Brainerd utilities panel approves combined water–wastewater operator job description and forwards it to City Council

The Brainerd Public Utilities Commission voted Dec. 23 to approve a new, combined water/wastewater operator job description and recommended the change to the Brainerd City Council for final approval.

Staff presented the position as a hybrid role intended to consolidate responsibilities between the city’s water- and wastewater-operator staffs and to provide operational flexibility across the water treatment and wastewater treatment plants. Paul, the public utilities director, told the commission the new job description is attached to the meeting packet and that the personnel committee reviewed it Dec. 10.

Paul said current employees at either facility will have the option to reclassify into the combined position if they meet the minimum qualifications and the city’s classification process, and “would advance to the next step on their wage grid with at least a 3% minimum increase.” The proposal also requires negotiating a wage rate with IBEW before final approval of any reclassification.

Commissioners asked whether hybrid operator positions are common; a staff speaker said surrounding communities are increasingly adopting similar combined roles as systems and equipment become more aligned. After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the job description and forward it to city council; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

The commission’s action was a recommendation only — the City Council must ratify the change before job reclassification or wage adjustments take effect. The personnel committee and staff will move to negotiate the wage agreement with IBEW and return final terms to the commission and council for approval.