Utilities Crew Leader

Southernpines; Southern Pines (NC); On-site; USD 54,226 - 67,783; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Southern Pines is seeking a skilled supervisor to lead installation, maintenance, and repair of water and sewer systems. You will manage complex tasks, ensure site safety, and coach technicians to follow proper procedures.

The role requires robust technical knowledge, the ability to work independently, and willingness to rotate night and weekend on‑call shifts. Strong leadership and CDL credentials are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in water/sewer system maintenance or related field.
• Advanced knowledge of water and sewer systems operations including regulatory requirements.
• Advanced knowledge of tools and equipment used in utility installation, repair, and maintenance.
• Possess a Class A commercial driver’s license with tanker endorsement and an excellent driving record.
• Strong leadership, communications, and decision‑making skills.
• Possess a B‑Distribution and/or Collections II State Certification. If only one certification type is possessed, the second certification type is required to be obtained within a reasonable time accounting for coursework and exam availability.
• Trenching and Excavation Competent Person.
• Confined Space Competent Person.
• Ability to follow instructions and work in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Leads the installation, maintenance, and repairs on water and sewer lines, pumps, hydrants, valves, and related appurtenances.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to system performance, leaks, or blockages.
• Perform advanced system diagnostics, including pressure testing, flow analysis, and camera inspections.
• Operate heavy equipment such as backhoes, excavators, sewer combination trucks for complex excavations and repairs.
• Adhere to safety standards and operational procedures; ensure staff follow all safety rules.
• Manage safety and operational procedures for trenching, confined space entries, and traffic control.
• Respond to emergencies, including water main breaks or sewer backups; participate in night and weekend on‑call rotations.
• Manage work orders and material inventories for assigned projects; document time and resources in the work order system.
• Train and mentor technicians and operators; provide input on hiring and evaluation of staff.
• Perform all other reasonably assigned duties.

Skills

Leadership

Communications

Decision-making

Team collaboration

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma or GED

Class A CDL with tanker endorsement

B‑Distribution and/or Collections II State Certification

Tools

Heavy equipment operation

Trenching and excavation safety

Water/sewer system tools

Job description

Expected Hiring Range: $54,226.94-$67,783.67

Important: The pay range listed above represents the anticipated starting annual compensation for this position. Your final starting pay will be based on factors like your experience, education, and certifications.

PURPOSE

This position will take on a leadership role in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water and sewer systems. It will manage complex tasks and be responsible for jobsite safety and ensuring that technicians and staff follow proper procedures. The role may supervise or train lower-level technicians and operators. It requires a high degree of technical skill and the ability to work independently.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads the installation, maintenance, and repairs on water and sewer lines, pumps, hydrants, valves, and other related appurtenances.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to system performance, leaks, or blockages.
• Perform advanced system diagnostics, including pressure testing, flow analysis, and camera inspections.
• Operate heavy equipment such as backhoes, excavators, sewer combination trucks to perform complex excavations for installation and repairs of water and sewer mains and appurtenances.
• Adhere to safety standards and operational procedures.
• Ensure that assigned project staff follow all safety and operational procedures, including trenching safety, confined space entry, and traffic control.
• Respond to emergencies, such as water main breaks or sewer backups. Will be in rotation for night and weekend on‑call duties.
• Manage work orders and material inventories for assigned projects.
• Understand how to navigate and work through the Town's work order system. Responsible for the accurate entry of time, equipment, materials, and collected data in the work order system.
• Train and mentor technicians and operators.
• Provide input on the hiring and evaluation of technicians and operators.
• Perform all other reasonably assigned duties.

EDUCATION, SKILLS AND CERTIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in water/sewer system maintenance or related field.
• Advanced knowledge of water and sewer systems operations including regulatory requirements.
• Advanced knowledge of tools and equipment used in utility installation, repair, and maintenance.
• Possess a Class A commercial driver’s license with tanker endorsement and an excellent driving record.
• Strong leadership, communications, and decision‑making skills.
• Possess a B‑Distribution and/or Collections II State Certification. If only one certification type is possessed, the second certification type is required to be obtained within a reasonable time accounting for coursework and exam availability.
• Trenching and Excavation Competent Person.
• Confined Space Competent Person.
• Ability to follow instructions and work in a team environment.
• Other combinations of education and related experience will be considered.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift 75 pounds and move over short distances, and 35 pounds over extended distances.
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which include walking, standing, kneeling, squatting, bending, pulling, pushing, reaching or sitting for extended periods of time, lifting and carrying light to moderate equipment and materials and operating assigned vehicles.
• Climbing ladders as well as climbing into and out of/onto and off of various pieces of equipment, vehicles and equipment trailers.
• Operating manual hand tools (rakes, shovels, pruners, etc.), light hand power tools (portable saws, blowers, etc.), other power tools (chainsaws, hedge trimmers, brush chippers, etc.).

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position works exclusively outdoors, year‑round, and in all weather conditions.
• This position requires evening, weekend, holiday and call‑in/on‑call work.
• This position is considered an “ESSENTIAL POSITION”, meaning that work may be required during extreme weather events and other emergency situations.

The Town of Southern Pines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.