Public Works Sanitary Collection System Crew Leader

• Protect public health through the upkeep of clean water delivery and wastewater collection infrastructure.
• Respond to emergencies during inclement weather or critical infrastructure failures, keeping the city running when it matters most.
• Foster an inclusive, respectful work environment that values individual differences and supports a diverse team.
• Serve as a visible representative of the City of Salem — communicating with homeowners, businesses, and other stakeholders about upcoming work, road closures, and service outages.

Learn and grow: 

• Advanced technical skills in wastewater collection. 

• Best practices for crew safety, job site management, and hazard identification.
• How to plan and schedule daily work assignments, coordinate materials and equipment, and resolve field problems as they arise.
• How to update and maintain records, including time sheets, material logs, computer databases, and GIS maps.
• How to effectively communicate with the public, other City departments, and stakeholders in professional and clear ways.
• On-the-job leadership experience directing skilled crews in real-world utility and infrastructure maintenance.
• Opportunities to obtain or expand professional certifications — including Wastewater Collections certification and other occupational licenses required by state or federal regulations.

Advancement Opportunities: This role is a stepping stone within the City of Salem Public Works career ladder. The PW Crew Leader position builds on the skills of a PW Maintenance Operator II and develops the leadership, technical, and organizational abilities needed for progression into roles such as PW Project Leader or PW Field Supervisor.

Advancement timelines will vary based on individual performance, certification attainment, and availability of positions. Employees are encouraged to pursue relevant certifications and take on increasing levels of responsibility to position themselves for promotion.

Core Day-to-Day Responsibilities:

• Direct crews in routine maintenance, repair, and construction of sewer lines (including grouting) and storm drain lines and basins.
• Oversee television inspection of sewer lines, documenting irregularities; supervise tapping of sewer lines for new services and relocation of utility service lines.
• Coordinate open channel drainage cleaning at multiple locations; determine videotaping schedules for service lines.
• Identify storm drain lines, basins, and grates for realignment, cleaning, or replacement; implement associated work orders.
• Direct flow monitoring activities including rain gauge maintenance, storm sampling, and installation, removal, calibration, and monitoring of ADS monitors (permanent and portable
• Plan the materials, supplies, equipment, and personnel needed to complete each daily assignment.
• Monitor work progress on-site and resolve field problems as they occur.
• Interpret maps, diagrams, written instructions, and specifications to complete work assignments.
• Prepare or review time records, material usage reports, and personnel logs for accuracy.
• Update maps and computer databases to reflect completed work and current facility conditions.
• Retrieve information from computer records and other files to determine the condition or location of facilities.
• Lead by example in job site safety and ensure compliance with safe work practices at all times.
• Provide direction and leadership to seasonal staff, career staff, or inmate labor as assigned.

What can we offer you for all your hard work?

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
• Competitive pay.
• Employer-paid PERS contribution of 6%.
• Opportunity for voluntary pre-tax contributions to a 457b account.
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Voluntary long-term care.
• Employee wellness program.
• Employee assistance program.
• Employee health clinic.
•  Standby and overtime may be required on a rotating basis. 

• Must pass the pre-employment drug test (including marijuana), background check, and physical exam.
• Possession of a valid Oregon Class A commercial driver's license with appropriate endorsements and have a driving record that meets the City's driving standards.
• High school graduate or GED, trade of professional training in area of specialty, and three years of experience involving the construction, installation, maintenance, and repair of public improvements area of discipline or other facilities within specific area of assignment, including some lead responsibilities, or any equivalent combination of experience and training that demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities as listed, and ability to perform the essential job functions.
• Water certification preferred.
• Other occupational licenses or certificates as mandated by state or federal regulations.
  • Class A CDL with Tanker and trailer endorsement

What you will bring along: 

• Technical Knowledge
  • Familiarity with wastewater collection systems.
  • Ability to read and interpret maps, diagrams, technical documents, and written specifications.
  • Comfort operating a variety of construction equipment and tools.
  • Basic math skills for field measurements, material estimates, and record-keeping.
• Leadership & People Skills
  • A proven ability to direct, motivate, and evaluate a small crew in a field environment.
  • Strong organizational skills — able to prioritize tasks, assign work, and keep a job site on track.
  • Clear communication skills, both verbal and written, to relay instructions and interact with the public, stakeholders, and City staff.
  • A collaborative, respectful approach that values diversity and supports an inclusive workplace.
• Work Ethic & Reliability
  • A commitment to safety — yours, your crew's, and the public's.
  • Flexibility to respond outside of regular hours during emergencies or inclement weather.
  • Self-motivation and the ability to manage your own time and workload in a dynamic field environment.
  • A problem-solving mindset — able to identify issues on the fly and recommend practical solutions.