Distribution & Collections Crew Leader - Water Operations

City of Kinston; Kinston (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

The City of Kinston seeks a skilled field crew leader in Water Operations to supervise and perform installation, maintenance and repair of water and sewer lines, hydrants, meters and related infrastructure.

You will receive work orders, direct crew on-site, ensure safety and regulatory compliance, and train staff. The role requires experience with heavy equipment and a commitment to service quality and public safety.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school with utility construction experience; supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience operating heavy equipment and power tools.
• Ability to read utility maps and follow safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and participate in installation, maintenance and repair of water and sewer lines.
• Oversee daily work and provide on-site direction to crew members.
• Ensure safety, regulatory compliance and timely completion of tasks.

Skills

Supervisory skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety procedures

Leadership

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Jackhammers

Cut-off saws

Pipe cutters

Backhoe

Track hoe

Job description

Description

Performs responsible skilled work as a crew leader in the construction, maintenance, operation and repair of the water distribution and sewer collection systems to ensure safe and efficient operation of public utilities providing water and sewer services to citizens.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class supervises, coordinates and participates in the work of a field crew responsible for performing skilled technical and manual work in the inspection, operation, construction, maintenance, and repair of the City’s water distribution and sanitary sewer collection system lines, valves, hydrants, manholes, and related infrastructure. The employees serves as a field crew leader overseeing and participating in the daily work of staff. Supervisory work involves assisting with the training of new crew members, assigning work and daily tasks, providing assistance and technical guidance to staff on worksites; operating heavy equipment for projects; and ensuring safety compliance and adherence to policies and procedures. Work involves supervising and participating in the installation, repair, and replacement of water mains, services lines, valves, hydrants and meters; overseeing the

Inspection and cleaning of sewer lines, manholes, and service laterals; locating and repairing water line leaks, operating jet vac equipment to clear blockages; excavating and backfilling trenches and repair sites; making water and sewer taps; locating and marking underground water and sewer lines; performing vegetation control around manholes and hydrants; and responding to after-hours emergencies.

Work requires the operation of power tools including jackhammers, cut off saws, and pipe cutters as well as some heavy construction equipment such as a back hoe, track hoe, tractors, and loaders around utility lines, traffic, and in tight spaces. Employees are subject to working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, vibration, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, and oils. Work is subject to the final standards of OSHA on blood borne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment. Employees are also subject to on-call and call-back work. Work is performed under regular supervision and is evaluated through observation and inspection for adherence to instructions and standard trade and safety practices.

Essential Functions

Serves as a field crew leader in the Water Operations division; oversees and participates in the installation, cleaning, maintenance, inspection, replacement and repair of water and sewer service lines, valves, hydrants, meters, manholes and other related structures. Receives, reviews and prioritizes work assignments and work orders; provides on-site direction to crew members; inspects work in progress and upon completion to ensure work quality, regulatory compliance, and adherence to standard operating procedures and safety regulations. Provides on-the-job training to staff regarding standard work procedures and equipment operation; orients new crew members to the department and position; oversees crew daily work performance; provides input to supervisors regarding employee performance. Supervises and participates in the investigation of complaints regarding leaking meters, water leaks, or high consumption and determines problems; locates and repairs water leaks or breaks in water mains and service lines; replaces water lines and meters. Installs hydrants, water meters, valves, clamps, and related pipeline apparatus; sets meter boxes; repairs and replaces hydrants. Oversees and participates in cleaning and repairing sewer mains, laterals, and manholes; clears blockages using jet/vacuum trucks and rodding equipment; assists with CCTV inspections to identify infiltration/inflow and pipe defects. Assists with making water and sewer lines taps and service connections for new services; disconnects water service in response to moving customers and/or delinquent utility payments. Implements and oversees preventive maintenance programs on water and sewer system including manhole cleaning, root control, and clearing service laterals. Conducts daily briefings and safety meetings to communicate assignments, discuss hazards, and review procedures. Participates in hydrant and valve exercising, hydrant flushing, manhole inspections, infrastructure maintenance, and other maintenance programs. Receives and completes various activities as required by work orders; completes daily work logs and turns in with work orders completed; prepares other records of work activities. Operates a variety of heavy and light equipment, hand tools, and power tools to excavate, backfill, and inspect utility infrastructure including backhoe, dump truck, excavator, mowers, compactor, concrete saw, pumps, generators, tampers, tapping machines, pipe cutter shovels, handheld detection equipment, and air compressors; performs cleaning and preventive maintenance on equipment and tools used. Performs landscaping and vegetation control around hydrants and sewer manholes. Utilizes electronic locating equipment to locate, identify and mark and underground water and sewer lines prior to excavation; may receive and process 811 utility locate requests for contractors or homeowners. Sets up traffic control devices for work zones; may flag traffic around construction sites. Assists in the installation, replacement and repair of meters; troubleshoots problems such as visual reads and repairs meters. Responds to after-hours calls and emergencies such as main breaks, overflows, and service disruptions. Communications with customers during maintenance repair work, repairs and emergency service disruptions; address questions about the nature and expected duration of work; ensures service is restored as quickly and safely as possible. Ensures staff utilization of appropriate personal safety equipment (PPE) including safety glass, hard hats, gloves, etc. on job sites; assists with trench safety measures and confined space entry.

Performs Other Related Tasks As Required.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Working knowledge of the tools, materials and equipment used in the installation, replacement, maintenance and repair of utility lines.
• Working knowledge of a variety of maintenance and manual methods and tasks involved in the installation, maintenance, repair and replacement of water and sewer utility lines and appurtenances.
• Working knowledge of the safe use and operation of heavy equipment and use of common hand tools and power tools required in the work.
• Working knowledge of supervisory principles and practices including training, communications, motivation, performance management, coaching, leadership and discipline.
• Ability to recognize and coordinate the materials, equipment, staff and other resources needed to perform assigned tasks efficiently and safely.
• Working knowledge of the occupational work hazards and applicable safety precautions associated with the work of the division.
• Working knowledge of the application of technology to work assignments.
• Working knowledge of the proper placement of traffic safety signs and cones.
• Working knowledge of the municipal water service policies and procedures.
• Skill in customer contact, teamwork and collaborative conflict resolution.
• Skill in the operation of light and medium-sized construction equipment.
• Ability to effectively train and supervise the work of staff performing maintenance of water and sewer lines.
• Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time, perform duties in heavy traffic and under adverse weather conditions, and work as part of a team in a variety of weather conditions during regular work hours, emergencies and extended work hours
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and the public.
• Ability to read utility line maps and operation and service manuals and to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Desirable Education And Experience

Graduation from high school and some experience in construction-related utility work including heavy equipment operation experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Supervisory experience in utility construction preferred.

Special Requirements

• Possession of or the ability to obtain a NC Class A Commercial Driver's License with tanker endorsement within timeframe specified by the City.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a grade C water distribution and grade 1 wastewater collection certification within 12 months of hiring.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Must be able to perform very heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally; 50 pounds of force frequently; and 20 pounds constantly to move objects. Must possess the visual acuity for depth perception, inspection of small parts and/or defects, operating motor vehicles or equipment and for determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, read gauges, and make written records.

Benefits

The City of Kinston offers a comprehensive benefits package to all regular full-time employees. Benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Additional benefits may also be available. To learn more about the City's employee benefits, please visit the City of Kinston's website.