Water Distribution Working Foreperson

This position is responsible for providing on-site leadership, direction and technical expertise to field service crew members engaged in installing, maintaining and repairing the Citys Water Distribution system and connections in accordance with Federal, State, City and AWWA (American Water Works Association) standards and regulations. This position acts as a liaison between the Department of Public Works and the general public as it relates to field work being performed.

Union Affiliation: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Pay Grade 17: $31.54 - $35.17 Hourly Remote Tier 1: Zero (0) days remote/month

• Required to perform all essential tasks of the Distribution Field Technicians, as needed.
• Prepare, coordinate, provide technical oversight to and review the work of the Distribution Field Technicians in daily work assignments and projects including, but not limited to:
  • maintenance and repair of all aspects of the water system including water mains, water services, hydrants, and valves
  • related repairs such as maintenance and restoration of excavated areas such as lawns, greenbelts and paved surfaces
  • dig safe response as necessary
  • Coordination activities include:
    • preparing job parts lists and ensuring parts availability with Inventory Specialist
    • pulling excavation permits
    • ensuring customer estimate appointments are kept
    • scheduling external traffic control
    • coordinating with Metering group, Street Maintenance or external contractors as needed for additional resources
  • Technical oversight includes ensuring all activities above are completed in accordance with AWWA standards and/or Division procedures, ordinances or policies, including digsafe, traffic control and excavation backfill standards.
  • Oversight and direction regarding the safe and timely completion of projects and restoration of water service
• Complete required paper work accurately, including but not limited to production reports, crew schedules, service estimates, first report of accident and computer based asset tracking applications (valve inspections, water break reporting etc.).
• Assist Water Distribution Field Manager with supervision, coaching, and training of crew members.
• Participate, promote and encourage safe work practices in accordance with Federal, State and Local regulations.
• Requisition materials required to complete projects in a manner consistent with Department policies, procedures and City/State/AWWA standards.
• Maintain control over progress and quality of work in accordance with departmental goals, objectives and standards and City/State/AWWA Standards.
• Respond to distribution related See Click Fix requests.
• Participate in the hiring process including but not limited to interviewing, evaluating and recommending applicants.

• Review and coordinate collection of asset information for the various categories of infrastructure through the use of applicable technology.

• Comply with and promote adherence to all departmental safety policies, protocols and procedures and OSHA regulations, including but not limited to ensuring a safe work area, wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, and stopping work if there is any question of safety. Oversee compliance with and tracks safety training of subordinates related to these requirements.
• Act as Ambassador for the City and DPW by carrying out work and interacting with co-workers and the public in a respectful, professional manner.
• Represent Water Resources at community events to promote departmental initiatives and programs.
• Plow City streets and sidewalks with the Street Division in accordance with the provisions of the Union contract.
• Provide on-call coverage as assigned, including after-hours, nights, weekends and holidays.

Non-Essential Job Functions:

• Perform other duties as required.

• Ability to actively support City diversity, equity, and cultural competency efforts within stated job responsibilities and work effectively across diverse cultures and constituencies.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as evidenced by ongoing trainings and professional development.
• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Three (3) years of experience in underground water infrastructure construction, maintenance and repair with at least one (1) year in a supervisory role required. Additional experience in metering or plumbing is preferred.
• Possession of a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Class A at time of application is preferred. Otherwise, candidates without a CDL A upon application must obtain a CDL Class A permit within the probationary period (90 days) and must obtain a CDL Class A license within one (1) year.
• Vermont State Operator Classification, Class D required or the ability to obtain certification with one (1) year of date of hire required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the water distribution system, connectors, including but not limited to locating underground service lines such as gas and power supply, principles of water pressure and hydraulic engineering.
• Demonstrated knowledge of water main installation and repairs, water main valve installation and repairs, water service installation and repairs, and fire hydrant installation and repairs.
• Ability to direct work activities of a small work crew and lead by example.
• Ability to select and assign staff to each task.
• Ability to determine and demonstrate appropriate methods, procedures and techniques for tasks assigned.
• Ability to complete work projects in a safe and timely manner to avoid extensive disruption of service for water users.
• Ability to read and understand blue prints and/or GIS maps to identify and locate water shutoffs and water lines.
• Knowledge of the internal works of plumbing, fixtures and water meters with residential and commercial properties.
• Knowledge about and ability to operate power and hand tools related to water distribution and metering.

• Ability to use computers, smart phones, iPads, email and the internet effectively.
• Ability to use Asset Management software.

• Ability to read and understand blue prints to identify and locate water shut offs and water lines.

• Strong problem solving and decision making skills required.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written required.
• Ability to train, motivate and coach subordinate workers.
• Ability to safely operate dump truck, front end loader, sidewalk plows, jackhammer, backhoe, and other related equipment.
• Ability to complete work projects in a timely manner to avoid extensive interruption of service for water users.
• Ability to operate wheeled and tracked snow plow equipment on City streets and sidewalks to plow, remove snow and ice, salt and sand.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Physical ability to perform manual labor required for water distribution work (see chart below)
• Ability to work in confined spaces and in moving traffic areas.
• Ability to work after-hours, nights, weekends and on call as required.
• Ability to work effectively with field service members, leaders, other divisions, and the general public.
• Regular and timely attendance is necessary and is essential to meeting the expectations of the job functions.
• Ability to understand and comply with City standards, safety rules and personnel policies and Chapter 31 of the City ordinance.
• Ability to create and maintain an environment that embraces the 6 operating principles; Customer Service, Fiscal Responsibility, Good Labor Relations, Employee Empowerment, Cooperation and Constant Improvement.

Promoting a culture that reveres diversity and equity

The City of Burlington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we are strongly committed to creating a dynamic and equitable work-force that mirrors the population and world that we serve. We do not discriminate on the basis of political or religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, crime victim status, veteran status, disability, HIV positive status, or genetic information in employment or the provision of services.

In addition to being an equal opportunity employer we actively encourage applicants who can contribute to our growing diversity to apply.

Applications for our employment opportunities are only accepted online through our website.

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