Foreman, Water Distribution Maintenance

Job DescriptionJob Description

ABOUT THE HARLINGEN WATERWORKS SYSTEM

The Harlingen Waterworks System is the public water and wastewater utility of the City of Harlingen, serving approximately 80,000 customers in Harlingen, Primera, Palm Valley, and other water supply corporations.

The utility’s rich history dates back to the early 20th century; when Harlingen was incorporated in 1910, the town’s original water system and downtown water plant were constructed and owned by Central Power and Light (CP&L). Private ownership continued until 1940 when, as WWII loomed and the start of an airbase to the city was announced, the town’s forebears had the insight to see the potential benefits of getting into the water business.

Five individuals at that time financed the purchase from CP&L for the City — and after those bonds were serviced, the City took over the water and sewer systems. The Waterworks was officially established during the 1970s when a referendum was passed to separate the utility system from the City and operate it as a separate department. Harlingen Waterworks is now a wholly owned department of the city, operating under an independent Board of Trustees, with a team of 155 employees.

The City of Harlingen Waterworks System is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values in its workforce. Applicants selected for hire will be subject to a comprehensive background check.

About the Role:

We are seeking a highly skilled Foreman, Water to join our team. As a Foreman, Water, you will be responsible for overseeing the installation, maintenance, and repair of water systems. You will be expected to ensure that all work is completed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard of quality. Additionally, you will be responsible for managing a team of technicians and ensuring that they are properly trained and equipped to perform their duties.

Duties/Tasks:

• Responsible for training and supervising subordinate employees within a work crew; serve in a working supervisor capacity; responsible for the work of a crew engaged in the installation and maintenance of water mains, meters, valves and fire hydrants within the water distribution system as well as participates in rotation for standby
• Responsible for operating and training employees on heavy equipment including a backhoe, trencher, boring machine and others
• Responsible for prioritizing work schedules; independent judgment and initiative are required; courtesy, tact and firmness are required in dealing with public concerning required work
• Tracks attendance and timecards
• Assignments often include the use of standard hand tools, the operation of power-driven equipment, Company trucks or other equipment
• Work is evaluated through observation and efficiency of duties performed
• Work is performed on a on a standard 8-5 pm schedule with expected overtime and on a rotating stand-by schedule

Essential functions of the Job:

• Oversee and participate in the operation of equipment such as backhoe, trencher, boring machine and other excavation equipment and tools
• Oversee field operations of a crew engaged in the installation, maintenance and repair of water mains, meter, valves, and fire hydrants during regular and stand by assignments
• Advise customers when interruptions in water service will occur; explain the nature of work using courtesy, tact and firmness
• Oversee and maintain machinery/equipment to determine proper operation; and any necessary repairs/adjustments
• Provide input to supervisor on crewmembers’ performance and evaluations
• Maintains, prepares and submits time and attendance cards for staff members
• Ability to maintain inventory of trucks assigned to crew
• Assists in instructing new employees in work methods and procedures
• Maintains work area
• Perform related work as required/assigned within the Water Services Department

Minimum Qualifications/Required Skills:

• High school diploma or GED (required)
• Certification at an “A”, “B”, “C”, or “D” level in Surface Water or Distribution or ability to obtain within a set time depending on the license and experience level
• CDL Class “B” with Air Brakes and Tanker Endorsements upon hire or at the minimum must have CDL permit and the ability to obtain license within 3 months from hire date
• Considerable experience in the construction, maintenance, and repair of water mains and associated equipment
• Considerable knowledge of hazards and safety precautions involved in water line maintenance work
• Considerable knowledge of the materials, methods, tools and equipment employed in the construction, maintenance and repair of water distribution systems.
• Considerable knowledge of the safe operation and maintenance of moderate to heavy equipment and various other light power and hand tools
• Effective work experience to train and supervise personnel
• Experience in establishing effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments
• Some basic computer skills
• Some customer service experience
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License
• Must have at least one year supervisory experience
• Must have the skills and ability necessary to use the tools, and equipment associated with the job such as, trencher, backhoe, excavator, etc.
• Must be able to conduct basic mathematical calculations rapidly and accurately Must be able to follow oral and written instructions
• Must be able to work varying weather conditions on a daily basis Must be able to work independently and with minimal supervision
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions associated with water plant chemicals and related activities
• Ability to detect and take appropriate action in the operation of equipment and hand tools
• Ability to understand and communicate policies, procedures, and services of the HWWS in order to make decisions in accordance with the fore mentioned and maintain accurate reports.
• Ability to perform tasks quickly and accurately

Skills:

• Working knowledge of applicable traffic laws, ordinances, and regulations involved in maintenance and repair of water lines
• General knowledge of geographical areas of neighborhood
• Ability to communicate in both English and Spanish in technical terms

Physical Requirements:

Stand 2/3 of workday and more

Walk 2/3 of workday and more

Sit Occasionally

Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl 1/3 of workday or more

Use hands to handle or feel objects to

perceive textures and temperatures 2/3 of workday or more

Reach with hands and arms 2/3 of workday or more

Talk or hear 2/3 of workday and more

Smell up to 2/3 of workday and more

Must have natural or corrected vision to be able to see clearly at 20 inches or less; 20 feet or more; vision; peripheral vision; depth perception; and ability to adjust focus.

Environmental conditions include:

Work near moving mechanical parts Entire workday

Work near fumes or airborne particles Entire workday

Work in outdoor weather conditions Entire workday

Work with/or around vibration 1/3 of workday and more

Work in heights or depths Up to 2/3 of workday

Work in wet, humid conditions (manholes) Up to 2/3 of workday

Exposure to chlorine gas Entire workday

Exposure to harmful gases in manholes and sewer lines Up to 2/3 of workday

Risk of electrical shock 1/3 of workday

Risk of explosives (methane gas) Up to 2/3 of workday

Typical noise level is: From moderate to loud – examples are heavy equipment and traffic.

Stress level is: Moderate to high – examples are irate customers, water/sewer breaks, deep trench depths, electrical hazards, utility emergencies, etc.