Public Works Chief Operator/Crew Leader

Build Your Career in Warrenton, North Carolina

Join a community where your work matters and your lifestyle thrives. Warrenton is a historic small town in North Carolina’s scenic Lake Country, offering a unique blend of heritage, charm, and forward-thinking energy.

With a vibrant downtown, affordable living, and easy access to outdoor recreation, Warrenton is ideal for those seeking purpose-driven work and a welcoming place to call home. From innovative public projects like Frontier Warren to strong community partnerships, Warrenton is growing—and we want you to grow with us.

Live well. Work with purpose. Thrive in Warrenton.

For questions regarding this position, contact Town Administrator, Robert Davie, at (252)257-1122.

 

General Statement of Duties

 

Assists the Public Works Director with responsible technical and supervisory work planning, organizing, supervising, and participating in the daily operations of all areas of Public Works for the Town including maintenance, municipal water and sewer services, wastewater treatment, solid waste collection and disposal, and street/landscape maintenance.  Back up for the ORC.

 

Distinguishing Features of the Class

 

An employee in this class performs a variety of technical and supervisory work to manage daily operations of the water and sewer utilities. Work involves serving as Back-Up ORC of the water distribution system and sewer collection system, and Wastewater Treatment Plant; supervising and participating in daily water/sewer utility system operations; supervising and participating in system maintenance and troubleshooting system operations. Work also includes collecting samples, monitoring utility data, and completing a variety of usage and operational reports. Work assignments are received through supervisory personnel and established work order processes, and completion of work is performed independently and with the expectation that a broad knowledge of the trade field is applied. The employee is subject to working in inside and outside environments, extreme temperatures, and hazards in the work including exposures to loud noises, vibrations, proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, working in high places, exposure to chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, and oils. Duties may expose employees to human body fluids and thus they are subject to the OSHA requirements on bloodborne pathogens. Workers are also subject to work in close quarters such as crawl spaces and small rooms. Work is performed under general supervision and is reviewed for adherence to state permits, effectiveness, appearance, and functionality through conference, inspection, and a review of reports, and functionality through conference, inspection, and a review of records.

 

Illustrative Examples of Work

• Leads crew and participates in departmental compliance with all applicable codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures: ensures adherence to established safety procedures: monitors work environment and use of safety equipment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals: initiates any actions necessary' to correct deviations or violations. 
• Leads and participates in operations and maintenance of the water distribution system, sewer collection systems, wastewater treatment plant, and street and sanitation departments; collects monthly, quarterly semi-annual and annual samples as required by' the state; reviews sampling data from laboratory reports and makes appropriate recommendations.
• Inspects wastewater treatment plant daily for proper operation, maintenance and housekeeping.
• Provides backup to lab technician in absence by performing daily compliance testing.
• Inspects sewer lift stations and performs routine maintenance.
• Backup ORC – Back Up Operator in Responsible Charge.
• Provides directions to the Street and Sanitation employees in the tasks of street maintenance, sanitation pick-up, tree/limb removal, etc.
• Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, laboratory reports, meter readings, invoices, time sheets, engineering drawings, policies, procedures, rules, regulations, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
• Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, spreadsheet, database, mapping/geographical information system (GIS), or other software programs.
• Operates a variety of machinery, equipment, or tools associated with department work activities, which may include a backhoe/loader, tractor and rotary cutter, sewer lift station, water meter, meter reading device, sewer jetter, utility locator, engineer's scale, shovel, mechanics tools, and general office equipment.
• Communicates with director, employees, other departments, Town officials, state/federal agencies, consultants, vendors, customers, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, resolve problems, or give/receive advice/direction.
• Performs WWTP weekend and holiday operator duties when one of the three operators that rotate the on call duty need to be absent.  Also acts as a second on call person when first on call person needs assistance.
• Answers after hours phone calls from sheriff’s 911 center and Town telemetry systems and dispatches the staff member that is serving as the on-call person
• Works outside normal work hours in emergency and on-call situations, as needed.
• Performs related duties as required.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

The laws, regulations, state and federal requirements, methods, tools, and equipment used in the water and sewer operations, wastewater treatment, laboratory analysis, and maintenance.

Safety regulations, occupational hazards and related safety precautions in the work.

The principles and techniques of related building, plumbing, carpentry and mechanical trades.

Modern and effective leadership principles and practices.

Laws and regulations related to employment and staff leadership.

The application of information technology to the work of the department including spreadsheets, word processing, and GIS.

Town personnel policies and practices.

And the skill to use and care of assigned tools and equipment.

Ability to:

Lead and follow-up on work of staff to meet departmental requirements.

Diagnose and repair problems and plan and organize appropriate corrective action.

Direct the work of subordinate staff and crews. 

Understand and follow oral and written instructions. 

Exercise independent initiative.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, and the general public.

 

Working Conditions and Physical Demands of Work

Must be able to physically perform the basic life functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, and hearing.
Must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently; and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Must possess the visual acuity to operate equipment and distinguish details, read and interpret manuals and guidelines relating to water and sewer equipment, use measuring and testing devices, assemble and fabricate parts, and prepare simple records.

 

Education and Experience

 

Graduation from a community college with a degree in environmental science or related field and considerable experience in public utility administration; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

 

Special Requirement

 

Valid North Carolina Driver’s License Class C

Possession of or ability to obtain:

             Biological Water Pollution Control Operator Certification Level 3

             Wastewater Collection System Operator Certification Level 1

             Water Distribution System Operator Certification Level B