Under general direction oversees the daily operations of the water distribution and wastewater collection divisions. Schedules and follows up on repairs and installations of water and wastewater lines and services, schedules and arranges new installations and training for work crews; writes instructions and holds group meetings to explain plans; organizes worksite for installation or repair operations and inspects completed projects to ensure compliance with specifications; collects water samples for testing by laboratory. Interviews, orients and trains employees, approves and schedules leave time, counsels employees on work related issues and rates performance and performs additional tasks in support of the department as needed or upon request.
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statement of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this position. Other duties may be required, assigned and expected aside from those set forth below to address operational needs and changing operational practices.
- Confers with Utilities Director, Utilities Engineer and External OP Mgr. on objectives and operating plans.
- Analyzes operations and procedures in water distribution and wastewater collection, revises as necessary to promote efficiency.
- Plans administrative and records management procedures.
- In cooperation with Engineering Department assesses requirements for water including quality and volume and plans for maintenance and construction of lines.
- Coordinates with Fire Department regarding planned shut-offs of water.
- Coordinates with other utility companies with regard to water meters and line locations.
- Orders necessary equipment, tools and supplies.
- Maintains files of maps, land plats, manuals and reference materials.
- Develops plans for installation of new water and sanitary mains and services; receives work orders from dispatcher for repairs and new installations.
- Writes instructions and/or holds group meetings and conferences with supervisors and other reports to explain plans, priorities and work procedures.
- Organizes worksites as necessary for installation and repair operations; locates buried lines and cables as necessary. Locate and mark underground water and wastewater pipes.
- Ensures that supervisors and employees have necessary supplies, equipment and manpower to complete projects.
- Leads, directs activities of supervisors, work crews.
- Monitors work climate; resolves work related problems.
- Oversees installation, servicing and repair of water and sanitary lines and appurtenances; assists with technical problems where necessary.
- Maintains communications with supervisors, crews and dispatcher using two-way radio and cell phones.
- Coordinates or may perform chlorination procedures.
- Inspects completed work to ensure compliance with specifications and those excavations have been filled to maintain grade, turf has been replaced if necessary, and that debris has been removed. Coordinates check out procedures with warehouse to maintain accountability of tools and equipment.
- Coordinates safety procedures, ensures that employees wear safety equipment and investigates causes of accidents.
- Assists crew in performing various pipe fitting tasks; may raise and rebuild manholes or rebuild inverts within manholes.
- Inspects sewer/water lines ensuring lines have been installed properly, joints are set, and that manholes are sealed properly.
- Prepares work order of large jobs performed and forwards for billing services.
Education & Experience Guidelines
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities required for this position would be:
Education/Training
High School Diploma, GED or demonstrated level of proficiency
Experience
Five years prior utility construction experience mandatory.
Licenses or Certifications Required
Wastewater Grade IC & Water Grade I Classifications by A.D.E.M. Valid Driver’s License.
The following generally describes the knowledge and abilities required in order to successfully perform the assigned duties of the position:
Knowledge of:
- Water distribution and wastewater collection design and operations including installation and maintenance of water and wastewater mains, service lines, lift stations and pump stations.
- Organization and operational procedures of water distribution and wastewater collection divisions of the Utilities Department.
- Various tools and equipment including, tamps, air hammers and pipe saws.
- Utilities department safety rules and procedures.
Ability to:
- Read to comprehend operator manuals, construction plans, directives, and gauges and indicators; write to prepare reports, work orders and similar non-complex documents.
- Verbally communicate to issue instructions, converse with work crews, vendors or suppliers.
- Math skills to count add, subtract, multiply and divide.
- Safely and efficiently operate jackhammer to access water/sewer lines.
- Delegate, communicate, motivate and lead employees.
- Operate backhoe, mini excavator and excavator to dig trenches for the installation of pipes, water and sanitary mains and service lines.
- Operate tractor with rotating cutter attachment to cut and clear lots of heavy debris.
- Operate a chain saw to cut low hanging limbs and/or other debris from right-of-ways.
- Exercise judgment particularly in tasks involving safety of self and others or efficiency of operations.
- Work independently to plan and arrange own work and refer only unusual cases to supervisor.
- Work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the city encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations needed to perform the essential duties of this position.
Environment: Outdoors with exposure to extreme heat, cold, inclement weather, raw sanitary sewage
Physical Demands: See accompanying page for details
Key Working Relationship: Wastewater, Water employees and Engineering department employees
