Foreman - Water Distribution

Statement of Duties

Position is responsible for supervising and performing skilled construction, maintenance and repair work on assigned programs or projects of the Water Division of the Department of Public Works; does the related job as required. Work involves planning, organizing, and directing subordinate crew in the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of The Town’s water distribution system. Work is performed in accordance with municipal, state and federal policies and regulations.

Work is reviewed by the Deputy Director of Water. Routinely participates as one of the on-call emergency supervisors that handle all DPW related functions in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Education and Experience: Work requires high school graduate or equivalent plus five years’ experience in the same or related field or equivalent combination of knowledge and expertise to perform the essential functions of this position. Considerable knowledge of procedures, equipment, materials and tools employed in water main repair, construction, and maintenance. Ability to plan and supervise the work of subordinates.

Special Requirements: Class D motor vehicle operator’s license required. Possession and retention of a level D2 licensure required as certified by the Board of Certification of Operators of Drinking Water Supply Facilities issued by the Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure with the ability to obtain and sustain a level D3 license within 24 months of hire. Class B Commercial Driver’s license with air brakes and tank endorsement, and a MA HE 2A, 1C and 4G hoisting license preferred, but not required.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skill: Considerable knowledge of municipal water distribution and of the operation and maintenance of related equipment; ability to supervise and review the work of subordinates; ability to diagnose and correct causes of malfunction of water distribution equipment. Skills to enter detailed records into a computer database and manage and interpret the data per water systems regulations; the ability to intervene in the event of system malfunctions to correct and maintain the safety of water supply;

the ability to respond to emergency alarms and initiate corrective action independently.

Physical Demands: Able to: work in an environment subject to continuous interruptions and background noises; climb onto ladders, platforms, and equipment; work in all weather conditions; operate equipment requiring hand and eye coordination and mechanical aptitude; access and negotiate difficult places and varied terrain; lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds; work independently with minimal supervision.

Motor Skills: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to use arms, hands and fingers to: handle, reach and feel objects; operate tools and controls. Able to walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and smell while performing, supervising or inspecting work, including construction projects often on uneven ground. Able to engage in frequent walking, bending, standing, squatting, climbing and occasional sustained physical effort.

Visual Demands: Position requires the employee to routinely read documents and reports for understanding and analytical purposes. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, peripheral vision and ability to focus.