Salary: $29.60 - $31.79 Hourly
Location : Public Works Transportation Operations Center, 4300 East River Road NE, Rochester MN 55906, MN
Job Type: Regular FT
Job Number: 20260033
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 06/05/2025
POSITION DESCRIPTIONThe City of Rochester welcomes applications for:
Equipment OperatorSanitary Sewer SystemDepartment: Public Works
The City of Rochester is committed to a community where all members feel a sense of belonging. We commit to recognizing the diversity of our community members, listening to ALL voices and providing equitable services to create an inclusive place to live, play and work.
We believe EQUITY should be at the center of all our work. We strive to represent our community in our teammates, as we know that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, and have an empowering impact on the work, progress and culture of our community.
Nature of WorkThe Equipment Operator (Sanitary Sewer System) is an entry-level skilled position that operates complex pieces of equipment to complete a wide range of maintenance activities on City infrastructure. Typical job duties may include, but are not limited to: inspecting, cleaning, maintaining, and reconstructing City sanitary and storm sewers; performing quality control related tasks such as generating and maintaining accurate documentation; performing snow and ice control during winter months (must be available for call-in during off hours in the case of inclement weather); performing safety operations; and completing other duties as assigned.
Types of equipment that Equipment Operator (Sanitary Sewer System) are required to operate include, but are not limited to: sewer jetting systems, sewer jet-vac trucks, CCTV inspection crawlers, mechanical sewer rodders, forklifts, ATVs, graders, rollers, wheel loaders, backhoes, dump trucks, jackhammers, air compressors, pavers, sweepers, various hand tools, and other related equipment.
2026 starting wage:
- $29.60 - $31.55 per hour based on experience, with advancement to $38.41; OR
- $31.79 - $34.04 per hour, with advancement to $40.62, with valid MPCA Collections System Operator's License Class S-D
Benefits-This position is eligible for benefits offered by the City of Rochester. Please check out the benefits tab at the top of the page for more details.
To have your application considered for the first round of interviews, please apply by Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled
The City of Rochester will not sponsor or transfer visas for this position including F1 OPT STEM
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESThe work below is representative of the scope of work performed within this job classification. Individual job duties will vary based on work assignment.
*Perform sanitary and storm sewer maintenance- Construct, repair, and replace sewer lines, manholes, catch basins, and other sewer infrastructure
- Perform regular inspections on pipes, manholes, catch basins, culverts, siphons, and other sewer infrastructure
- Respond to reports of backups and flooding; investigate for cause, clear blockages, and generate record documents
- Clear trees and other obstructions from sanitary sewer easements
- Clear roots, leaves, ice, and other debris from sewer pipes, manholes, and catch basins
*Conduct technical inspection and analysis of sewer system- Operate CCTV inspection equipment to rate, evaluate, and record defects found within the sewer systems per the NASSCO PACP and MACP standards
- Work with teammates and supervisors to recommend preventative and corrective maintenance based on observations
- Install, calibrate, and monitor flow metering equipment
- Identify sources of inflow and infiltration to the sanitary sewer with smoke and dye testing as well as visual inspection
- Maintain detailed and accurate records of all maintenance, repair, and inspection activities
*Perform snow and ice control- Operate equipment to plow and sand streets and sidewalks
- Remove snow in the Central Business District as needed (this is generally completed during overnight hours to cause the least disruption to the public)
- Be available for call-in during off hours in the case of inclement weather events
*Perform safety operations- Put up proper barricades and warning signs in accordance with proper safety requirements
- Check and maintain assigned equipment in accordance with proper safety requirements
- Direct traffic as required
- Perform confined space entry as either entrant or attendant while adhering to safety requirements
- Perform open trench construction work while adhering to all safety regulations and guidelines
- Report all unsafe conditions to supervisor
Miscellaneous duties and responsibilities- Collaborate with supervisor on infrastructure maintenance needs
- Assist with carpentry work
- Wash and clean equipment
- Perform preventative maintenance and/or minor repair to City equipment; e.g. grease, oil, etc.
Perform other duties as assigned or necessary.* ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSEducation and ExperienceHigh school diploma or equivalent and two (2) years full-time equivalent employment experience in operation, maintenance, or construction of sanitary or storm sewer systems
OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job may also be considered.
Licenses and CertificationsValid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL); a Class A driver's license with a tanker endorsement is required within one year of hire
Valid MPCA Collections System Operator's License Class S-D required within one year of hire
NASSCO PACP and MACP training required within three years of hire
Desirable QualificationsTwo (2) years of experience with the inspection and evaluation of sanitary and/or storm sewer systems.
MPCA Waste Water Operator Class S-C or higher
NASSCO PACP and MACP certification
If this work interests you but you are unsure if you meet all the job requirements listed above, please apply anyway! Your experience is likely more applicable to the role than you think, and the City is interested in candidates who can bring not only technical expertise but a variety of lived experience to the team.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION*THIS POSITION IS COVERED BY THE CITY'S HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAMEmployees in this position are required to use hearing protection and the City of Rochester will conform to all State and Federal requirements in administering this program.
*THIS POSITION IS COVERED BY THE CITY OF ROCHESTER DRUG TESTING POLICYThe drug and alcohol testing policies and procedures of the City of Rochester will conform to all State and Federal requirements, including Minnesota Statutes 181.950 through 181.957; the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988; and/or the US Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
*Pre-employment and/or periodic testing may be required.
THIS POSITION IS COVERED BY PUBLIC WORKS' RESPONSE TIME REQUIREMENT Public Works employees currently in the position or individuals hired for this position must reside within an area which will allow them to report for work within thirty (30) minutes from the time notified. Those who do not currently meet this requirement shall be allowed no more that twelve (12) months after the date that they were hired to fill the position to meet this requirement. Promotions to positions may be withheld from employees who residence would prevent them from meeting the thirty (30) minutes response time.
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIAIn compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.
In consideration of the overall amount of physical effort required to perform this position, the work is best described as Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Physical demands that may be required continuously (2/3 or more of the time), frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) are noted below:
Frequent demands: standing; walking; lifting; carrying; pushing/pulling; balancing; stooping; kneeling; crouching; crawling; twisting; bending; foot controls; fine dexterity; and simultaneous use of the hand, wrist and fingers.
Occasional demands: sitting; reaching; handling; and climbing.
Sensory requirements necessary in the performance of the essential functions of this position include: sight, hearing, and touch.
Environmental conditions that may exist in the performance of the essential functions of this job include:
Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
Noise (need to shout in order to be heard)
Vibration (exposure to oscillating movements of the extremities of whole body)
Exposure to wastewater/dust/gas/fumes/steam/chemicals
Potential exposure to infectious diseases
Work outdoors (no effective protection from weather)
Walk on uneven ground (gravel, rocks, mounds, construction sites)
Working around moving machinery (fork-lifts, tractors, mowers)
Work in permit-required confined spaces (manholes, vaults, catch basins, etc.)
Protective equipment required (respirator, mask, earplugs, gloves, eyewear, etc.)
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT AND RETIREMENT SUMMARY01
By completing your application and supplemental questions you are attesting all information is true, accurate, and verifies your relevant education and experience. Your submitted materials will be used to determine your employment eligibility. Do you understand and agree with this statement?
02
What is your preferred name?
03
Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B)?
04
Which of the following best describes your level of education?
- High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D.
- Less than 2 years post-secondary training
- Completion of a 2-year program or degree
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- None of the Above
05
Which of the following best describes your total years of full-time employment experience in the operation or maintenance of sanitary or storm sewer systems?
- No experience
- Less than 1 year
- More than 1 year, but less than 2
- More than 2 years, but less than 3
- More than 3 years, but less than 4
- More than 4 years, but less than 5
- More than 5 years, but less than 7
- More than 7 years, but less than 10
- 10 or more years
06
Tell us how your professional, educational, and lived experience would help you be successful in this role.
07
Which of the following best describes your experience with underground utility installation (water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer)?
- N/A - I have no experience in this area
- Limited - I am familiar with the process but do not possess any experience in this area
- Moderate - I have some experience with water and/or sewer installation related to residential construction or have been indirectly involved with installing underground utilities
- Extensive - I have been on a crew where I operated the equipment used to install underground utilities such as water, sanitary sewer, or storm sewers
08
Which of the following best describes the level or class of the driver's license that you currently possess?
- N/A - I do not currently possess a valid driver's license
- Class A: Any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GWVR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds
- Class B: Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR
- Class C: Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is placarded for hazardous materials
- Class D: passenger car or truck
09
If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), please indicate which endorsements, if any, that you currently possess. (Select all that apply)
- N/A - I do not have a CDL
- I have a CDL, but I do not have any of these endorsements
- T - Double/Triple Trailers
- P - Passenger
- N - Tank Vehicle
- H - Hazardous Materials
- X - Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials
10
This position requires a valid MPCA Collections System Operator's License Class S-D required within one year of hire. Which of the following applies to you?
- I do not currently possess a Class S-D license, and am able to obtain it within one year of hire.
- I do not currently possess a Class S-D license, and am NOT able to obtain it within one year of hire.
- I currently possess a Class S-D license.
- I currently possess a Class S-C license.
- I currently possess a Class S-B license.
- I currently possess a Class S-A license.
11
Why are you interested in this position, and how does it align with your skills, experience, and career goals?
12
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: If selected as a finalist, are you willing to undergo a background investigation which may include, but not limited to: verification of employment and educational records, identification verification, driver's license re...
