Water Distribution Supervisor

Job Title

Under general direction, plans, schedules, assigns, reviews, and supervises the work of staff performing semi-skilled and skilled tasks in the construction, maintenance, and operation of water system facilities, ensuring the City's water system is running efficiently and clean, sustainable drinking water is available to customers; responds to citizen complaints and requests for assistance; oversees training programs on employee safety and work procedures; performs the most difficult field work; operates light and heavy power driven equipment; provides complex technical staff assistance to management staff in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.

Receives general direction from assigned management personnel. Exercises direct supervision over utilities maintenance and operations staff. May serve as acting water division manager in the absence of the manager.

This is a full supervisory-level class that exercises independent judgment on diverse public works utility maintenance, operations, construction, and repair work involving water distribution systems with accountability and ongoing decision-making responsibilities associated with the work. Incumbents are responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of staff and for providing technical support to management in a variety of areas. Performance of the work requires the use of independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines.

Examples of Duties

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of staff performing public works utility maintenance, operations, construction, and repair work involving water distribution systems: trains staff in work procedures; evaluates employee performance, counsels employees, and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action; assists in selection and promotion.
• Participates in the development of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for assigned services and programs; recommends and implements policies and procedures including standard operating procedures for assigned operations.
• Monitors activities of the work unit; identifies opportunities for improving service delivery and procedures; provides recommendations concerning process changes; reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements.
• Coordinates assigned services and operations with those of other divisions and outside agencies.
• Participates in annual budget preparation; identifies resource needs; prepares detailed cost estimates with appropriate justifications; monitors and approves expenditures; orders and ensures delivery of materials, supplies, tools, and equipment necessary for maintenance, repair, and construction projects; prepares job cost estimates and submits reports; prepares purchase orders and requisitions.
• Provides staff assistance to management; prepares and presents staff reports and other written materials; supervises the establishment and maintenance of reports, records, and files; ensures the proper documentation of operations and activities.
• Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates and responds to complaints and inquiries from citizens, other departments, and outside agencies; recommends corrective actions to resolve issues.
• Receives and transmits work orders electronically; prioritizes work order requests, generates new work orders, and assigns tasks accordingly; reviews work orders upon completion; prepares, maintains, inputs, and queries detailed logs, records, and reports of maintenance and repair activities via automated software systems.
• Performs the most difficult work in assigned maintenance program area.
• Inspects new installations and repair work during its performance and upon its completion; participates in the development of new systems and equipment.
• Develops, coordinates, and conducts a variety of employee safety training programs on topics related to assigned work; maintains both public and employee safety in the field.
• Coordinates emergency and special assignments with other City departments and divisions, and with outside agencies and contractors.
• Maintains files, databases, and records of maintenance and repair activities; prepares a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence.
• Represents the City in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, developers, and the public.
• Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Excavates, inspects, flushes, cleans, and repairs water mains, lines, meters, and fire hydrants; installs, repairs, upgrades, and/or replaces fire hydrants, valves, meters, and meter vaults.
• Excavates concrete, pavement, and dirt and sets up concrete forms as necessary; calls for USA Dig-Alert utility line location services where needed; backfills open trenches and completes surfaces to finish as appropriate.
• Exercises valves according to preventive maintenance schedules; tests and adjusts water volumes and pressures.
• Operates a variety of equipment including but not limited to large trucks and medium-sized construction equipment such as loaders, backhoes, compressors, as well as pipe threading machines, jackhammers, and concrete saws.
• Sets up traffic control using the appropriate barricades, cones, and delineators; safely channels and directs traffic around work sites.
• Reads and interprets water system maps, electronic maps, blueprints, standards, specifications, and underground service alert tickets.
• Interacts with and notifies customers of impacts to their water service including water main and service line shutdowns.
• Oversees and participates in emergency work on water breaks and service line leaks as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Basic principles and practices of budget administration and monitoring.
• Methods, techniques, tools, and the operational characteristics of mechanical equipment used in the construction, operation, and maintenance of water systems and related facilities.
• Application procedures and techniques of concrete, asphalt, hydro patch, and cutbacks related to temporary street patching; preparation and painting of fire hydrants.
• Operation and minor maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools and vehicles, and light to heavy power equipment.
• Operations and techniques for the operation of construction equipment such as backhoes and dump trucks.
• Traffic control procedures and traffic sign regulations.
• Underground Service Alert (USA Dig-Alert) procedures.
• Methods and techniques for report preparation.
• Methods of estimating time, costs, and equipment necessary for assigned work.
• Principles and practices of work safety.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Mathematical calculations and conversions needed for water distribution functions.
• Principles and practices of water systems operation and maintenance.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively interacting with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Ability to:

• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Identify problems, research and analyze relevant information, and develop and present recommendations and justification for solutions.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Inspect work in progress and upon completion providing feedback; identify areas needing improvement.
• Oversee and participate in construction, installation, maintenance, and repair work on water transmission and distribution systems, and related facilities and equipment, including water mains and service, water meters, and fire hydrants.
• Install and test water lines, water meters, fire hydrants, and related equipment involved in water hook-ups.
• Make mathematical calculations and conversions needed for water distribution functions.
• Research and interpret specifications, blueprints and drawings.
• Use and operate a variety of vehicles, hand tools, mechanical equipment, and power tools and equipment required for the work in a safe and efficient manner.
• Read and interpret maps and schematics.
• Excavate concrete, pavement, and soil materials;