Lead Plumber/Pipefitter

The Water Department Lead Plumber/Pipefitter directs and performs plumbing activities associated with installation, maintenance, and repair duties on the water distribution system. The job provides direction to equipment operating crews on the job site. The work is performed under the supervision of the Water Distribution Supervisor and performs the duties of that job in their absence.

The job requires knowledge of methods and techniques of water line installation, maintenance, and repair, operation of power tools and equipment such as dump trucks with trailers, backhoes, loaders and compactors. The job requires a Class I Drinking Water Distribution Operator certification and journeyman plumber skills are preferred.

The job requires the ability to maintain a collaborative and cooperative working relationship with elected and appointed officials, other City employees, other organizations, and the general public.

The work environment is a public street environment that may include exposure to adverse weather conditions, trench excavations, traffic hazards, moving vehicles and heavy equipment at the job site, and hazards involving the use of power tools and equipment. The noise level is generally moderate but with occasional exposure to noisy and/or loud equipment.

The job is an on-call position, responding to emergency situations. Employees designated as immediate response personnel must live thirty (30) minutes or less from their usual daily work site.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directs and performs installation, maintenance, and repair work on City water lines with emphasis on plumbing and pipefitting duties.

• Operates equipment including, but not limited to, air compressor, jackhammer, tapping machine, boring equipment and line locator. May operate light equipment including, but not limited to, backhoe, loader, crane, roller and dump truck with trailer.

• Monitors job site for compliance with safety procedures and protocols. Assesses job site for marked and unmarked utilities.

• Assists in training other employees in plumbing, pipefitting, and equipment operation associated with the installation and repair of water system components.

• Shuts off sections of the water distribution system, if required, and turns back on after repairs. Takes appropriate actions to minimize property damage from leaks.

• Sets up traffic control at leak or repair sites for public safety.

• Monitors current work and/or repair sites to ensure traffic control measures including cones and barricades are effective. Thaws frozen lines and meters.

• Fills in vacant positions on night and weekend shifts.

• Performs the duties of the Water Distribution Supervisor in that employee's absence.

• Patches utility cuts in pavement.

• Performs snow and ice removal on City streets and sidewalks.

• Performs basic maintenance on vehicles and equipment.

• Documents work done at job site to maintain accurate database of City water distribution system.

• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures, and safety practices.

• Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED; and
• Flagging certification;
• CPR and First Aid certification;
• Class A CDL with specified endorsements*;
• Class I Drinking Water Distribution Operator certification*;
• Journeyman plumbing skills preferred.

An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.

• Hiring Note: The Lead Plumber/Pipefitter position requires a Class A CDL within six (6) months of hire date and Class I Drinking Water Distribution Operator certification within eighteen (18) months of hire. Failure to acquire these certifications by the established date will violate the terms of the position and will result in layoff from the position.

CLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for an individual to satisfactorily perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be successful in the position.

Knowledge of:

• Methods, techniques, and objectives of water line installation, maintenance, and repair with emphasis on plumbing and pipefitting;

• Methods and techniques of safely operating equipment, including but not limited to, air compressor, jackhammer, line locator, tapping machine, backhoe, loader, excavator, dump truck with trailer, and related water line installation, maintenance and repair equipment;

• Job site safety policies and procedures with emphasis on soil identification and trenching methods and techniques;

• Methods, techniques, and objectives of the application of traffic control in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD);

• Employee supervision and training methods, techniques, and objectives;

• Operation of a personal computer and job-related software and applications;

• Equipment maintenance methods and techniques;

• State, local, and other applicable building, safety, and health codes and regulations;

• Federal regulations and City policies regarding safe work practices relating to trench excavations and shoring, confined space, use of powered equipment, repair and maintenance vehicles and equipment, power tools, and repair and maintenance materials.

Skill and Ability to:

• Install, maintain, and repair water distribution lines;

• Operate equipment including, but not limited to, air compressors, jackhammers, line locators, excavators, loaders, backhoes, dump trucks with trailers, compactors, tapping machines and related water line installation, maintenance, and repair equipment;

• Supervise, assign tasks to, and train employees;

• Monitor job sites for compliance with safety procedures and protocols;

• Perform road and street repair, including utility cut repair;

• Perform traffic control and flagging duties;

• Perform vehicle and equipment maintenance;

• Operate hand tools, power tools, and equipment;

• Operate a personal computer with job-related software and applications;

• Read and interpret technical manuals, blueprints, maps and diagrams;

• Work on multiple projects, set priorities, and allocate resources for project completion;

• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times;

• Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance;

• Complete assignments in a timely fashion;

• Understand and comply with all rules, policies and regulations;

• Perform all duties in accordance with City policies and procedures with regard for personal safety and that of other employees and the public.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials or manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms; operate a motor vehicle or job-related equipment; and climb ladders and/or work in confined spaces. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds with assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.