Item 3.18 Utility Foreperson for Water Collection Distribution Job Description and Recruitment
Request for
City Council Action
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT REQUESTOR: MEETING DATE:
Utilities Utility Manager Neidermeier January 26, 2026
PRESENTER(s) REVIEWED BY: ITEM #:
Consent City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty
Assistant City Administrator/Human Resources Hille
3.18 – Job Description
STRATEGIC VISION
MEETS: THE CITY OF OTSEGO:
Is a strong organization that is committed to leading the community through innovative communication.
Has proactively expanded infrastructure to responsibly provide core services.
Is committed to delivery of quality emergency service responsive to community needs and expectations in a
cost-effective manner.
X Is a social community with diverse housing, service options, and employment opportunities.
Is a distinctive, connected community known for its beauty and natural surroundings.
AGENDA ITEM DETAILS
RECOMMENDATION:
City staff recommend the City Council approve a job description for the Utility Foreperson – Water Collection
Distribution position and authorize recruitment.
ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT? IS A PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED?
No No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
The 2026 Utility Staffing Plan and budget includes a leadership role of foreperson within the Water Collection
Distribution (WCD) Division. A job description has been drafted and is attached. The job description was used from
the template of Utilities Foreperson, which currently is a vacant role as it transitioned to Utility Facility Supervisors.
As reviewed within Subcommittees in spring of 2025, and in November of 2025, a foreperson supports leadership
within the WCD Division as water filtration treatment becomes operational early 2026 with concurrent design and
builds of two other treatment sites. These expansions, additional infrastructure and seasonal dynamic system require
focus, technical knowledge with skills and licensure to guide operational strategies this role can better support. The
position fits the framework within the Otsego Water and Wastewater Utility Staffing Projection technical
memorandum June 2, 2021, by AE2S.
The draft recruitment schedule is:
• Recruitment Authorization – January 26
• Position Posted – January 28
• Application Deadline – February 12
• Interviews – February 25
• Council Review – March 9
This position has been presented and reviewed by the Public Works Sub Committee on November 18, 2025, and City
staff has received scoring of the position, which has been scored within Grade 9.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
• Job Description
POSSIBLE MOTION
PLEASE WORD MOTION AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR IN THE MINUTES:
Motion to approve the Utility Foreperson – Water, Collection, and Distribution Job Description and to authorize
recruitment.
BUDGET INFORMATION
FUNDING: BUDGETED:
Fund 601 – Water Utility
Yes
Position Description
Position: Utility Foreperson – Water Collection Distribution
Department: Utilities
Position Status: Full-time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Pay Grade: 9
Date Approved: DRAFT
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
General Statement of Duties: Performs all functions of a Utility Operator; assists Utility Manager in
planning and directing the department’s operations and staff; may coordinate with Engineers and
Contractors on projects and operations. May perform all functions of a Utility Operator.
Immediate Supervisor: Utility Manager
Supervises: None
Provides Work Direction to: Utility Operators and Utility Seasonals
MAJOR JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Water and Wastewater Systems:
a. Perform, monitor and oversee all aspects of the operations and maintenance of the
Treatment Facilities.
b. Perform, monitor and oversee all aspects of operations and maintenance of the
Collection and Distribution system. Review Collection and Distribution System projects
for completion with accuracy in meeting engineering specifications for City acceptance.
c. Perform, monitor and oversee all aspects of the GIS system related to Utilities.
Coordinate with Engineer and staff for accuracy and recommend changes needed.
Maintain data and collection documentation for maintenance and record purposes.
d. Maintain regulatory requirements for water quality standards and wastewater permits
requirements.
e. Report compliance and compliance monitoring to regulatory agencies including
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of
Natural Resources, and Minnesota Department of Health.
f. Communicate with officials, engineers and regulatory agents tactfully regarding facility
planning, reviews and inspections. Provide input and influence to the design and
operations of water and wastewater systems.
g. Provide input of department needs for capital and budgetary needs.
h. Maintains phone communication for emergency response
2. Project Management and work direction:
a. Coordinates and schedules all aspects of Utility projects and functions.
b. Serve as liaison with vendors, ensure inventory and supplies of equipment and parts are
available for routine and emergency needs.
c. Assign work responsibility, monitor project progress and provide communication with
Manager regarding status, productivity and quality of work.
3. Policies and Procedures:
a. Responsible for following all policies and procedures at the federal, state and local level
through all applicable agencies
b. Recommend departmental operations improvements and changes to supervisor to
improve efficiency and work flow.
c. Monitor operations to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, rules and
ordinances.
d. Ensure safety procedures are followed.
4. Supervision:
a. Perform check ins and provide recommendation for annual performance reviews
b. Ensure staff attends safety training and follows safety procedures
c. Assign work and ensure it is done accurately and timely
d. Recommend staffing additions and be involved with interviewing
e. Maintain security systems protocols and access ensuring public health and employee
safety.
5. Other Duties and Responsibilities:
a. Keep Utility Manager informed of department activities and relevant matters.
b. Address resident questions and concerns.
c. Provide recommendations on the long- and short-term capital needs of the
departments
d. Provide input and recommendation for annual budget with frequent reviews to ensure
budgets are maintained. Review and recommend invoice approvals
e. Provides strong communication, teamwork and works closely with other divisions and
departments for the betterment of the City.
6. General
a. Treat fellow employees with respect and integrity
b. Promote a positive and motivating environment
c. Provide exceptional customer service
d. Confer with manager, peers, and employees to discuss and resolve issues
e. Make decisions that are always in the best interest of the City
f. Perform other duties and projects as assigned
g. Follow all safety policies and procedures
h. Follow all City policies and procedures
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Knowledge of and experience in all aspects of water and wastewater operations and
maintenance.
• Knowledge of biosolids application requirements and methods
• Knowledge of and experience in scheduling, managing, and overseeing projects including safety
practices, working with contractors and engineers, resolving work site and contract conflicts,
and applicable State and Federal laws.
• Knowledge of SCADA, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and standard computer
systems and programs used in operation of water and wastewater facilities Applied knowledge
in laboratory tests, testing methods and techniques, testing requirements, and interpretation of
test results.
• Applied knowledge in analyzing problems, identifying solutions, and implementing solution
successfully.
• Working ability to occasionally perform heavy manual labor, sometimes under adverse weather
conditions and during abnormal hours.
• Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, effectively, and precisely both verbally and in
writing.
• Applied knowledge of standard office and department related computer applications.
• Ability to resolve and diffuse conflicts.
• Ability to understand, manage and communicate complex ideas, projects, and situations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team and to coordinate work with other
departments and to lead multi-departmental or multi-jurisdictional projects.
• Ability to plan, prioritize and organize the department’s work.
• Strong sense of honesty, integrity, and credibility
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. Class B Water License.
2. Class C Wastewater or SC Collection System License.
3. Five years Collection and Distribution Maintenance Experience.
4. A valid Class B commercial driver’s license.
5. Associates Degree in Water Environment Technology or related field.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
1. Class A Water License.
2. Class B or SB Collection System License
3. Two years lead or supervisory experience.
2. Three years of experience at a Class B Water Filtration Facility.
3. Two years direct experience with dynamic hydraulic pressure zones
4. Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry or environmental services or related field.
5. Experience working for a growing city or county.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable
individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Most work is done within the wastewater treatment facility or outside in varying conditions, including
frequent exposure to humidity, noises, vibrations, hazards, and atmospheric conditions; occasional
exposure to extreme cold, extreme heat and changes in wetness. This includes occasional light physical
strength work to very heavy physical work. Travel within the City to treatment facilities, wellhouses and
lift stations is everyday.
Activities that occur constantly (5–8 hours/shift): talking, hearing
Activities that occur frequently (2–5 hours/shift): standing, walking, sitting, handling, grasping
Activities that occur occasionally (up to 2 hours/shift): lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing,
stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, feeling, repetitive motions, eye/hand/foot coordination
Activities that occur rarely (do not exist as regular part of job): balancing, crawling
City of Otsego is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act,
reasonable accommodations are offered to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current
employees are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Employee signature below constitutes employee’s understanding of the requirements, essential
functions, and duties of the position.
Employee Name
Employee Signature Date