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Brainerd City committee approves combined water/wastewater operator position
Summary
The Finance Committee approved a new hybrid water/wastewater operator job classification to consolidate duties at the city’s water and wastewater treatment plants; the public utilities commission had recommended approval and staff were authorized to negotiate wage terms.
The Brainerd City Finance Committee on Jan. 5 approved a new hybrid water/wastewater operator job description and authorized staff to negotiate wages.
Chris Schubert, Brainerd City’s HR director, told the committee that public utilities management recommended combining the current water and wastewater operator roles into a single classification to improve operational flexibility across both treatment plants. The public utilities commission recommended the change at its Dec. 23 meeting, Schubert said.
Schubert explained the packet includes a job description for the consolidated role and noted city policy allows a 3% reclassification increase when an employee is reclassified; two current operators are already at the top pay step and would not receive the increase, while another employee could advance a step. Staff recommended that any incumbent water or wastewater staff be allowed to apply for the new position.
A committee member moved to approve the job description and authorize staff to negotiate wage terms with the IDW; another seconded. Chair Gabe Johnson called the vote and the motion carried.
Staff said the change is intended to provide greater coverage and operational responsiveness at both the water and wastewater facilities while preserving opportunities for current employees to apply for the role.
