The City of Wadena Utilities Department is seeking a detail-oriented professional to join our team full-time. This role is central to our operations, managing utility billing accounting and coordinating our load management and energy conservation programs.
Position Highlights:
Salary Range: $29.79 – $39.62 per hour (DOQ)
Key Duties: Utility billing (electric, water, sewer), energy conservation tracking, and AMI system management.
Deadline: Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
📄 Apply Now: Visit Wadena.org >Employment Opportunities for the full job description and application details, or stop by the City Administrative Center!
🖇️Link to webpage: https://www.wadena.org/o/cw/page/employment
Sessions run January–May 2026 and are tailored specifically for child care entrepreneurs across Minnesota. Learn more and register through your Develop account by searching the Event ID listed for each course or by visiting First Children’s Finance Minnesota online! Great opportunity for people to get involved and help solve a crucial problem!
The trails wind through the woods along Oak Creek, offering beautiful landscapes and a true northern Minnesota experience. 9 different trail options ranging from 206M to 1,494M, you can choose your adventure to match your ability and available time!
Visualized another way, that equals out to 5 million 8oz cups of coffee! (Though you'd need a truckload of beans!)
Fun fact: The treatment plant uses a population of microorganisms, like bacteria, to break down the waste stream. The population is controlled by the age of the microorganisms with the median age being the most productive worker! This is just one process at the city that isn't seen or heard but is instrumental in keeping city operations running!
Meetings: Held on the first Wednesday of the month.
Schedule Exception: The board does not meet in December or January.
Those interested should reach out to Parks Director Dan Kovar at 218-632-2766 or publicworks@wadena.org
Plus, attend the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Burlington Northern Park, taking place 30 minutes after the parade! You won't want to miss it!
Did you know Pinewood Estates lots come with water and sewer to the property line, paved streets, AND beautiful pine-lined settings—with no surprise costs or special assessments? Plus, a 17-acre nature park with walking trails is being developed adjacent to the neighborhood. Affordable lots from $16,000-$28,000!
Contact Dean Uselman for more info at 218-371-0072 or wda@wadena.org
The Opportunities:
College Scholarship: $1,000 (renewable up to 3 years!) for high school seniors pursuing careers related to the electric industry. Must be a local utility customer to apply.
Lineworker Scholarship: $2,000 for students entering a lineworker program at eligible schools (including M State Wadena!). Residency in a member territory is NOT required.
Deadline to Apply: March 13, 2026 at 5:00pm
Link to apply: https://www.mrenergy.com/services/scholarships
📋 Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/wadenacity
Paper copies are also available at City Hall.
Let’s work together for a better Wadena—please share your ideas today!
Trimming now helps our trees stay healthy, heal faster, and ensures they don't pose safety risks to pedestrians or vehicles during storms. It’s a part of keeping Wadena beautiful and safe year-round. 🌳Give the crew a wave if you see them working in your neighborhood! 👋🏼
Anyone who lives, works, plays, or visits in Wadena—residents, business owners, students, and community partners are all welcome. Share priorities for parks, streets, housing, jobs, and quality of life as the city updates its Comprehensive Plan, with facilitation by Region Five. See you there!
Please remember—the City of Wadena will NEVER request payment through these apps, social media, or other third party platforms.
To keep your account safe, always use the City’s authorized payment methods, such as secure online bill pay through our official website, by mail, or in person at City Hall.
If you’ve been by the splash pad and wading pool recently, you may have noticed a new mural on display! The piece was created by local Wadena artist Sarah Browne, with the goal of celebrating Wadena's local landscapes through public art! Keep an eye out for more murals possibly coming soon—we love seeing local art brighten public spaces throughout Wadena!
We understand this is a frustrating part of the winter season, but it's a necessary component to make sure that snowplows, emergency personnel, and everyday motorists can navigate our streets safely and efficiently. Thank you!
🚧 First Year of Construction - that's a wrap! 🚧
Cooler temps have set in with winter arriving at any moment. With that, roadwork on Hwy 10 west of Hwy 71 will suspend until crews return next spring for year two of construction. Off-road work along the east side of the project will continue through October with no impact to traffic. The walking trail along Hwy 71/Alfred St has been installed and is ready for use (please watch for people walking or biking when crossing at driveways and access points).
Hwy 10 will remain open to a single lane of traffic in each direction over the winter. The roundabout on Hwy 10 at Co Rd 92 will be open to all traffic. The north portion is paved with permanent concrete, while the south is temporarily paved with asphalt, to be completed next summer.
We know this year's roadwork and detours were frustrating, and we truly appreciate everyone for adjusting their routines and staying patient through the disruptions.
With winter upon us, please remember that seasonal parking rules go into effect from November 1 through March 31. To help our crews clear snow efficiently and keep streets safe for everyone—including emergency vehicles—overnight parking follows an odd/even calendar rule.
Vehicles must be parked on the odd side of the street on odd-numbered days and on the even side on even-numbered days, between midnight and 7 a.m. Use the calendar date as of midnight to determine where to park each night. Parking on the wrong side may result in a ticket or tow.
We understand these rules can be inconvenient, but cooperation is necessary to keep roads passable. Your support ensures quick snow removal and safer winter travel for all. Thank you for your help in making Wadena safer this season!
The City of Wadena will be flushing fire hydrants Tuesday Sep 30 thru Thursday October 2nd. You may experience low pressure and discolored water. If the water is discolored, run your cold water tap until it clears. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have questions, please call 218-631-7712.
