Manager, ES Safety

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 .

Join an award-winning wastewater industry leader in protecting our environment! Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (ES) 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, as well as air and water quality monitoring, to meet future needs. ES treatment plants consistently earn state and national awards for complete compliance with their environmental permits. ES received a Governor's Award as a Great Place to Work.

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

The Safety Manager provides daily leadership for Environmental Services' safety programs and staff. Reporting to the Director of Environmental Compliance & Safety, this role turns structure into consistent practice, standardizing processes, ensuring accountability, and supporting field operations.

The Manager coordinates safety work across sites, oversees program implementation, and develops staff capability. Focus areas include reliable systems, clear communication, and steady field presence to maintain compliance, strengthen culture, and ensure safe, consistent work across all facilities.

This position may be eligible for a hybrid telework arrangement (remote and in-person) for one to two days per week. Candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

What you would do in this job

• Lead daily operations of the Safety Department-setting priorities, coordinating site coverage, and ensuring timely follow-up on incidents, audits, and requests.
• Develop, lead, and hold accountable a team of Safety Specialists to ensure consistent use of systems, completion of deliverables, and visible field engagement.
• Implement standard processes, tools, and EHS management software to support Environmental Services' Safety System-ensuring repeatable, transparent, and measurable outcomes.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with plant management, maintenance, construction, and operations leaders to ensure practical, field-ready safety solutions.
• Oversee safety program improvement and ensure alignment with regulatory and internal standards.
• Use data and documentation to monitor program performance and communicate progress to leadership.
• Promote a balanced approach to safety that links compliance, field practicality, and continuous improvement.

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

Any of the following combinations of experience and completed education. Bachelor's degree in occupational health and safety, environmental science, engineering, or related field. Demonstrated experience in progressively responsible work experience in a safety-related role, such as risk management, industrial hygiene, or environmental management. Safety experience in an industrial or wastewater setting. Strong understanding of safety regulations, risk assessment, incident investigation, emergency response planning, and safety training :

License Requirement : Valid driver's license

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

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

What you can expect from us :

More about why you should join us!

Additional information

Union / Grade : MANA / Grade J

FLSA Status : Exempt

Safety Sensitive : No

Full Salary Range : $47.50 - $77.09 hourly; $98,800 - $160,347 annually

Work Environment :

You would perform your work in an office environment and an industrial plant. Work may sometimes require travel to other facilities. This position at times works near moving parts or equipment, is exposed to fumes or airborne particles, and to outdoor weather conditions and moderate noise.

What steps the recruitment process involves :

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 job-related 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 HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us .