Utilities Crew Leader

GENERAL PURPOSE A

Utility Operator Crewleader leads a team which typically performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled technical and maintenance work in the operation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution and sewer collection facilities and systems.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Reports to Utility Supervisor and is under the general supervision of the DistributionCollections Utilities Superintendent.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Serve as a lead worker over employees in Utility Operator I and II positions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Regular attendance with the ability to work in an occupied environment, including areas with vehicle traffic. Assist with the planning, scheduling, and implementation of construction, maintenance, and operation of construction activities designed to provide quality water distribution and sewer collection services. Assist in the training of subordinate employees performing the duties of maintenance, construction, and repair of water and sewer facilities. Inspect and/or repair water and sewer systems at frequent intervals to ensure that all aspects of the systems are functioning properly. Maintain a variety of records relating to inspections, maintenance activity, repairs, etc. Respond to complaints and service requests regarding leaks, pressure losses, stoppages, sinkholes or related issues. Evaluate situations and report findings to supervisor. Call for utility locates as needed to perform necessary repairs or work as assigned. Communicate with residents and business owners in areas where work is to be performed and during eh performance of the work. Operate a variety of power construction tools, maintenance equipment, vehicles of various size and weight used in the water distribution and sewer collections division. Lead all activities performed by the water distribution and sewer collection division. Lead a crew to install and repair main water and sewer lines, accomplish hookups, and test installations according to established procedures. Lead a crew to install, overhaul, and repair fire hydrants. Inspect new water and sewer lines at construction sites and take samples and chlorination readings. Perform routine inspection, cleaning, and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or needed repairs to supervisor. Ensures the proper maintenance of equipment and tools by assigned crew. Perform work in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations, and within mandated and appropriated safety standards.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

Complete all duties assigned by supervisor, keep job site and work area clean, and must keep tools clean that are used in performing work. Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma or equivalent is required. Valid Texas Class C Driver's License is required. Three (3) years of water and sewer utility experience, preferred. A Bachelor's Degree is preferred. Or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge Considerable knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods and procedures used in water distribution operation activities and procedures and practices. Some basic knowledge of OSHA trenching and shoring requirements. Skills Judgment and Decision Making

• Uses logic and reasoning to analyze, understand, and evaluate job orders and identify potential problems before they arise. Exercises appropriate judgment in establishing priorities. Excellent organizational and time management skills. Assessing the safety of a work site is imperative. Critical Thinking
• Good critical thinking, problem solving, and mechanical skill is necessary when accessing work orders. Abilities Coordination of Work
• Ability to share a heavy work load to maintain team balance, acquire skills in all equipment and procedures to become a more valuable crew member. Help train and orient new workers. Communications
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other departments, and the public.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must obtain a Texas Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within six (6) months of date of hire. Must obtain a TCEQ "B" Public Water System Operator License within one (1) year of date of hire. Must obtain a TCEQ "B" Wastewater Treatment License within one (1) year of date of hire.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Large and heavy equipment such as a backhoe, front-end loader, dump truck. Motorized vehicles and equipment, including tapping machine, tamper, plate compactor, pipe threader, jackhammer, acetylene torch, chain saw, trash pump, ditch compactor, air compressor, generators, compressors, pumps, gauges, common hand and power tools, shovels, wrenches, detection devices, mobile radio, phone, calculator, and other necessary equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, crawl, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to handle and feel/operate/manipulate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. While standing/walking primarily on concrete floors, the employee must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds, lift/carry up to 100 pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those and employee typically encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is generally performed outside, exposed to extreme heat in summer and cold in winter. The employee typically is exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and frequently works near moving mechanical parts. The employee is also occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, and may work in environments that expose them to risk of electrical shock and vibration. The employee is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.