Water Systems Crew Leader

Water Systems Crew Leader

Leads, trains, and oversees the work of a crew engaged in the construction, maintenance, and repair of the water production and distribution system. Position functions five (5) percent indoors and ninety-five (95) percent outdoors with exposure to all types of weather and traffic conditions, mechanical, electrical, explosive, and burn hazards, open manholes, trench cave-ins, toxic chemicals, gases and moving vehicles and equipment, fumes, dusts and odors. Protective clothing includes safety shoes, vest, ear plugs, SCBA equipment, sound attenuator, gloves, hard hat, safety visor, and glasses. Heavy physical effort is required to perform job functions including constant balancing, bending / stooping, climbing into and out of man holes, moving around construction sites with uneven terrain, and lifting repair fittings, mechanical joint fittings, C900 pipe, meter boxes and other water components weighing up to fifty (50) pounds from ground to shoulder height. Push / Pulling manhole and meter vault lids weighing up to ninety (90) pounds; working in confined spaces; using a two-way radio. Sufficient clarity of speech, hearing, or other communication capabilities, vision or other powers of observation, manual dexterity, and personal mobility and physical reflexes sufficient to effectively and efficiently perform essential job functions. Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, responding to customer issues; may involve shift work; work on holidays, weekends, nights and overtime; may be on standby. Work may involve stressful emergency situations. Precise limits, tolerances and standards must be met. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

First consideration will be given to current City of Las Cruces employees who meet all minimum requirements. This recruitment will be used to fill a full-time, represented, non-exempt position within the Utilities Department but may be used to fill other vacancies to include full-time, part-time and / or contract positions.

Duties and Responsibilities :

Schedules, assigns and oversees daily activities of work crew; inspects, evaluates and checks that all completed work is in compliance with standards and safety requirements, provides on-the-job training to new employees, instructs crew on proper work procedures, and serves as technical support to other workers; provides input into performance evaluation of crew members, maintains work records, time reports, and logbooks, and serves as the acting supervisor as necessary.

Leads, supports, and participates in the installation, service, and repair of water distribution service and main lines; blue stakes water lines, digs meter vaults, conducts pipe locations, and checks stub outs.

Builds sewer manholes; raises sewer manholes buried under pavement and replaces sidewalks.

Completes written reports and work orders; interacts with the public regarding water system maintenance activities.

Operates heavy equipment, including a backhoe and sewer truck, and standard construction tools on work projects.

Maintains inventory of supplies, tools, and equipment for use at work sites; performs general and preventative maintenance, inspects equipment, and ensures safety and functionality of all operating equipment and tools.

Reviews, maintains, and updates records in various formats, mediums, and automated systems to ensure data integrity and adherence to internal controls, practices, and policies; demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless services.

Provides performance feedback, trains, and instructs employees to meet established goals and objectives; participates in staff evaluations with designated supervisor to provide impartial feedback regarding performance; assures that staff maintain safety standards and adhere to policies and procedures for efficient and safe operations.

Ensures that traffic, public, and crew members are safe and are following safety regulations and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications :

High school diploma, GED AND PLUS four (4) years of experience in water distribution systems operations. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Licenses / Certification(s) : Valid Class A commercial driver's license is required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies. NM Level III Water Certification required. NMDOT Supervisor Traffic Control certification required within 18 months of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :