3.5 Utility Operator Hire
Request for
City Council Action
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT REQUESTOR: MEETING DATE:
Utilities Utility Manager Neidermeier January 24, 2022
PRESENTER(s) REVIEWED BY: ITEM #:
Consent Human Resource/Assistant
Administrator Hille;
Administrator/Finance Director
Flaherty
3.5 Utility Operator Hire
STRATEGIC VISION
MEETS: THE CITY OF OTSEGO:
Is a strong organization that is committed to leading the community through innovative
communication.
Has proactively expanded infrastructure to responsibly provide core services.
Is committed to delivery of quality emergency service responsive to community needs and
expectations in a cost-effective manner.
X Is a social community with diverse housing, service options, and employment opportunities.
Is a distinctive, connected community known for its beauty and natural surroundings.
AGENDA ITEM DETAILS
RECOMMENDATION:
City staff recommends City Council approve Austin Schiller the Utility Operator position.
ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT? IS A PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED?
No No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
A Utility Operator position was advertised December 22nd – January 5th to formally accept qualified
applications for the growing department. The position fits the framework described within the Otsego
Water and Wastewater Utility Staffing Projection technical memorandum June 2, 2021 by AE2S. Five
qualified applicants were interviewed providing recommendation of Austin Schiller. The candidate has
successfully completed preemployment screening and agreeable to the pay grade 6 step 1 corresponding
to the position and adopted 2022 compensation plan.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
• Utility Operator job description
POSSIBLE MOTION
PLEASE WORD MOTION AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR IN THE MINUTES:
Motion to approve Austin Schiller to fill the Utility Operator position.
BUDGET INFORMATION
FUNDING: BUDGETED:
Fund 601 – Water Utility (25%)
Fund 602 – Sanitary Sewer Utility (75%)
Yes
Position Description
Position: Utility Operator
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Pay Grade: Class D Pay Grade 6; Class C Pay Grade 7; Class B Pay Grade 8
Approved: April 27, 2020
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
General Statement of Duties: Under direction of the Utility Manager and/or Foreperson is
responsible for operating and maintaining wastewater and water facilities, collection and
distribution systems. Weekend rotation and on call rotation are required.
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 federal, state and Local 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 federal, state and local requirements, licenses, guidelines and policies
d. Conducts process testing to ensure efficient function of process
e. Documents, completes and communicates regulatory reports
3. Other Duties and Responsibilities:
a. Assist public works with snow plowing as needed
b. Assist public works and park crews with street, storm water, and park
maintenance as needed
c. Communicate with engineer, contractors and vendors for assistance and
suggestions
d. Responsible for following all policies and procedures at the federal, state, and
local level through all applicable agencies
4. General
a. Treat fellow employees with respect and integrity
b. Promote a positive and motivating environment
c. Provide exceptional customer service
d. Confer with supervisor, peers, and employees to discuss and resolve issues
e. Make decisions that are always in the best interest of the City
f. Perform other duties and projects as assigned
g. Follow all safety policies and procedures
h. Follow all City policies and procedures
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Knowledge of and experience in operating water and wastewater utilities including
water distribution and wastewater collection systems
• Knowledge of biosolids 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 or ability to obtain 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. Class B Wastewater License.
5. Class C Water License.
3. Type IV Biosolids License
4. 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.