Commissioners approve reclassification to create career path for water and wastewater operators

Douglas County public works staff on Oct. 1 requested and received approval to reclassify the Utility Systems Technician Senior position into a Utility Systems Technician 3 role and to add that position to the job family.

Deputy public works director Rick Robler explained the change is intended to promote redundancy, improve retention and establish a clearer certification and promotion pathway so operators can obtain the state grades needed to be the responsible charge at treatment facilities. “When we capped the senior positions, ... our grade‑2 operators were not getting the certifications to be able to be promoted,” Robler said, describing operational risks when seniors retire.

Public works director Phil Rickard added the change aligns the county classifications with Nevada Department of Environmental Protection certification ranks for water distribution/treatment and sewer collection/treatment. The board approved the reclassification by voice vote; the motion passed 5 to 0.