.

If extended a conditional offer of employment, candidate must pass a DOT physical medical exam and DOT drug screening. Safety-sensitive employees are subject to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) drug testing regulations under which includes marijuana.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge

• Tools and maintenance of equipment used for various jobs.
• Safety rules and regulations to be used with hazards.
• Thorough understanding of City's functions, policies, and procedures.

Skills

• Strong written and oral communications and relational skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Follow and relay complex oral and written instructions, policies and procedures.

Abilities

• Work effectively with others.
• Work with the utmost regard for safety and the safety of others.
• Tolerate interruptions and multitask to meet deadlines.

$250 clothing allowance or employer provided uniforms and washing
Red Wing Steel Toe Boots
Some positions eligible for City provided cell phone
Health Benefits
Medical Insurance - Blue Cross Blue Shield
2- Network choices & 3- plan options.
The three plans we offer are a $1,500 single/$3,000 family Deductible Plan with VEBA, a $3,500 single/$7,000 family HDHP with HSA, a $6,350 single/$12,700 family HDHP with HSA, and a City Paid AFLAC Accident Plan.
The City will make VEBA or HSA contributions, amount depends on the network and plan selected.
Participate in the City's Biometric Screening Incentive Program & save $20.84 per month for a single plan and $31.25 per month for employees and spouses on medical premiums. If participated in the screening you will receive an 8-hour wellness day that has to be used within the year.
KAVIRA
Eligible employees enrolled in City of Red Wing's health insurance (and members of their household) will be enrolled with Kavira at no cost to them. Kavira is a direct primary care service that provides same-day virtual care with at home/work visit follow-up and access to 300 free prescription medications. Kavira treats acute and chronic conditions, provides non-emergency imaging, lab and preventative services.
Health Insurance Opt-Out Program
The City will pay $4,200 for the year to eligible individuals who have an alternative source of group health coverage that is not part of the City's group plan. The opt-out payment will be prorated for the balance of the plan year. You will receive $350 in the form of taxable income on the 1st pay period of each month.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - WEX
Set aside pre-tax dollars from each paycheck for qualified health and dependent care expenses.

1. Health Care FSA - used to pay for eligible medical, dental, and vision care expenses
2. Dependent Care FSA - used to pay for eligible dependent care services, such as preschool, summer day camp, and before or after school programs

Dental Insurance - Mutual of Omaha
Single, Employee +1, and family coverage options are available.
Vision Insurance -

1. Base Plan benefit available to all employees and dependents enrolled in a health plan through The Standard at no cost to the employee. This is a reimbursement plan of up to $150 calendar year maximum.
2. Buy-up plan is the VSP Choice Network. Employee pays for plan premium if you choose a buy-up plan.

City Paid Life Insurance - Mutual of Omaha
The City provides $50,000 in basic life insurance & AD&D at no cost.
Employees have the option of purchasing additional life insurance for themselves, their spouses, and dependents.
City Paid Long-term Disability Insurance - Metlife
Paid Time Off
Vacation - A vacation bank of 40 hours, provided when hired, may be used for pre-approved time off during probation or upon completion of probation. Vacation accrual will start at the 6-month mark.
Sick - Accrue 4.62 hours bi-weekly
Holiday - 12 paid holidays
Retirement Benefits
Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA):
Membership in PERA is automatic for non-elected public employees who meet minimum salary and position eligibility requirements set by Minnesota statute. Both the employee and the City contribute to the employee's PERA benefit.
457 Deferred Compensation Plans
The City offers deferred compensation plans through the following organizations: Nationwide and Minnesota Deferred Compensation Plan (MNDCP).
Tuition Reimbursement
Regular full and part-time employees who have completed probation are eligible to apply for tuition reimbursement. The City will reimburse 100% of approved qualified education-related expenses for approved educational courses to an annual maximum of $5,250 per calendar year. All courses must be pre-approved by the Department Head and Administrative Services.
Public Student Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government or not-for-profit organization, you might be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Wellness Programs

• Blue Cross Advisor - lets you seamlessly connect to all your benefits, claims, rewards, and more. You'll get information based on your benefits and history along with recommendations on steps you can take to improve your health. Earn up to $240 per year by being active.
• Omada - is an online program that uses behavior science to help people lose weight, reduce their risk for chronic disease such as diabetes and heart disease, and feel better than they have in years. Welcome kit - Blood glucose meter, test strips, blood pressure monitor.
• Learn to Live - offers mental health support through customized online programs based on the proven principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The programs are confidential, accessible anywhere, and based on years of research showing online CBT programs to be as effective as face-to-face therapy.

Employee Health and Wellness
M Heath Fairview: Our employee assistance program, this plan includes:

• 4 free counseling sessions, phone, and in-person options
• Legal services
• Identity theft prevention & support
• Member website with articles and webinars

Financial Wellness
Free comprehensive financial plan through intellicents - meet with a financial planner and receive a written financial plan!
Free Life Steps financial wellness app that encourages behavioral changes around money management
Worksite Benefits through AFLAC
Worksite benefits offer supplemental coverage for specific conditions/situations. These policies are offered as optional purchases and provide coverage alongside traditional health insurance plans.

• Accident Insurance
• Cancer Insurance
• Hospitalization
• Short Term Disability

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01
What is your highest level of education?

• High School /GED
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctorate
• None of the above

02
If you have a degree what field is it in? (If no degree mark N/A)
03
Do you have a valid Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

04
Do you hold a valid Class B commercial driver's license (CDL) or can you obtain one within six (6) months of hire?

• Yes, I have a valid Class B CDL
• Not a current license holder but willing to obtain within 6 months
• No

05
Do you hold a valid Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) with air brakes and tanker endorsement or are you able to obtain within the first year of hire?

• Yes, I have a valid class A CDL with air brakes & tanker endorsement
• Yes, I have a Class A CDL but no tanker endorsement
• No Class A CDL but I