Crew Leader-Pipelines

Why Work at Des Moines Water Works?

At Des Moines Water Works (DMWW), every employee plays a vital role in delivering Water You Can Trust for Life to over 600,000 central Iowans. We’re looking for team members who are customer-focused and committed to our mission.

When you join DMWW, you become part of a team that values environmental stewardship—protecting our most essential natural resource: water. Just as importantly, we recognize that our people are our greatest asset. Your wellbeing matters to us—from physical and psychological safety to wellness, fitness, and professional growth, we’re committed to supporting your health and development at work and beyond.

Under the supervision of the Water Distribution Supervisor, the Crew Leader supervises and works alongside a crew responsible for the operation, maintenance, and construction of the water distribution system. This position serves as the on-call lead on a rotational basis (one week at a time) for emergency repair work. The Crew Leader promotes and enforces safety standards to ensure a secure work environment.

• Assigns tasks and directs crews performing maintenance, repair, construction, and restoration activities related to the water distribution system.
• Ensures all work meets DMWW standards for quality, safety, and timeliness.
• Provides coaching, counseling, and ongoing on-the-job training to crew members; communicates observations on crew performance and skill proficiency to management.
• Prepares and maintains reports, daily records, time sheets, work orders and documents field changes on drawings.
• Shares practical, field-based suggestions regarding tools, equipment, and resources with management for consideration during budget planning.
• Interprets construction drawings, sketches, GIS data, and written or oral instructions.
• Performs maintenance and repair on valves, hydrants, and mains.
• Installs and removes large and small taps.
• Promotes safety by modeling safe work behaviors, leading safety talks, and supporting safety initiatives.
• Ensures safe work sites by establishing traffic control, classifying soil, and determining proper shoring methods in compliance with OSHA and DOT requirements.
• Represents DMWW when coordinating activities with customers, contractors, municipalities, and other agencies.
• Requests utility locates for lines, cables, and pipes from other providers.
• Protects water quality by following isolation, repair, flushing, and sampling procedures.
• Collaborates with management to coordinate work, balance priorities, and achieve organizational goals.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

High school diploma or GED equivalent.

At least three years of responsible experience working in maintenance or construction of a water distribution system or closely related field.

• Must possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class A with air brakes, within 90 days of appointment to the position.
• Iowa DNR Grade 2 Water Distribution Operators Certification (required).

• Knowledge, training or experience sufficient to serve as the Excavation Safety Competent Person on the job site
• IDOT work zone traffic control certification
• Iowa DNR Grade 3 Water Distribution Operators Certification

• Water distribution operations, including records, maps, and reports.
• Construction methods, procedures, and industry standards.
• Des Moines Water Works’ distribution system, including ability to read construction drawings and maps and utilize GIS systems for system isolation.
• Applicable regulations and standards, including Des Moines Water Works policies, OSHA, and IDOT requirements.

• Proficient communication skills (verbal and written).
• Proficient analytical and decision-making skills.
• Proficient leadership and team collaboration skills.
• Basic human relations and interpersonal skills.
• Basic planning and organizational skills.
• Skill in applying and adhering to safety and regulatory requirements.

• Ability to interpret and implement rules, regulations, and specifications accurately.
• Ability to read, write, communicate, and understand English…