Lead Distribution Operator

Fort Bend County Water Control & Improvement District No 2; Stafford (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Fort Bend County Water Control & Improvement District No 2 seeks a Distribution Lead for Field Services to guide a crew in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution infrastructure. You will oversee meter replacements, manage purchasing, and ensure accurate logging of work orders, while maintaining compliance with regulations.

The role requires training and supervising staff, effective use of computer systems, and clear communication with customers about leaks, repairs, and

Qualifications

• Experience leading a crew and coordinating field operations.
• Knowledge of water distribution operations and safety procedures.
• Ability to read blueprints, manuals, and regulatory documents.
• Strong communication with customers regarding leaks, repairs, and shut-offs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in installation, maintenance, repair, and modification of water distribution infrastructure.
• Oversee meter replacements and ensure proper installation and functionality.
• Manage purchasing to procure materials and supplies.
• Supervise and coordinate repair crews for efficient field operations.
• Log work orders accurately in system databases.

Skills

Leadership

Team coordination

Training

Data analysis

Customer communication

Tools

Computer systems

Job description

Under general supervision of the Field Services Supervisor, to lead, guide and participate fully in the work of an assigned crew, plays a critical role in overseeing and managing key aspects of distribution operations for the District. This position serves as a backup supervisor of field services, handles purchasing responsibilities, oversees and assigns work for the repair crew, and ensures accurate logging of work orders. Additionally, the Distribution Lead is responsible for scheduling and changing out meters, utilizing computer systems effectively, maintaining compliance with industry standards, training, instructing and ensuring the work of assigned crew members is correct in the performance of specific tasks.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Lead and participate in the installation, maintenance, repair, and modification of water distribution infrastructure, including mains, valves, hydrants, meters, and service connections.
• Oversee meter replacements, ensuring proper installation and functionality.
• Manage purchasing activities to maintain the timely procurement of materials and supplies.
• Supervise and coordinate the repair crew to ensure efficient field operations.
• Accurately log work orders in system databases to support workflow and reporting.
• Utilize computer systems and software for record-keeping, data analysis, and operations support.
• Train, instruct, and ensure the work of crew members is correct, ensuring adherence to operational and safety standards.
• Maintain compliance with Texas state regulations and industry guidelines for water distribution.
• Communicate effectively with customers regarding leaks, repairs, and scheduled water shut-offs.
• Serve as an acting supervisor when required, overseeing timecard review, approval & submission, work orders, and project scheduling.
• Maintain assigned vehicles and equipment through regular servicing and safety checks.
• Participate in District safety meetings and maintain compliance with health and safety protocols.
• Provide “on-call” service on a rotating shift, including after-hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Respond to emergency situations and perform essential services during disaster recovery efforts.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Effective leadership techniques, work coordination, and training best practices.
• Water distribution operations, including installation, maintenance, and safety procedures.
• Disinfection protocols, trench excavation safety, and leak detection methods.
• Water utility pipeline systems, service connections, and backflow prevention devices.
• Applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards governing water distribution.

Ability to:

• Provide guidance and direction to crew members while maintaining workflow efficiency.
• Assist in planning work assignments, setting priorities, and training staff.
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical manuals, and regulatory documents.
• Operate hand and power tools necessary for water system maintenance.
• Troubleshoot water system issues and implement effective repairs.
• Maintain precise records and documentation using modern office equipment and software.
• Communicate effectively in both verbal and written formats with team members and customers.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; use stairs and ladders, climb; balance; stoop, kneel; crawling, bending, and twisting.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to ten (10) pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Employees need to be able to tolerate unpleasant odors, wet conditions and uncomfortable climate conditions.
  While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in indoor conditions and works near video display.

Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles and outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Proper PPE is provided and expected to be properly used for protection.
• Attendance is an essential function of this position and in the event of an emergency this position may be required to work in order to perform essential services needed to sustain operations. Subject to 24-hour emergency callbacks and requires working varying hours, overtime, weekends, and holidays.
• Safety regulations prohibit operators from wearing contact lenses when working with certain chemicals or from wearing beards or other facial hair that prevents a proper respirator fit. Must pass annual respirator physical and fit testing.