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Riley County approves two public-works hires: utility technician and purchasing agent
Summary
The commission approved filling a new utility technician position to support water and sewer operations and a purchasing agent position to manage parts, inventory and deliveries for public works.
Riley County commissioners approved two public-works staffing actions on March 20: converting a vacant operator position into a utility technician for water and sewer operations and filling a purchasing agent position to manage parts, inventory and deliveries.
John Ellerman, director of public works, told the commission the utility technician role would support University Park and Terre Heights water and sewer districts and would carry state-required water and sewer operator certifications. Ellerman said the county staff expects to have two full-time positions in that area once lagoon projects and other work come online.
The utility technician position will handle daily and monthly water sampling, monthly feeder readings for water districts, and checks on lagoons, lift stations and grinder pumps. Ellerman said the county will train hires to obtain Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) certifications when needed and that the position would be budgeted as a converted public-works operator slot.
Commissioners also approved filling a purchasing agent position. Ellerman described that role as the shop's parts manager and logistics coordinator: ordering parts and materials (pipe, crack filler, signage, barricades), researching equipment specifications, organizing surplus pickups and making deliveries that may require a Class A commercial driver's license.
Both motions were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote during the meeting. Records of the motions show the actions were approved; the transcript records the approvals as voice votes without a roll-call tally.
Why it matters: Adding in-house utility operations capacity may improve response times and system maintenance for county-managed water and sewer districts and could reduce reliance on external contractors. A dedicated purchasing agent aims to improve parts inventory control and equipment logistics across public-works operations.
What happens next: Human resources will post and recruit for the approved positions; Ellerman said existing certified staff will help cover operations while new hires complete required certifications.
