SEPTIC SPECIALIST

INTERNAL and EXTERNAL JOB POSTING

Full-Time - 40 Hours Per Week - Benefit Eligible

Non-Exempt – Teamsters Local 320 Courthouse Union Position

The expected hiring range for new employees in 2025 is $29.33 - $31.28 per hour ($61,006.40 - $65,062.40 annually), depending on qualifications, relevant experience, and alignment with internal equity. The full compensation range for this position is $29.33 - $37.90 per hour ($61,006.40 - $78,832.00 annually), with the potential for additional longevity-based compensation.  

POSTED: Friday, January 17, 2025.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: This position will remain open until filled. AA/EEO

The applicant must fully complete the “Work Experience” and “Education” sections of the application, and a resume is required for all positions.

Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications in the job posting will be notified by Human Resources via email to self-schedule an interview.

Isanti County offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, including: Group Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care), Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Accident Insurance, Hospital Confinement Insurance, Cancer Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Whole Life Insurance, PTO (vacation, sick, personal leave), 12 paid holidays, Deferred Compensation Plans, Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and an Employee Wellness Program.

To view the available insurance and benefit options, click here.

General Definition of Work

Performs work receiving and reviewing septic permit applications, issuing septic permits, inspecting septic systems, issuing certifications, assigning, and issuing addresses, and related work as apparent or assigned.  

Work is performed under the supervision of the Zoning Administrator.

Essential Functions

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Responds to reports of possible violations regarding environmental issues relating to septic systems and determine the proper course of action.
• Utilizes the GIS data base in the Zoning Department.
• Review septic system plans to determine if they meet code, approve and/or rejects plans by evaluating percolation tests and soils data; calculates drain field size and water use, and assures all setbacks can be maintained and conduct pre-site inspections to determine if proposed site can accept design.
• Inspects all stages of the installation of the septic system, including repair and/or updating of on-site septic systems, including meeting with the designer and/or installer to discuss the installation and any questions that may arise at the job site to assure that setbacks to well(s), property lines and buildings are met; gives final approval on all submitted septic designs and issues septic permits.
• When the septic system is installed and all aspects of the system meet all requirements of the County, an as-built drawing is completed for the homeowners, installer and county files, and a Certificate of Compliance is issued for each system.
• Assist septic installers, designers and pumpers with any questions or concerns regarding the subsurface sewage treatment system program, the Isanti County Zoning Ordinance, or other related regulations.
• Responds verbally and/or in writing, to questions relating to percolation tests, septic designs, septic certifications, setback requirements and other septic related matters from homeowners, contractors and other interested parties.
• Keep detailed records of failing systems, new septic systems installed, approved septage dumping sites and other related issues for MPCA submittal, review, and approval.
• Review new rules, regulations from the MPCA and other authorities regarding septic codes and enforce them, including land application sites for septage and land application of lime sludge and storage of lime sludge.
• Assist the public, local, state, and federal agencies in completing forms, explaining pertinent laws and regulations, searching files for information, providing technical information, calculating, assessing, and collecting fees and signing permits.
• Conducts on-site measurements for new address, correct and notify homeowners of incorrect address.
• Conducts site inspections, assists in general ordinance interpretation. May assist Building Official in conducting site inspections for building permits.
• Assists with all aspects of zoning office (filing, typing, telephone, and preparing letters).
• Provides information to persons who request assistance or information on potential ordinance violations; also conducts violation and complaint investigations. Meets with potential violators and secures ordinance compliance. Maintains logs and records related to compliance.
• Assists in reviewing cases being prepared for trial, including preparing detailed reports of activities, obtaining, enhancing, preparing, or presenting exhibits, and investigations made, including consulting with prosecutors, and preparing the case for court action.
• Prepares annual reports as needed to local, state, and federal agencies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.
• Must be certified by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency as a subsurface sewage treatment system Inspector and Designer.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Special Qualifications

• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Individual Sewage Treatment System Inspection and Design certification upon hire.
• Ability to obtain certification by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency as an Intermediate Inspector within two years.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of soil composition and the type of sewer construction that it will support.
• Ability to conduct site inspections in varying terrain.
• Knowledge of how to calculate drain field size and on-site installation of septic systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office computer and software applications.
• Knowledge of state and local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations relating to on-site sewers, shoreland, floodplains, and other County ordinances.
• Knowledge of the topography and soil characteristics of the County.
• Skill in interpreting percolation tests and related soils data.
• Ability to interpret Minnesota Rules Chapters 7080 through 7083 Subsurface Sewage Treatment Program and other Zoning ordinances.
• Ability to read and interpret sewage and building plans, specifications, and blueprints accurately and compare with construction progress.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, co-workers, state regulatory officials, contractors, landowners, and the general public.
• Ability to maintain a regular and timely work attendance.

Working Conditions

Physical Requirements and Activity

This work requires the regular exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and frequent exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work frequently walking and using hands to finger, handle or feel and occasionally requires standing, sitting, speaking, or hearing, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling, lifting and repetitive motions.

Sensory Requirements

Work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.

Sensory Utilization

Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities.

Environmental Conditions

Work occasionally requires wet, humid conditions (non-weather), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and exposure to outdoor weather conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

The statements in this class description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbent(s) assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

A fully completed Isanti County Online Application and resume must be received by Human Resources by the closing date and time listed on the posting.  Any materials received after the closing date and time will not be considered.

The application will be evaluated in a Training and Experience Assessment worth 100 points.  Veterans Preference will be applied in accordance with Minnesota law.  A top group of qualified applicants will be invited to the interview process.

Final appointment is contingent upon the applicant passing a background investigation including a criminal history search.  Costs of the background will be paid for by Isanti County.

Mission
Working Together to Deliver Quality Services Valued by the
Community, Today and for Generations to Come.

Salary : $61,006 - $65,062