Water Quality Foreman (Class C Distribution license required)

Cape Fear Public Utility Authority; North Carolina; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cape Fear Public Utility Authority seeks a Water Quality Foreman to lead the team in the absence of the supervisor, coordinate daily assignments, and ensure regulatory compliance for the water distribution system. The role involves frontline field leadership, customer service, and supporting safe, reliable operations across CFPUA facilities.

The Foreman will respond to water quality incidents, participate in Boil Water Advisories, and work with GIS and Maximo to document findings, plan flushing,

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum three years in Water Quality or related field.
• Valid NC driver's license required.
• Distribution licenses: Class B required; Class A preferred.
• CDL in some cases is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead Water Quality team when the Supervisor is unavailable, providing direction and feedback.
• Respond to customer concerns and water quality complaints with timely communication.
• Assist with Boil Water Advisories and public notifications as needed.
• Be on call as a first responder to water quality issues and emergencies.
• Collaborate across CFPUA departments to meet goals and service standards.
• Collect samples following regulatory monitoring procedures and maintain chain of custody.
• Perform flow tests, pressure surveys, flushing, and water quality investigations.
• Utilize GIS, engineered drawings, and system knowledge to identify issues and plan flushing.
• Ensure accuracy of Maximo entries and maintain detailed logs and documentation.

Skills

Team leadership

Regulatory compliance

Customer service

Communication

Education

High School diploma or GED

Valid NC driver's license

Class B Distribution license

Class A Distribution license preferred

Class A CDL preferred

Tools

GIS

Maximo

Engineered drawings

Job description

Incumbents in this position serves as the team lead for Water Quality operations in the absence of the Water Quality Supervisor. This position coordinates daily assignments, ensures regulatory compliance, responds to water quality incidents, and supports the safe and reliable operation of CFPUA's water distribution systems. The Foreman provides field leadership, technical expertise, and customer service while upholding CFPUA's values, safety standards, and organizational goals. This position is assigned to Pay Grade G15.

• Leads the Water Quality team when the Water Quality Supervisor is unavailable, providing direction, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Responds to customer concerns and water quality complaints, ensuring timely communication and resolution.
• Assists with planning and managing Boil Water Advisories (BWAs) including issuing notifications and supporting public communication.
• Serves on call as a first responder to water quality issues and operational emergencies.
• Promotes a culture of belonging, inclusion, and accountability consistent with CFPUA values.
• Collaborates with all CFPUA departments to support organizational goals and customer service standards.
• Collects drinking water samples in strict accordance with regulatory monitoring procedures.
• Maintains accurate chain of custody documentation and ensures samples are delivered for testing as required.
• Conducts flow tests, pressure surveys, flushing operations, and water quality investigations.
• Samples and activates newly installed water lines.
• Identifies system hazards, stops unsafe work, and ensures adherence to incident reporting procedures.
• Selects appropriate hydrants, valves, and flushing routes to maintain system water quality.
• Isolates water mains for emergencies or repairs; restores service, flushes lines, and collects post-restoration samples.
• Responds to customer concerns regarding water quality by collecting samples, documenting findings, and recommending corrective actions.
• Uses GIS, engineered drawings, and system configuration knowledge to identify problem areas and implement flushing programs.
• Reports mapping inaccuracies and ensures corrections are made in GIS.
• Ensures all work activities and maintenance records are accurately entered in Maximo.
• Maintains detailed logs, and documentation of assignments, investigations, and system conditions.
• Works with Human Resources to ensure employees complete required training and adhere to employment policies and laws.
• Ensures compliance with all CFPUA policies, procedures, and safety standards.
• Assists with preparing budget requests, equipment needs, and maintenance planning.
• Exercises purchasing authority up to $1,000 without supervisor approval.
• Provides guidance to construction crews regarding proper disinfection of new water mains including chlorine application and flow direction.
• Performs preventive maintenance on equipment and participates in operations response activities.
• Responds to emergencies and unplanned operational events as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

In the event of an emergency, all employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to perform alternate duties.

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in Water Quality or a related field.
• Valid Class \"B\" Distribution license required or ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire.
• Class \"A\" Distribution license preferred.
• Valid NC driver's license is required.
• Class A CDL is preferred.

Other Essential Job Specifications

• Use interpersonal skills such as seeing, hearing, and speaking to develop positive interactions with customers.
• Comprehends and uses technical or professional language, either written or spoken, to communicate complex ideas.
• Performs numerical operations using basic counting, adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing.
• Performs complex quantitative calculations or reasoning using algebra, geometry, statistics, or abstract symbols.
• Requires travel between CFPUA sites.
• Use or repair of small/light equipment (power tools).
• Use or repair medium equipment and machinery (vehicles, commercial mowers).
• Use or repair heavy or complex machinery (HVAC systems, construction equipment, water plants).

Physical Requirements

• None: 0 hours or 0% of scheduled shift
• Some: Up to 2 hours or 20% of scheduled shift
• Frequent - 2 to 5 hours or 20% to 60% of scheduled shift
• Very Frequent - More than 5 hours or 60% to 100% of scheduled shift
• Minimal physical exertion. Very light physical work at desk or counter level with intermittent periods of sitting, standing, and walking. May involve data entry, telephone work, or use of various office equipment.
• Same as above with the addition of standing/sitting/walking for lengthy periods of time. May involve light physical exertion due to pushing, pulling, carrying, and lifting weights up to 20 pounds.
• Physical exertion involving pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 20 pounds. May require prolonged standing and/or walking during which time objects are transported. May require occasional bending, squatting, and reaching.
• Sustained physical activity throughout the work period. Performs work tasks involving pushing, pulling, carrying, and lifting up to 50 pounds. May require bending, squatting, stooping, reaching, climbing, or walking in addition to other physical demands.