3.3 Recruitment 2024 Utility Operator I Position
Request for
City Council Action
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT REQUESTOR: MEETING DATE:
Utilities Utility Manager Neidermeier January 22, 2024
PRESENTER(s) REVIEWED BY: ITEM #:
Consent City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty
Assistant City Administrator/Human Resources Hille
3.3 – Utility Operator Position
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 authorize recruitment for a Utility Operator position.
ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT? IS A PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED?
No No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
The 2024 Utility Budget includes the addition of a full-time Utility Operator to support the department and
community needs. The timing coincides with the needs of solid waste processing, the expansion of liquid capacity at
the West Wastewater Treatment Facility and the process modifications to membrane filtration. This position would
be cross trained in all aspects and responsibilities of the Utilities Department.
The proposed recruitment schedule:
• 1/22/2024 - City Council Authorization
• 3/4/2024 - Role Posted
• 4/4/2024 - Application Deadline
• 4/15/2024 to 4/19/2024 - Interviews
• 5/13/2024 - Council Approval
• June 2024 - Start Date
The position fits the framework of the goal to transition to operations specialization, which is detailed within the
Otsego Water and Wastewater Utility Staffing Projection technical memorandum by AE2S Engineering.
The Public Works subcommittee was presented with this information at their January 17, 2024 meeting, with
recommendation for consideration by the City Council.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
• Job Description
POSSIBLE MOTION
PLEASE WORD MOTION AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR IN THE MINUTES:
Motion to authorize City staff to initiate recruitment for a Utility Operator I position.
BUDGET INFORMATION
FUNDING: BUDGETED:
Fund 601 – Water Utility (25%)
Fund 602 – Sanitary Utility (75%)
Yes
Position Description
Position: Utility Operator I
Department: Utilities
Position Status: Full-time
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Pay Grade: 5
Approved: October 9, 2023
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 Supervisor/Foreperson
Supervises: None
Provides Work Direction to: Utility Seasonals and Utility Interns
MAJOR JOB FUNCTIONS
1. 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
2. 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
3. Customer Service
a. Perform and respond to resident questions and concerns for water and wastewater
related items
b. Respond to request for service from residents
4. 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
5. 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
i. Follow all Federal, State and local 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 processes
• Knowledge of and experience in City operations, ordinances, and practices related to water and
wastewater applications
• Experience in use of heavy equipment such as crane truck, jet-vac, generators, Class B vehicles
and skid loaders
• Knowledge of SCADA, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) and standard computer systems and
programs used in operation of water and wastewater facilities
• General plumbing knowledge, water meters, valve isolation, irrigation and backflow prevention
experiences
• Experience and applied knowledge in laboratory tests, testing methods and techniques, testing
requirements, and interpretation of test results
• Technology experiences – smart phones, tablets, GIS, security protocols
• 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 or Minnesota Class SD Collection System License
2. Minnesota Class D Water Certification
3. 6 months of related experience in water or wastewater operations
4. Experience in heavy machine operation
5. A valid Class B driver’s license with tanker and airbrake endorsement or ability to obtain within
one year
6. 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 C Wastewater License.
3. Class C Water License.
4. Type IV Biosolids License
5. Experience working for a growing city
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable
individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Most work is done within the wastewater treatment facility or outside in varying conditions, including
frequent exposure to humidity, noises, vibrations, hazards, and atmospheric conditions; occasional
exposure to extreme cold, extreme heat and changes in wetness. This includes occasional light physical
strength work to very heavy physical work. Travel within the City to treatment facilities, wellhouses and
lift stations is everyday. This position requires rotating on-call shifts on weekends and nights.
Activities that occur constantly (5–8 hours/shift): talking, hearing
Activities that occur frequently (2–5 hours/shift): standing, walking, sitting, handling, grasping
Activities that occur occasionally (up to 2 hours/shift): lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing,
stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, feeling, repetitive motions, eye/hand/foot coordination
Activities that occur rarely (do not exist as regular part of job): balancing, crawling
City of Otsego is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act,
reasonable accommodations are offered to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current
employees are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Employee signature below constitutes employee’s understanding of the requirements, essential
functions, and duties of the position.
_______________________________________________
Employee Name
_______________________________________________ ______________________
Employee Signature Date