Utilities Field Operations Crew Leader

Utilities Field Operations Crew Leader

Salary

$73,307.61 - $86,608.90 Annually

Location

1900 Oak Industrial Dr NE Grand Rapids, MI

Job Type

Permanent

Job Number

314-0926

Department

Environmental Services

Opening Date

09/30/2026

Closing Date

10/10/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Nature of Work

This is skilled and lead work over a crew engaged in water and sewer utility work consisting of infrastructure repairs, installation, operation, and maintenance work. Work is performed under the general supervision of a higher level supervisor, superintendent, or administrator. The work includes training, planning, organizing, coordinating, assigning, evaluating and recording the work of individual crew members.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Plans, evaluates, organizes, schedules, assigns and coordinates the work of subordinate water and sewer utility workers; provides training and counseling, as needed.
• Assures that proper safety rules, standards, and precautions are followed.
• Oversees and participates in lead worker duties related to construction, installation, locating and staking the utility; the repair and maintenance of the water and sewer collection and distribution systems and necessary infrastructure and related equipment such as but not limited to mains, services, laterals, manholes, and meters.
• Leads and performs excavation, backfilling and compaction of trenches using hand and power tools on various water distribution system, sanitary sewer and storm sewer collection system projects; exposes utility mains and service lines following safe dig practices and shutdown procedures; performs taps of water mains under pressure or following main shut downs; leads and\or assists in the cutting of mains, lines and pipes utilizing saws, pipe cutters, torches and other tools.
• Uses computers and associated software to complete work orders and research data regarding the collection and distribution systems.
• Assures adequate supplies, materials, and equipment are available to crews; orders supplies and materials as needed; coordinates with stockroom personnel on requisition of various materials and supplies needed to complete various projects.
• Reviews all work for proper construction, repair, restoration and cleaning to assure that work is properly and efficiently completed.
• Prepares and maintains records for weekly and monthly reports; prepares reports; prepares time records for payroll purposes.
• Trains personnel in proper safety procedures on the job.
• Ensures that equipment is in proper working order; oversees preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Minimum Training and Experience

Required Education and Experience

• High School Diploma (or GED equivalent)

• -AND--

• Seven (7) years of work experience in sanitary collection systems or storm collection system pipelines

• -AND--

• Experience in:

• Appurtenance repair, installation, and maintenance

• Water distribution pipeline installation and maintenance

• Equipment operations

• -AND--

• Some lead experience

• -OR--

• Any equivalent combination of training and experience

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Michigan drivers license
• Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) with an "N" endorsement
• State of Michigan EGLE S-4 Distribution license
• Heavy Equipment Operation certification
• Successful completion of the Sacramento State College programs in:
• Water Distribution System Operation and Maintenance
• Operation and Maintenance of Wastewater Collection System, Vol 1.

Other Information

We Offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1
• 6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit)
• Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account
• Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options
• Twelve Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Paid Parking (if applicable)
• Employee Home Ownership Incentive
• Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling
• Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentive
• Employee Discounts and Perks

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to our Leaves and Accommodations Analyst, Amanda Kaulback. Email akaulback@grand-rapids.mi.us or HRemploymentbenefits@grcity.usor by phone at (616) 456-4668.

The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Please Note:

This position is subject to the provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement and all relevant civil service rules. For additional information, links to union agreement and Civil Service Rules are provided below.

Collective Bargaining Agreements

Civil Service Rules

City of Grand Rapids Employee Benefits Webpage

01

Do you possess a high school diploma (or GED equivalent)?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess seven (7) years of experience in sanitary collection systems or storm collection system pipelines?

• Yes
• No

03

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please describe your experience. If you answered "No", please write N/A.

04

Describe your experience in the following, including your roles & responsibilities. If none, write "N/A". - Appurtenance repair, installation, and maintenance - Water distribution pipeline installation and maintenance - Equipment operations

05

Do you possess supervisory experience?

• Yes
• No

06

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please describe your supervisory experience identifying the type and number of employees you oversaw and the work they were performing. If you answered "No", write "N/A".

07

Do you possess a valid Michigan drivers license, or a valid drivers license from another State, that can be transferred to Michigan upon employment?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you possess a Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) with an "N" endorsement?

• Yes
• No

09

Do you possess a State of Michigan EGLE S-4 Distribution license?

• Yes
• No

10

Do you possess a Heavy Equipment Operation certification?

• Yes
• No

11

Have you successfully completed the following Sacramento State College programs? - Water Distribution System Operation and Maintenance - Operation and Maintenance of Wastewater Collection System, Vol 1.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Grand Rapids

Address 300 Monroe Ave, NW

8th Floor, Room 880

Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503-2206

Phone (616) 456-3176

Website http://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/jobs/human-resources-Department