Working Foreman Special Heavy Motor Equipment Operator-Water

This is a safety sensitive position.

The Working Foreman Special Heavy Motor Equipment Operator (SHMEO)/Water oversees and works in the construction, maintenance, and operation of the water system including but not limited to water mains, service valves, gates, and hydrants. The individual shall have a thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of maintaining water systems. Performs all other related duties that may be assigned.

 Supervision Received:

Works under the supervision of the Director of the Water and Sewer and/or their designee.

 Supervision Exercised:

Performs front-line working supervision of water crews.

 Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervises the activities of a water maintenance crew.
• Supervises and performs the installation and repair of water mains, service valves, gates, hydrants and any other appurtenances using whatever methods, tools and procedures are necessary to complete the task in a safe, proper and proficient manner.
• Digs, braces, backfills and tampers excavations.
• Installs and repairs asphalt and concrete.
• Reads and follows the specifications in engineering blueprints, sketches and diagrams of the water system.
• Locates, operates, repairs, and maintains underground water utilities and controls.
• Supervises use of and operates equipment including but not limited to front-end loaders, backhoes, gate and valve exercising equipment, compacting equipment, skid steer loaders, and all construction equipment related to assigned duties.
• Uses standard hand tools including but not limited to shovels, picks, axes, saws, heavy wrenches, and small power tools.
• Responds to emergencies as directed.
• Reports any emergencies to a Foreman.
• Oversees emergency response activities as related to system failures and/or crisis situations.
• In the case of breaks and failures, is responsible for determining the cause, locating problem area, shutting off water service, and using whatever methods, tools and procedures that are necessary to complete the task in a safe, proper and proficient manner. Also responsible for responding to flooding conditions caused by the City water system by entering account holder premises and basements to check their status or perform water meter maintenance.

• Supervises and performs minor maintenance functions on assigned equipment such as checking and maintaining air pressures, fluid levels; lubrication of mechanical joints by applying necessary greases, routine cleaning of vehicle exterior and interior; etc.

• Ensures all vehicle condition inspections and reports as required by law or by Department policy are performed.
• Supervises employees in and performs customer response and problem resolution as related to water system issues and report such issues to the Director of the Water and Sewer Department and/or their designee.
• Uses and oversees use of electronic work order system.
• Assists with cross-departmental Water and Sewer emergencies as required.
• Supervise sewer crews and work in emergencies or urgent situations.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with superiors, co-workers, and the general public.
• Responsible for the safe collection and transport of water samples in compliance with all Environmental Protection Agency and State DEP safe drinking water regulations
• Ensures that all safety practices and measures related to work zones, confined space entry, excavation, and others are adhered to and that personal protective clothing and equipment are utilized.
• Ensures operational, maintenance, and staff compliance with applicable safety regulations and other requirements governing construction, repair, and maintenance operations.
• Reports staff conduct and performance issues to Water Foreman.
• Supervise training of and trains personnel as necessary.
• Oversees emergency response activities as related to system failures and/or crisis situations.
• In the case of breaks and failures, is responsible for determining the cause, locating problem area, shutting off water service, and using whatever methods, tools and procedures that are necessary to complete the task in a safe, proper and proficient manner. Also responsible for responding to flooding conditions caused by the City water system by entering account holder premises and basements to check their status or perform water meter maintenance.

• Supervises and performs minor maintenance functions on assigned equipment such as checking and maintaining air pressures, fluid levels; lubrication of mechanical joints by applying necessary greases, routine cleaning of vehicle exterior and interior; etc.

• Ensures all vehicle condition inspections and reports as required by law or by Department policy are performed.
• Supervises employees in and performs customer response and problem resolution as related to water system issues and report such issues to the Director of the Water and Sewer Department and/or their designee.
• Uses and oversees use of electronic work order system.
• Assists with cross-departmental Water and Sewer emergencies as required.
• Supervise sewer crews and work in emergencies or urgent situations.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with superiors, co-workers, and the general public.
• Responsible for the safe collection and transport of water samples in compliance with all Environmental Protection Agency and State DEP safe drinking water regulations
• Ensures that all safety practices and measures related to work zones, confined space entry, excavation, and others are adhered to and that personal protective clothing and equipment are utilized.
• Ensures operational, maintenance, and staff compliance with applicable safety regulations and other requirements governing construction, repair, and maintenance operations.
• Reports staff conduct and performance issues to Water Foreman.
• Supervise training of and trains personnel as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications and Entrance Requirements:

Working knowledge of the following:

• Principles and practices pertaining to the correct, proficient and safe operation of equipment and assigned vehicles.
• Applicable Municipal and Department rules and regulations pertaining to safe operation of assigned motor equipment.
• Rules, regulations and applicable laws related to job safety.
• Principles and practices for the operation and maintenance of drinking water systems.
• Working knowledge of the Safe Water Drinking Act.

Demonstrated ability to:

• Supervise construction, maintenance, and repair; manage personnel toward these repairs as necessary.
• Exercise proper professional and technical judgment.
• Use a computer with various programs related to the duties of this job.
• Read and follow specifications in engineering blueprints and specifications as they pertain to municipal water and sewer systems and recognize the need for referral to determine safe excavation.
• Supervise employees who enter and make observations in manholes, pump stations, sewer lift stations, trenches and other confined spaces.

• Comply with all Federal, State, City and Department policies and provisions as it pertains to the City’s water infrastructure.
• Frequently lift, move, push, pull and/or carry up to 50 lbs.
• Occasionally lift, move, push, pull, and/or carry up to 100 lbs.
• Balance, stoop, bend and crouch; reach and handle tools with both hands to operate, demonstrate, or train employees.
• Work under varying weather conditions.
• Perform duties of this job description for scheduled and unscheduled overtime.

• Minimum Qualifications and Entrance Requirements:

  Entrance Requirements:

• Graduation from a high school or vocational school, or equivalent degree.
• Demonstrated experience supervising crews operating and maintaining a public sewer/water system or related construction experience.
• Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Massachusetts Class B license with air-break endorsement.
• Must possess Massachusetts Hoisting License with 2B restriction.
• Must obtain a D1 Water Distribution license issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure within 6 months of hire.
• Must have a responsible driving record. 

Send your resume and cover letter by Friday, March 26 to:

City Hall Personnel Office
93 Highland Avenue
Somerville MA 02143
Fax: 617-666-4426
TTY: 1-866-808-4851
Email: employment_opportunities@somervillema.gov

City of Somerville residents are especially encouraged to apply.

The City of Somerville is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities free of charge, upon request.

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Nancy Bacci at 617-625-6600 x 2250 or nbacci@somervillema.gov.