Utility Field Operations Foreman

Utility Field Operations Foreman

Supervises, plans, coordinates, oversees and works closely with various assigned field personnel in the maintenance repair and installation of operational activities within the water meter, water distribution and wastewater collections divisions. This position serves as the liaison to Utility Billing and addresses utility billing issues with customers. This position provides plan review for civil plans and works closely with the City's Engineering department on Capital Improvement Projects and coordinates assigned activities with other divisions as assigned.

Essential Functions :

1. Supervises and coordinates the operation and maintenance of the City's water and wastewater system including preventative, reactive, investigative and corrective maintenance and construction activities in accordance with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). 2. Supervises staff, which includes prioritizing and assigning work, conducting performance evaluations, ensuring staff is trained, and ensuring employees follow rules and policies. 3. Oversees and participates in the maintenance of water / wastewater mains, water valves, manholes and vaults and fire hydrants; installs new water / wastewater taps and water valves as necessary; inspects for leaks or breaks in water / wastewater plant and field. 4. Coordinates field operations activities with those of other divisions and outside agencies and organizations. 5. Oversees and assists in the operation of meter installation and repair, water / wastewater line installation, and water / wastewater plant activities. 6. Tracks changes to laws and regulations that may affect divisional operations and prepares the appropriate data collection and reporting to ensure regulatory compliance for Wastewater Collections and Water Distribution divisions. 7. Monitors and evaluates the quality, responsiveness, efficiency and effectiveness of assigned field operations programs, methods, and procedures; works with personnel on the continuous improvement of field operations services. 8. Maintains accurate records; prepares daily and administrative reports pertaining to policy and procedures of field operations. 9. Responds to and resolves public inquiries and complaints; confers with customers regarding problems; provides assistance as necessary. 10. Responds to citizen complaints, requests and emergency calls; provides information to citizens concerned about water quality issues and wastewater environmental impacts; ensures customer complaints, requests and emergency calls are addressed in a timely and proper manner. 11. Oversees the accurate and timely reading and reporting of all water meters within the City, including training meter readers, computer input and system updates, report analysis and review, and interaction with internal departments to provide clarification or additional data. 12. Ensures city staff completes and properly documents all utility line locate requests submitted to the utility division, and that all Field Operations staff comply with the requirements set by the Texas Administrative Code. 13. Ensures utility field operations personnel are properly trained. 14. Ensures field operations work is performed efficiently and implements clear and concise standard operating procedures for field operations personnel. 15. Ensures field operations crews meet regulatory guidelines. 16. Ensures that all paperwork is prepared appropriately. 17. Performs related duties as directed when such duties are a logical and appropriate assignment to the position. 18. Regular and timely attendance are required for this position. 19. Interacts professionally and respectfully with the public, coworkers and others in the course of daily work.

Required Skills :

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities :

Must communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing. Knowledge of TCEQ rules TAC (Texas Administrative Code) 290, TAC 217 and TAC 18. Must possess the ability to exercise good judgment in a variety of functions related to Water Distribution and Wastewater Collections. Must be able to adjust quickly to sudden changes in circumstances and do so constructively while maintaining a high degree of professionalism. Must have the physical ability, endurance and coordination to perform assigned tasks and operate assigned equipment. Must have regular and punctual attendance, flexibility to work overtime and respond to emergency situations during non-scheduled work hours. Requires reading, writing and math skills at a level needed to understand directions, equipment operating procedures, safety rules, etc. Ability to read and understand construction plans. Must have basic computer skills. Ability to operate heavy equipment, hand tools and specialized tools. Must have the ability to follow both written and verbal instructions. Must have the ability to complete tasks as assigned. Ability to work in a team environment, contribute as a team member and treat co-workers and customers with respect. Ability to work any day of the week (weekends and weekdays) and long hours. Must be able to work shift work, overtime and be subject to on-call as required.

Education, Experience and Other Requirements :

High School diploma / GED is required. Bachelor's degree is preferred. Must have at least four (4) years of related experience plus 60 hours of Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) class hours or at least three years of related experience plus 100 TCEQ class hours. Must have at least two years of supervisory experience in any field. Must possess a Class C license in either water distribution or a Class II wastewater collection license. Must obtain both licenses within 18 months of hire or promotion. Must pass a Federal / National criminal background check. Prefer a valid Texas Commercial Class A driver's license with an acceptable driving record as defined by City policy or must obtain Class A within one year of hire or promotion. Must pass a pre-employment basic physical, drug screen, functional assessment screening (Level 1), and a Titmus vision screening.

Working Conditions :

While performing the essential functions of this position, there will be routine and frequent exposure to :

Bright / dim light

Dusts and pollen

Extreme heat and / or cold

Wet or humid conditions

Extreme noise levels

Animals / wildlife

Vibration

Fumes and / or noxious odors

Traffic

Moving machinery

Electrical shock

Heights

Toxic / caustic chemicals

Other extreme hazards not listed above

Safety equipment such as gloves, goggles, hard hats, safety vests, steel-toe boots, back support belts, and seat belts are provided and must be worn as required by department procedures and good safety practices.

Physical Demands :

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job entails moderate physical labor, which requires strength and agility. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to stand; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift, shovel, and carry 25 to 50 pounds and exert up to 70 pounds of force. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.