By JIMMY LAWTON

OGDENSBURG – Ogdensburg is looking at a potential training option to ensure staff at the wastewater treatment plant can move up and fill various positions within the department..

A public update to the city council says the city is looking at implementing an operator in training or trainee program. Currently workers from the Department of Public Works have been helping cover hours at the plant, which is short handed due to vacancies.

The idea is that existing non-operators and future employees will be provided the training they need to obtain their operator’s license over a two-year period.

“Our goal is to create a homogenous workforce that is trained across all areas of the plant operations, maintenance and repairs.

The update says the DPW will work closely with the Development Agency of the North Country to hire two candidates in January.

Ogdensburg has been working to restructure the WWTP for nearly a year, and contracted with DANC in an attempt to do so in the most effective manner.

The city’s plans to hire a 4A operator at the wastewater treatment plant to replace the now-retired Tim Adams were placed on hold in August, to allow the city to determine the best course of action.

In March the city agreed to contract with the Development Authority of the North Country to help manage the plant and plan for long-term improvements and upgrades.

As part of the plan City Council said they would be filling the vacancy left by Adams with another 4A operator, but that plan has been put on hold after DANC officials say it’s possible the city could get by with a 3A operator instead.

That change is dependent on what long-term plan is developed for the future of the city’s wastewater plant, which is in desperate need of improvements. In past meetings DANC officials said one possibility would be to reduce operations at the plant to get the city into a category that would allow it to operate without a 4A specialist.

Currently a 4A operator is required. For the time being, that role is being filled by a DANC employee.