Solid Waste director says department short staffed; lead operator CDL requirement complicates hire

Lisa Bauknecht, Oneida County Solid Waste Director, told the committee the department is short one Systems Operator and one limited-term employee and that three of the five current employees have been with the department since October 2025. "The department is currently short one Systems Operator and one LTE position," Bauknecht said, adding the department has had difficulty recruiting staff.

Bauknecht said there is a potential candidate for the Lead position but the candidate does not hold a commercial driver’s license and the current position resolution requires a CDL. Bauknecht asked whether an employee without a CDL could potentially fill the Lead role; committee member Billy Fried advised consulting Human Resources (Jenni Lueneburg) and reviewing broader options, including pay or duty adjustments. The committee did not take formal action beyond directing staff to pursue HR guidance and continue recruitment efforts.