Salary : $81,432.00 - $90,833.60 Annually
Location : 645 Pine Street, Burlington, VT
Job Type: Regular Full Time Non Exempt
Job Number: DPW Water Dist. Ops Lead
Department: Public Works
Division: Water
Opening Date: 08/04/2026
Closing Date: 8/13/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: AFSCME
General Purpose This position is responsible for providing on-site coordination and technical oversight to field service crew members engaged in installing, maintaining and repairing the City's Water Distribution system and connections in accordance with Federal, State, City and AWWA (American Water Works Association) standards and regulations.
Union Affiliation: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)Pay Grade 19: $39.15 - $43.67 Hourly
Remote Tier 1: Zero (0) days remote/month
Essential Job Functions Team Lead Functions:- In collaboration with the Water Resources Director of Engineering and Operations, coordinating the daily and weekly workflow of the team
- Monitoring and providing on-site feedback to employees including, but not limited to, job duty proficiency and productivity and compliance with AWWA, Departmental procedures, State regulations and City safety requirements.
- Assist in identifying relevant training opportunities to enhance workgroup performance and fully realize staff potential.
- Orient new employees and ensuring proper safety and proficiency training is complete before employees are deployed to tasks.
- Review of leave requests for alignment with resource needs and weekly payroll for completeness and accuracy prior to final approval by management.
- Scheduling employees for on-call or scheduled call-ins as necessary.
- Coordinates distribution activities with the drinking water production team and customer service including field investigations related to water supply anomalies.
- Ensures all work is completed accurately, in compliance with AWWA, departmental procedures, State regulations and City safety requirements and on time, including but not limited to:
- Compliance with AWWA C-651 disinfection requirements and State regulations, including coordinating bacteriological sampling requirements.
- Disgsafe, excavation permit and DPW back-fill procedures
- Confirms accuracy and completion of workorders and ensures the appropriate documentation of all billable and non-billable work.
- Ensures that distribution related See Click Fix requests are completed by the due date.
- Ensures that all activities are captured in the City's asset management and GIS systems as appropriate.
- In conjunction with Director of Engineering and Operations, participates in:
- Development of monthly and annual work plans
- Determination of priority levels of work such as, but not limited to: leak repair, main & service installation, annual hydrant flushing program, leak detection, valve exercising and repair/replacement
- Monitoring the progress of day-to-day operations and long term goals
- Provide input to capital improvements plan.
- Review construction documents to ensure compliance with City standards.
- Provide input into resolution of distribution related field challenges.
- Coordinating work scheduling with other City workgroups and stakeholders such as DPW technical services, Fire, Police, CCTA etc. as appropriate
- Development and updating of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Coordinates the implementation of boil water notification procedures and protocols, as appropriate.
- Providing input into bid specifications for specialized equipment and purchases
- Monitors and ensures availability of materials, equipment and tools for workgroup.
- Facilitate daily safety meeting and ensure adherence to the City Safety Manual
- Coordinate truck servicing with Fleet Manager.
- Coordinate with the Right of Way Operations Lead to ensure snow plowing requirements are met.
Distribution Technical Functions:- Required to perform all essential tasks of the Distribution Working Foreperson and Distribution Technician positions, as needed.
- Operate excavation equipment safely and oversee underground construction sites in compliance with all OSHA and City safety standards.
- Coordinate, provide technical oversight to the Working Foreperson(s) and Distribution Field Technicians in daily work assignments and projects including, but not limited to:
- Maintenance and repair of all aspects of the water system including water mains, water services, hydrants, and valves
- Related repairs such as maintenance and restoration of excavated areas such as lawns, greenbelts and paved surfaces
- Digsafe response as necessary
- Coordination activities include:
- Preparing job parts lists and ensuring parts availability with Inventory Specialist
- Pulling excavation permits
- Ensuring customer estimate appointments are kept
- Scheduling external traffic control
- Coordinating with Metering group, Street Maintenance or external contractors as needed for additional resources
- Technical oversight includes ensuring all activities above are completed in accordance with AWWA standards and/or Division procedures, ordinances or policies, including digsafe, traffic control and excavation backfill standards.
- Oversight and coordination regarding the safe and timely completion of projects and restoration of water service
- Complete required paper work accurately, including but not limited to production reports, crew schedules, service estimates, and computer based asset tracking applications (valve inspections, water break reporting etc.).
- Requisition materials required to complete projects in a manner consistent with Department policies, procedures and City/State/AWWA standards.
- Review and coordinate collection of asset information for the various categories of infrastructure through the use of applicable technology.
General Functions:- Comply with and promote adherence to all departmental safety policies, protocols and procedures and OSHA regulations, including but not limited to ensuring a safe work area, wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, and stopping work if there is any question of safety. Oversee compliance with and tracks safety training of subordinates related to these requirements.
- Attends leadership, technical or other professional training to support performance of duties as required by management. Complete training hours required to maintain Class D certification.
- Act as "Ambassador" for the City and DPW by carrying out work and interacting with co-workers and the public in a respectful, professional manner.
- Represent Water Resources at community events to promote departmental initiatives and programs.
- Plow City streets and sidewalks with the Street Division in accordance with the provisions of the Union contract.
- Provide on-call coverage as assigned, including after-hours, nights, weekends and holidays.
Non-Essential Job Functions:- Perform other duties as required.
Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements - Ability to actively support City diversity, equity, and cultural competency efforts within stated job responsibilities and work effectively across diverse cultures and constituencies.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as evidenced by ongoing trainings and professional development.
- High School diploma or equivalent required.
- Five (5) years of experience in underground water infrastructure construction, maintenance and repair with at least three (3) year in a leadership (supervisory, foreperson or crew lead) role required. Additional experience in metering or plumbing is preferred.
- Possession of a Commercial Driver's License B at time of application, and must obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver's License Class A within one (1) year of date of hire required.
- Vermont State Operator Certification, Class D required or the ability to obtain certification with one (1) year of date of hire required.
- Completion of OSHA 30 preferred. Completion of OSHA 30 within one (1) year of date of hire required.
- Minimum 3 years documented experience in heavy equipment operation including excavation, required. Experience with excavation in an urban environment preferred.
- Documented proficiency in safe and efficient operation of excavation equipment and adherence to proper underground construction and excavation procedures.
- Completion and on-going maintenance of Flagger Certification.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the water distribution system, connections, including but not limited to locating underground service lines principles of water pressure and hydraulic engineering.
- Documented proficiency in water main installation and repairs, water main valve installation and repairs, water service installation and repairs, and fire hydrant installation and repairs.
- Documented proficiency in AWWA C-651 (Disinfection Methods) and Vermont Boil Water Procedures.
- Ability to direct work activities of multiple work crews and lead by example.
- Ability to complete work projects in a safe and timely manner to avoid extensive disruption of service for water users.
- Ability to train, motivate, and provide on-site feedback to workgroup members.
- Ability to make independent decisions as appropriate as well as accurately identify when consultation of management is needed.
- Ability to select and assign staff to each task.
- Ability to determine and demonstrate appropriate methods, procedures and techniques for tasks assigned.
- Ability to read and understand blue prints and/or GIS maps to identify and locate water shutoffs and water lines.
- Knowledge of the internal works of plumbing, fixtures and water meters with residential and commercial properties.
- Knowledge about and ability to operate power and hand tools related to water distribution
- Ability to use computers, smart phones, iPads, email and the internet effectively.
- Ability to use Asset Management software.
- Strong problem solving and decision making skills required.
- Strong communication skills, both oral and written required.
- Ability to safely operate dump truck, front end loader, jackhammer, backhoe, and other related equipment.
- Ability to complete work projects in a timely manner to avoid extensive interruption of service for water users.
- Ability to operate wheeled and tracked snow plow equipment on City streets and sidewalks to plow, remove snow and ice, salt and sand.
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Physical ability to perform manual labor required for water distribution work (see chart below)
- Ability to work in confined spaces and in moving traffic areas.
- Ability to work after-hours, nights, weekends and on call as required.
- Ability to work effectively with field service members, leaders, other divisions, and the general public.
- Regular and timely attendance is necessary and is essential to meeting the expectations of the job functions.
- Ability to understand and comply with City standards, safety rules and personnel policies and Chapter 31 of the City ordinance.
- Ability to create and maintain an environment that embraces the 6 operating principles; Customer Service, Fiscal Responsibility, Good Labor Relations, Employee Empowerment, Cooperation and Constant Improvement.
Additional InformationPromoting a culture that reveres diversity and equity.The City of Burlington is proud to offer full time employees a comprehensive benefits program that includes:
- Medical/Dental Insurance Coverage
- Prescription Drug Coverage
- Flexible Spending Programs
- Short-Term Disability Insurance
- Paid Leave (Sick and Vacation)
- Pension Plan
- Contributory Retirement Plan
- Life Insurance
- Discounted Gym Memberships
- Free Yoga Membership to Sangha Studios (Burlington, Williston & online)
- Tuition Discounts for Champlain College TruEd
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellness Bonus Incentives Program
- Local & National Store Discounts
- Subsidized Transportation Options
- Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
For additional details please visit
