Crew Leader (Collection)

City of Hickory; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Hickory is seeking a Supervisory role for the wastewater collection team. The position will oversee crew activities, supervise taps, cleaning, and repairs, and coordinate service calls. Safety and on-site equipment readiness are essential.

Applicants should have 3–5 years of relevant experience and hold a valid NC CDL; state operator certification is preferred. The role includes after-hours shifts and on-call responsibilities within a city work environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; formal education beyond high school is a plus.
• 3–5 years of experience in wastewater collection or related field preferred; demonstrated understanding of crew supervision.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid North Carolina commercial driver's license (CDL).

Responsibilities

• Trains, assigns, directs, supervises, evaluates, and disciplines personnel assigned to crew.
• Supervises installation of taps for residential and commercial customers.
• Supervises main line cleaning to meet city/state goals.
• Repairs and replaces sewer infrastructure as needed.
• Responds to after hours emergencies and participates in on-call rotation.
• Maintains daily work schedules and plans; makes daily work assignments.
• Coordinates response to service calls from customers.
• Monitors equipment for readiness and safety.

Skills

Leadership/ supervision

Planning & prioritization

Oral & written communication

Mathematical computations

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Commercial driver's license (CDL)

State collections system operator certification

Job description

This position performs supervisory and technical duties in support of the wastewater collection activities of the city.

Salary Depends on Qualifications

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants must meet the City criteria for an acceptable driving record.

• Trains, assigns, directs, supervises, evaluates, and disciplines personnel assigned to crew.
• Supervises the installation of taps for residential and commercial customers.
• Supervises main line cleaning to meet established state and city goals.
• Repairs and replaces sewer infrastructure as needed.
• Responds to after hours emergencies and participates in the on-call rotation.
• Maintains daily work schedules and plans; makes daily work assignments.
• Coordinates response to service calls from customers.
• Monitors equipment for readiness and safety.
• Orders supplies and materials as needed; purchases tools and equipment for special needs.
• Monitors jobs in progress to ensure safety and productivity.
• Assists with the transport of materials required by work crews.
• Supervises right‑of‑way clearing and maintenance.
• Supervises inspection of sewer infrastructure using various camera equipment.
• Locates sewer lines for department personnel and other utilities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of the tools, materials, and standards used in the maintenance, repair and operation of wastewater collection systems.
• Knowledge of city and department personnel policies.
• Skill in planning, organizing, and prioritizing work.
• Skill in the supervision of personnel.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in performing mathematical computations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the work of subordinate positions to be able to answer questions and resolve problems, usually associated with three to five years' experience.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid commercial driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

• Preferred: Possession of state collections system operator certification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee in this position to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently/repeatedly required to stand; walk; use hands and exert forces needed to handle various types and sizes of tools, equipment and objects; reach with hands and arms and perform elevated work for periods of time; climb ladders and balance; climb into vehicles and equipment; stoop; kneel; half‑knee; squat; crouch; or crawl; and talk; or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must frequently lift, push, pull and/or move more than 100 pounds. An employee in this position will have successfully passed a "Functional Prework Screen" administered by a professional and impartial third party specialist.

SAFETY SENSITIVE: This position has been identified as safety-sensitive. The employee in this position will be part of a random drug testing pool. The methodology for choosing the random test subjects is handled by an outside, impartial, third party vendor.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is typically performed at work sites. The employee is exposed to much noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, and irritating chemicals. The work may be performed outdoors and occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, or gloves.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Manager assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES: Guidelines include city policies and procedures, OSHA regulations, and relevant, state, federal, and local regulations. These guidelines are generally clear and specific, but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY: The work consists of related supervisory and technical duties. The need to work in inclement weather contributes to the complexity of the work.

SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to supervise the maintenance and repair of the city’s water collection system. Successful performance ensures the efficient operation of the collection system.

PERSONAL CONTACTS: Contacts are typically with co‑workers, other city employees, representatives of other utilities, and the general public.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, provide services, and motivate personnel.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: The position has direct supervision over a crew of assigned personnel.