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Water Distribution Crew Leader

City of Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket, RI Full Time
POSTED ON 10/8/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/2/2027

SUMMARY

Performs skilled and semi-skilled work in the direction of personnel engaged in the performance of work in the maintenance, installation, and repair of water services, water mains, and related equipment. Performs duties as a working foreman under the general direction of the Water Utility Supervisor. Directs and supervises the activities of skilled and unskilled subordinates in the varied work associated with the installation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution facilities, while performing the same duties oneself. Employees in this class work with considerable independence and are expected to exercise skill and judgement in carrying out instructions given by superiors. Prepares and submits reports, works on a scheduled 40 hr week, and responds to emergency calls on a 24-hour a week basis when requested by a superior.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Includes the following:

Insuring that work is performed in a safe, efficient manner, according to all safety regulations and policies

Receiving job orders from supervisors indicating problems and their location, drawing tools and materials necessary to accomplish this task

Directing and coordinating the work of skilled and unskilled subordinates engaged in the installation and repair of water services, water mains, hydrants, valves and other water system appurtenances and equipment.

Make sound decisions and judgements to effectively and safely install, repair or replace water utility infrastructure and guide subordinate personnel in same.

Instructing subordinates in the performance of more complex types of installations and repairs

Ability to read and interpret water system maps and sketches of the water distribution system as prepared and maintained by the PWSB Engineering Department. Work directly with PWSB Engineers and GIS / CAD Administrator personnel to update and provide information for updating of water system mapping.

Supervising and participating in the repair of water main leaks and breaks, service leaks, valve leaks and damaged hydrants on a 24 hour, 7 days a week basis when requested by a supervisor

Supervising and participating in the flushing of system mains by operating hydrants and monitoring water quality

Supervising and making service taps and installing new service lines

Supervising and operating water main tapping equipment and installing tapping sleeves

Supervising and participating in the operation of valves

Supervising and assisting in the installation of concrete meter pits, piping, valves and meters located in pits

Performing work in the installation of new piping, pumps, air release valves, pressure reducing valves, and other distribution system equipment

Operating heavy equipment and crew service vehicles

Performing leak detection analysis on all components of the water system by methods of survey, listening devices, monitoring meter equipment and measuring devices to quantify flow

Performing system pressure and hydrant flow tests

Preparing reports and sketches of various types of water installations and service records which are submitted to a supervisor

Supervising proper methods of chlorinating water mains to keep them free from contamination during construction or repair

Using a personal computer or other keyboard device and tablets to prepare reports, enter information and update data bases. Possess a basic knowledge and use of GIS related software applications including portable tablets and devices with digital water distribution system mapping and asset related management software.

Performing related work as required

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) plus two or more years’ experience in water distribution. Previous supervisory experience helpful. A considerable knowledge of mechanical parts, the basic understanding of the operation of a potable water distribution system and hydraulic principles and practices, and other water systems appurtenances and the methods, tools, and materials used in their repair. Must be familiar with street ordinances that apply to construction, and have a working knowledge of OSHA excavation safety procedures. Must be able to read and interpret maps and drawings to locate water mains, gates, services and valves from both paper and digital maps and drawings. Planning ability necessary, as well as familiarity with municipal water systems

Applicants will be administered a written test and/or evaluated by an outside authority to determine qualifications in water distribution maintenance and safety procedures and the ability to supervise a crew.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as water system maps and sketches, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must possess or ability to obtain a RI Water Distribution Operators License Grade 3D within a year of hire

Valid Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL)

Valid Drivers’ License

Possess or obtain within one year of hire an OHSA Competent Person Certification

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to risk of electrical shock and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

PAY CLASSIFICATION

With State of RI Water Distribution Operators License Grade II – R 46 - $30.61

With State of RI Water Distribution Operators License Grade III – R 48 - $31.68

With State of RI Water Distribution Operators License Grade IV – R 50 - $34.18

Affiliations:

Council 94, AFSCME, AFL-CIO Local 1012

Pay: $30.61 - $34.18 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Tuition reimbursement

Work Location: In person

Salary : $31 - $34

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