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Council discusses licensing, training and pay range as it posts water/wastewater operator opening
Summary
After accepting the operator's resignation, Good Thunder council authorized posting a water/wastewater operator vacancy and discussed required Class D/Class C licensing, mentoring timelines, a possible starting wage range and meter replacement costs.
The Good Thunder City Council voted to post the city’s vacancy for a water/wastewater operator after accepting the resignation of the current operator. Council members and staff detailed qualifications and practical training needs, and discussed wage guidance to attract candidates.
At the meeting the clerk and staff agreed the job posting should state that candidates either hold or be willing to obtain a Class C water license and a Class D wastewater license; the discussion noted that to qualify for a Class C a candidate generally must operate under a Class C (or higher) operator for about three years, while the Class D typically requires a one-year mentoring period. Council emphasized including willingness to obtain these licenses in the job description so applicants understand long-term expectations.
An on-site staff member who agreed to cover operations during recruitment described recent hands‑on training and said he will "fill in until you guys find somebody," adding he has been trained on meter readings, leak-detection procedures and plowing/maintenance tasks. The staff member reported that the city’s newer leak-detection software has reduced pumping volumes (reported averages fell from roughly 42–45,000 gallons per day to about 33,000 gallons per day in the period compared) and that frozen/broken meters have been an expensive recurring issue; replacement meters were cited in the meeting at roughly $305–$310 each.
Councilors discussed posting channels (free press, Indeed and League of Minnesota Cities listings) and whether to list a specific starting wage. The clerk and members referenced prior starting pay for the outgoing employee (reported as roughly $25–$26 per hour when hired, with an ending hourly figure near $26.79) and broached a possible range (for discussion) of $26–$30 per hour depending on credentials and experience. Members asked the clerk to confirm benefit details to ensure the full compensation package is clear to applicants.
The council instructed the clerk to post the position and report back on applicant numbers and recommended candidates; staff will assemble a position description that explicitly addresses licensing and potential pay adjustments for achieving certifications. The council’s motion to post the opening passed by voice vote.
The meeting concluded with council noting follow-up tasks: publishing the vacancy, advertising it on the agreed channels and returning to council with candidate lists and any recommended pay adjustments.
