Scientific and Technical Support Services Director

WHO WE ARE

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website. 
 
We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. 
 
About Us:
Join an award-winning wastewater industry leader in protecting our environment!  Metropolitan Council Environmental Services operates and maintains the wastewater collection and treatment system in the Twin Cities metropolitan region.  It also provides coordinated long-range water resources and supply planning, and air and water quality monitoring to meet future needs.  Environmental Services water resource recovery facilities consistently earn state and national awards for complete compliance with their environmental permits.  Environmental Services received a Governor’s Award as a Great Place to Work. 

To find out more about the Environmental Services division, please click on the link for more information: https://metrocouncil.org/Wastewater-Water.aspx.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

The Scientific and Technical Support Services Director provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for Scientific and Technical Support Services within Environmental Services. They lead multidisciplinary technical functions, including Process Engineering, Laboratory Services, Research and Development, Air Quality, and Quality Assurance to support operational excellence, regulatory compliance, innovation, and long-term system sustainability. They also establish technical priorities, governance frameworks, and organizational strategies that ensure the effective delivery of scientific and technical services across Environmental Services.

This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. Candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

What you would do in this job

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for scientific and technical programs, services, and initiatives aligned with organizational goals and priorities.
• Direct process engineering, laboratory operations, research and development, air quality, and quality assurance functions to support operational performance and regulatory compliance.
• Establish technical standards, governance processes, and quality assurance practices to ensure reliable and consistent scientific and technical outcomes.
• Lead the development and implementation of technical strategies, work plans, policies, and operational priorities.
• Oversee applied research, pilot studies, process optimization efforts, and innovation initiatives to improve performance, resiliency, and sustainability.
• Collaborate with operational, regulatory, planning, maintenance, and support departments to address complex technical challenges and advance organizational objectives.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, industry trends, and scientific advancements to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.
• Develop and administer departmental budgets, allocate resources, and ensure effective stewardship of financial and technical assets.
• Direct, develop, and evaluate managers and technical leaders; establish performance expectations; and promote employee development and organizational effectiveness.
• Represent Environmental Services in interactions with regulatory agencies, research institutions, industry organizations, consultants, and external stakeholders.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

Any of the following combinations of completed education (degree field of study in engineering, environmental science, wastewater treatment technology, chemistry, biology, or a closely related technical field) and progressively responsible experience (in engineering, wastewater treatment, laboratory science, applied research, environmental science, technical operations, or a related field):

• A high school diploma/GED with thirteen or more years of experience, including five or more years of management experience
• An associate degree with eleven or more years of experience, including five or more years of management experience
• A bachelor’s degree with nine or more years of experience, including five or more years of management experience
• A master's or higher degree with seven or more years of experience, including five or more years of management experience

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Master's or doctorate degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, or a closely related field
• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Experience leading technical functions within a wastewater utility, water utility, environmental services organization, or similarly regulated industry
• Experience overseeing applied research, pilot programs, and process optimization initiatives
• Experience working with regulatory agencies and external research or industry partners
• Experience promoting and supporting an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values cultural diversity among all employees.

What knowledge, skills and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

• Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, process engineering principles, and utility operations.
• Knowledge of laboratory science, applied research methodologies, quality assurance practices, and technical governance frameworks.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations, compliance requirements, and regulatory reporting standards.
• Knowledge of strategic planning, organizational leadership, budgeting, and resource management principles.
• Skill in leading multidisciplinary technical organizations and managing complex technical programs.
• Skill in analyzing and interpreting scientific, engineering, operational, and environmental data.
• Skill in developing policies, standards, governance processes, and long-term organizational strategies.
• Skill in communicating complex technical information to diverse audiences, including executive leadership and external stakeholders.
• Ability to evaluate risk, exercise sound judgment, and make decisions in complex and evolving environments.
• Ability to lead organizational change, foster innovation, and promote continuous improvement.
• Ability to develop, coach, and lead managers and technical professionals.

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.

More about why you should join us!

Additional information

Union/Grade: Non-represented/Grade M
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No
 
What your work environment would be:
You would perform your work in a standard office environment with periodic visits to treatment facilities, laboratories, operational sites, and field locations.

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 conduct a selection interview.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:
  
If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only) and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history.   A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job.  If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.
  
If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards.  A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.
 
The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.

If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email [email protected].

Benefits

We believe our employees are a key to our agency's success!   In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels.   Some highlights about our benefits are listed below:
 

• Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund
• Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan
• Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80%
• Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance

The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council.  You will have access to free:

• Well@Work clinic
• bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year
• parking at many job locations
• fitness centers at many job locations
• Employee Assistance Program
• extensive health and wellness programs and resources

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerMetropolitan CouncilAddress 390 Robert St. N.

St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101 Website https://metrocouncil.org