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Council approves temporary staffing plan and recruitment for wastewater plant operator
Summary
The St. Helena City Council authorized recruitment for wastewater operators and approved a temporary staffing model that creates a 3-year time‑limited position to retain part‑time chief plant operator support while recruiting a permanent chief operator.
The St. Helena City Council on Aug. 26 authorized recruitment for wastewater treatment plant staff and approved a temporary staffing arrangement intended to retain continuity at the plant while the city continues recruiting a permanent chief plant operator.
Council members approved a resolution to recruit an entry‑level operator and to appoint a part‑time chief plant operator at 0.29 FTE to support ongoing operations. The council amended staff’s original recommendation to specify that the new entry‑level position be hired as a three‑year time‑limited (TLT) appointment to provide stability while the city completes recruitment and staff training.
The measure grew out of the city’s difficulty filling a full‑time chief plant operator position. Acting City Manager Luke Leach described the part‑time chief arrangement as an interim step to preserve institutional knowledge while upgrades and permitting work continue on a wastewater upgrades project. Director Mandy Kellogg told council that retaining a candidate already working for the city through a contract would be valuable while staff continue recruiting.
Council members emphasized the need to preserve the full‑time chief operator classification for the future. Council Member Barrick urged a TLT of three years (with council discussion of a longer term if needed) so the city would not be forced to immediately convert positions in subsequent budgets. Council Member Pilarito (spelling as in transcript) and Vice Mayor Deasy asked about the time needed for current staff to attain required certifications; staff estimated current internal candidates might need roughly 12–18 months to complete certifications, while a newly recruited operator would likely require several years of experience to qualify for chief operator status.
Council also directed staff to continue pursuing non‑salary incentives previously discussed, including housing assistance as an attraction and retention tool; staff confirmed recruitment and any appointment remain subject to meet‑and‑confer with employee representatives.
The council voted by roll call to approve the amended recruitment and staffing approach; the motion passed unanimously.
