EMERGENCY WATER DISTRIBUTION CREW CHIEF

GENERAL DEFINITION

This is emergency water distribution repair work at the crew chief level, directing the activities of several crews engaged in investigating complaints, routine distribution repairs and performing either temporary or preliminary repairs in emergency situations before restorative repairs are initiated. Employees in this class work a rotating shift and assure that their assigned crews respond to water system emergencies and consumer complaints in an expeditious manner. Working in conjunction with the next higher-level supervisor, incumbents make assignments for routine hydrant repairs, water main pressure checks and valve inspection. Work is performed under the supervision of a technical superior. Work may involve some exertion of moderate physical effort under conditions which can be only partially controlled.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

Receives messages and complaints of emergency breaks in the water distribution system via the telephone and municipal radio; may accompany crews to the problem site in complex emergency situations; oversees the repair work; drives to the location as required.

Plans, assigns and reviews work of crews engaged in closing valves to secure a complete or partial shutdown of service including for construction or demolition sites; assigns sections of the city to the repair crews; briefs crew on residual assignments such as shutdowns of service in contractors' work site; observes and directs adherence to safety methods and procedures; supervises the activities of the radio Emergency Water Distribution Dispatch; assists dispatcher during periods of heavy call volume.

Resolves the more difficult problems encountered by crew such as interpreting water distribution plans, drawings and plates and making determinations as to which valves should be shut off so that repairs can be made or as to source of water in transit tunnels and active rail lines; assigns crew members to flushing fire hydrants; assigns crew members to pump water from basements flooded by broken water mains or backed up sewers; directs subordinates in dechlorination of water flowing into sewers.

Explains to residents deprived of water as result of main break the cause of such inconvenience and estimates down time resolves complaints of rusty or dirty water.

Visits fire grounds of two or more alarm fires; assists Fire Department officials in selecting appropriate fire hydrants for firefighting purposes and sees that proper readings are taken on discharge and suction gauges; directs action to maintain appropriate hydrant water pressure.

Lays out preventive maintenance route for the inspection and minor repair of valves and hydrants both on high pressure and low-pressure lines; assigns crew members to preventive maintenance tasks when not engaged in emergency repairs.

Orders materials required for work through requisition forms; submits the forms for supervisory approval.

Inspects crew work vehicles to ensure that the various materials, equipment and tools required are carried into the field; observes that vehicles are clean, properly maintained, and receive scheduled maintenance and safety inspection.

Maintains records of employee's daily attendance and work production.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the practices governing the operation of water distribution systems and their component parts.

• the hazards and safety precautions involved in the work.

• the methods, materials, tools and practices used in the installation, maintenance and repair of water mains and equipment.

SKILL IN:

• the care and use of tools used in water distribution work

ABILITY TO:

• assign and supervise emergency water distribution crews engaged in responding to emergency situations and routine maintenance and repair work

• detect and locate breaks and other flaws in water distribution systems and to determine proper actions

• read and interpret plans, plates and blueprints appropriate to water distribution systems

• draw rough plans needed to explain assignments

• prepare and maintain time and activity reports as assignments require

• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and general public

· utilize handheld and laptop computers to complete work orders communicate orally and in writing

• learn supervisory methods and techniques

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 4/17.)

EDUCATION:

Education equivalent to completion of the tenth school grade.

AND

GENERAL EXPERIENCE:

Two years of experience in the installation, repair or maintenance of water mains and appurtenances.

AND

SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE:

Two years of experience performing emergency water distribution repair work.

OR

Any equivalent combination of acceptable education and experience to be determined by the Office of Human Resources.

CITY OF PHILADELPHIA CLASSES THAT TYPICALLY QUALIFY:

Emergency Water Distribution Repair Worker (7B13)

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as an Emergency Water Distribution Crew Chief.

Class Established 5/60

Spec. Revision 4/86

Latest Spec. Revision: CSC - 9/17; Ad. Board - 10/17