What are the responsibilities and job description for the Equipment Operator (Sanitary Sewer System) position at City of Rochester, MN?
Position Description
The City of Rochester welcomes applications for:
Equipment Operator
Sanitary Sewer System
Department: 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 v oices 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 Work
The 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:
To have your application considered for the first round of interviews, please apply by Thursday, October 29, 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 Responsibilities
The work below is representative of the scope of work performed within this job classification. Individual job duties will vary based on work assignment.*Conduct technical inspection and analysis of sewer system*Perform snow and ice control*Perform safety operationsMiscellaneous duties and responsibilitiesPerform other duties as assigned or necessary.
Education and Experience
High 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 Certifications
Valid 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 Qualifications
Two (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
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 CRITERIA
In 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.)
The City of Rochester welcomes applications for:
Equipment Operator
Sanitary Sewer System
Department: 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 v oices 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 Work
The 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
To have your application considered for the first round of interviews, please apply by Thursday, October 29, 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 Responsibilities
The work below is representative of the scope of work performed within this job classification. Individual job duties will vary based on work assignment.*Conduct technical inspection and analysis of sewer system*Perform snow and ice control*Perform safety operationsMiscellaneous duties and responsibilitiesPerform other duties as assigned or necessary.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Education and Experience
High 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 Certifications
Valid 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 Qualifications
Two (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 PROGRAM Employees 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 POLICY The 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.
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 CRITERIA
In 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.)
Salary : $30 - $32