Job Description

Posting number: 26-00052B

Department: Utilities - Water Service Center

Job classification: Water Distribution Supervisor (Revised 8/20/26)

Posting type: External_Open

Categories: Utilities

Directs the installation, maintenance and repair of the City of Flint’s water distribution, storm and sanitary sewer systems; directs water distribution data section; perform related work as required.

Examples of duties

1. Directs the construction, maintenance and repair of the City of Flint’s water distribution system. Supervised work program of data section.

2. Supervises, plans and lays out the work procedures and schedules for water distribution functions including construction and maintenance, cross-connection investigating and MISS DIG utility protection system; meter repair shop and garage, including maintenance of vehicles and equipment; stockroom, division and water service center grounds.

3. Inspects work in progress in all areas of operations; reviews and approves activity reports of subordinates; approves payrolls at the division level.

4. Prepares estimates for water main and sewer projects, large service lines, hydrant installations, etc. Write specifications for water distribution and sewer maintenance vehicles, construction and maintenance equipment purchases. Writes up-to-date specifications for meters, valves, hydrants, pipe, cast iron fittings and miscellaneous items. Prepares contracts for major building additions, painting and repairs and water main work.

5. Confers with engineers and other representatives of the State Highway and State Health Department, County Sewers and Water Services, Consulting Firms, U.S. Corp of Engineers, Fire Insurance Companies, Contractors, Attorneys, all levels of City government utility companies, private industries, other jurisdictions, Board of Education, architects and the general public on Water Distribution.

6. Investigates damage claims against the Water and Sewer Division and makes recommendations on resolution to administration.

7. Confers with DPW Director regarding activities and general policies and makes recommendations for new equipment.

8. Prepares and manages the cost center budget and annual activities report of the water service center; requisitions all materials; makes recommendations for budget adjustments.

9. Responds to emergency situations, checking broken water mains, service lines and fire hydrants Determines effects, results and action to be taken. May supervise activities of repair crew.

10. Confers with other supervisors in Water and Water Pollution Control Division concerning coordinated activities and extending aid on various projects.

11. Ensures that customer complaints/call-ins are properly documented (entered into a database/tracking system).
12. Ensures complaints/call-ins receive prompt and appropriate follow-up.
13. Establishes distribution system Level of Service (LoS) goals (typically defined as the number of customer complaints per 1000 accounts), periodically compare staff performance against the LoS goals, and make necessary changes to the LoS goals and/or the City’s customer complaint procedures to ensure satisfactory customer response.

Qualifications

1. An Associate's Degree or the equivalent in civil engineering, construction management, or a public works-related field, preferred.

2. Five (5) or more years of progressively more responsible experience in public works and water systems, including supervisory duties.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Thorough knowledge of the methods, practices and equipment used in a water distribution including water mains, service connection, fire hydrants, water meters, catch basins, inlets, siphons, pumping stations and sewer laterals and interceptors.

2. Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of civil engineering as applied to water main construction, maintenance and repair.

3. Ability to plan, layout and direct water and sewer service and maintenance activities.

4. Ability to read and interpret drawings, blue prints and specifications as applied to pipeline construction and maintenance, ability to prepare equipment and parts specifications; ability to prepare estimates of materials and cost(s).

5. Working knowledge of and ability to operate a computer utilizing word processing and spreadsheet software.

6. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, subordinates, city officials, company representatives and regulatory agencies. Ability to effectively communicate in written and verbal formats to public, sub-ordinates, city officials, company representatives and regulatory agencies.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT(S):

1. Possession of a valid Michigan Driver’s License.

2. Possession of a valid Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) S-1 Waterworks Systems Operator Certification.
3. Must possess and maintain a valid Michigan EGLE S-1 Waterworks Systems Operator Certification and serve as, or be designated to serve as, the Operator in Charge (OIC) of the City’s water distribution system.

Supplemental information

Physical Demands:

The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, traffic, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.

You must meet the minimum entrance requirements and attach supporting documentation to be considered for employment. Failure to supply required documentation (i.e. Transcripts, Driver’s License, and incomplete application) will result in disqualification for consideration). Employees hired by the City must maintain residency as follows: Exempt - within 25 miles of the nearest boundary of the City of Flint.

Please be sure to complete the application in full. Resumes may be uploaded with your application, but will not be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application and will not be considered for qualifying credit. "See Resume" or "See Attachment" will NOT be accepted.

The job description does not constitute an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills. It is also not an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.