ITEM 3.8 Authorizing recruitment of Utility Operator position411-10
OtSezoF
MINNESOT
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
Request for
City Council Action
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT
REQUESTOR:
MEETING DATE:'
Utilities
Utility Manager Neidermeier
December 9, 2019
PRESENTER(s)
REVIEWED BY:
ITEM #:
Consent
City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty
3.8
STRATEGIC VISION
MEETS:
THE CITY OF OTSEGO:
ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OFA CONTRACT?
Is a strong organization that is committed to leading the community through innovative
communication.
No
Has proactively expanded infrastructure to responsibly provide core services.
X
Is committed to delivery of quality emergency service responsive to community needs and
expectations in a cost-effective manner.
Wastewater Master Plan (2018) identifies this addition to support solids processing at the East Wastewater
Is a social community with diverse housing, service options, and employment opportunities.
with pay ranging from Grade 6 or 7 pending Certification status.
Is a distinctive, connected community known for its beauty and natural surroundings.
AGENDA ITEM DETAILS
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council authorize the recruitment process for a Utility Operator position.
ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OFA CONTRACT?
IS A PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED?
No
No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
The 2020 Utility budget includes an Operator staff addition to support the Utility Operations team. The
Wastewater Master Plan (2018) identifies this addition to support solids processing at the East Wastewater
Treatment facility. The position will support the team in all aspects of the Utility Operatorjob description
with pay ranging from Grade 6 or 7 pending Certification status.
The start date of the hire is planned for February, filling the expiring Utility Seasonal position which would
be postponed until mid -summer. Timing is appropriate to assist beyond normal operations with projects
scheduled in 2020 including: Well 9 installation, Lift Station 7 completion, Water Tower 2 reconditioning
(April 1- July 8), and the East Facility Solids Project and processing. Staff recommends advertising
December into January with interviews in January for selection and Council approval as early as February.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
• Utility Operator Job Description
POSSIBLE MOTION
PLEASE WORD MOTION AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR IN THE MINUTES::
Motion to authorize City staff to begin the recruitment process for a Utility Operator position.
BUDGET INFORMATION
FUNDING:
BUDGETED:
Fund 601— Water Utility (25%)
Fund 602 — Sanitary Sewer Utility (75%)
Yes (2020)
410
CITY OF
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MINNESOTA
Position Description
Position: Utilities Systems Operator
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Pay Grade: Class D Pay Grade 6; Class C Pay Grade 7
Approved: September 26, 2016
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
General Statement of Duties: Under direction of the Utility Manager is responsible for
operating and maintaining wastewater and water facilities, collection and distribution
systems. Weekend rotation and on call rotation are required. May assist public works and
parks departments as needed.
Immediate Supervisor: Utility Manager
Supervises: None
Provides Work Direction to: None
MAJOR JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Water System:
a. Monitor, operate and maintain water treatment facilities
b. Monitor, operate and maintain water distribution equipment and
components
c. Follow EPA, MDH and DNR requirements, licenses, guidelines, and policies
d. Conduct water quality sampling and testing to meet drinking water
standards
e. Documents, completes and communicates regulatory reports
2. Wastewater System:
a. Monitor, operate and maintain wastewater treatment facilities
b. Monitor, operate and maintain wastewater collection system equipment and
components
c. Follow EPA, MPCA requirements, licenses, guidelines and policies
d. Conducts process testing to ensure efficient function of process
e. Documents, completes and communicates regulatory reports
3. Public Works Functions:
a. Assist with snow plowing as needed
b. Assist public works and park crews with street, storm water, and park
maintenance as needed
4. Policy and Procedure Development:
a. Responsible for following all policies and procedures at the federal, state, and
local level through all applicable agencies such as the MPCA, EPA, and others
b. Evaluate and recommend changes to policies, procedures, and practices to
increase efficiency and effectiveness and to ensure compliance with all legal
and functional requirements
S. General
a. Knowledge of SCADA, Microsoft Office applications, and monitoring systems
b. Promote a positive and motivating environment
c. Follow all safety procedures
d. Provide exceptional customer service to residents, developers, elected and
appointed officials
e. Make decisions that are always in the best interest of the City, its residents
and businesses
f. Perform other duties and projects as assigned
g. Confer with supervisor and peers to discuss and resolve issues
h. Communicate with engineers and vendors for assistance and suggestions
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Knowledge of and experience in operating water and wastewater utilities including
water distribution and waste water collection
• Knowledge of bio solids application requirements and methods
• Knowledge of and experience in City operations, ordinances, and practices related to
water and wastewater applications
• Experience in use of heavy equipment such as lift truck, jet -vac, and generators
• Knowledge of SCADA, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and standard
computer systems and programs used in operation of water and wastewater
facilities
• Experience and applied knowledge in laboratory tests, testing methods and
techniques, testing requirements, and interpretation of test results
• Experience analyzing problems, identifying solutions, and implementing solution
successfully
• Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, effectively, and precisely both
verbally and in writing
• Ability to resolve and diffuse conflicts
• Ability to understand, manage, and communicate complex ideas, projects, and
situations
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong sense of honesty, integrity, and credibility
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. Minnesota Class D Wastewater Certification
2. Minnesota Class D Water Certification
3. A valid Class B driver's license with ability to obtain Class A within six months
4. 30 minute response time to the wastewater treatment facility
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
1. Associates degree in water and environmental technologies or a Bachelor's degree
in biology, chemistry, or environmental services
2. Experience working for a growing city
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical requirements checked on the attached sheet are representative of those that
must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions.
Note: This job description does not constitute a contract or employment agreement.