Water/Sewer Crew Leader

GENERAL DEFINITION AND CONDITIONING OF WORK:
Performs difficult skilled work coordinating a small crew in the replacement, repair or installation of water and sewer lines, taps, and appurtenances.
An employee in this class is responsible for leading a small crew of semi-skilled and/or skilled workers.  

• Work involves participation in and supervision over an assigned project that requires trades, technical, or mechanical skill.  
• The employee may also operate automotive or construction equipment associated with a particular work activity.  
• The employee is 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 exposure to raw sewage is also subject to the final standards of OSHA on blood borne pathogens.  
• Work may require on-call and call-back duties.  
• Work is performed under regular supervision and is reviewed by frequent project inspections to evaluate work in progress and provide specific directions as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS:
The employee may perform a combination of some or all of the following duties and other duties which may be assigned by the Town of Smithfield.

• Coordinates and participates in the work of a crew in the installation, repair, or replacement of water and sewer and facilities including manholes, hydrants, valves and meters, and other system components.
• Sets and ensures that crew follow proper grade.
• Supervises and participates in the installation of water, sewer lines and taps.
• Assembles and installs meters; maintains, inspects, and repairs vales, manholes and hydrants.
• Responds to and repairs water line and meter leaks.
• Leads and participates in establishing proper signing and barricades for work zone safety.
• Enforces safety policies and procedures with crew members.
• Discusses task requirements with and receives detailed instructions from supervisor.
• Oversees the loading and transporting of equipment and materials in preparation for work.
• Ensures that crew members transport necessary parts, tools and materials to work site.
• Assigns tasks to workers in the field and inspects work in progress to assure conformance with instructions.
• Provides on-the-job training to crew members.
• Provides performance feedback on crew members, noting good performance and areas for improvement.
• Assists with or conducts performance evaluation meetings with employees.
• Supervises the maintenance and upkeep of machinery and tools used by the crew.
• Operates construction equipment such as backhoe, loaders, sewer rodders and flushers, tractors, mowers, trenchers, boring equipment, etc.
• Operates tapping machines.
• Investigates complaints and trouble calls and recommends action; communicates department policies, procedures, and plans to citizens.
• Replaces landscaping damaged in construction projects; sows grass seed; plants shrubbery.

Completes work orders, requisitions, and other records or reports.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices associated with the repair, replacement and installation of water and sewer lines.
• Considerable knowledge of the tools, materials and equipment used in such repair work.
• Considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the work.
• Some knowledge of the related town engineering specifications.
• Skill in the operation of heavy construction equipment.
• Ability to assign and supervise the work of others.
• Ability to keep records.
• Ability to read and follow blueprints and construction drawings.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors and peers and deal effectively with the public.

• Graduation from high school or GED and 5 to 7 years of experience in skilled maintenance and construction work, preferably in public utilities, including experience with operating heavy and medium construction equipment; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certification as Competent Person For Excavation, Trenching, and Shoring from the NC Department of Labor or OSHA to be secured within 3 months of employment or promotion.
• Possession of appropriate certification in water collection and sewer distribution.  
• Flagger Certification issued by OSHA or NC DOT.  
• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license, CDL preferred.