Position Summary

Under the direction of the Assistant Utilities Director, the Water & Sewer Distribution Supervisor is responsible for supervising and coordinating the day-to-day field operations of the City’s water distribution and wastewater collection systems. This position provides front-line leadership to distribution crews to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant operation of water and sewer lines, meters, hydrants, lift stations, and related infrastructure.

The Water & Sewer Distribution Supervisor focuses on operational execution, crew supervision, safety compliance, and maintenance coordination. Strategic planning, capital project approval, budget authorization, and regulatory submissions remain the responsibility of the Utilities Director and Assistant Utilities Director.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Distribution & Collection Operations

Supervise daily installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of water distribution and wastewater collection infrastructure.

Coordinate scheduled and emergency repairs, system isolations, and service restorations.

Monitor system conditions and respond to leaks, breaks, blockages, lift station issues, and service interruptions.

Implement work plans and priorities as directed by the Assistant Utilities Director.

Personnel Supervision & Safety Leadership

Supervise Water and Sewer Distribution crew members and assigned lead workers.

Assign work, schedule crews, monitor performance, and provide training and coaching.

Enforce compliance with safety standards, including trenching and excavation, confined space entry, traffic control, and hazardous atmosphere monitoring.

Promote a strong safety culture and ensure required safety training and documentation are maintained.

Provide input for employee evaluations and disciplinary actions by making recommendations to management.

Maintenance & Project Coordination

Coordinate routine maintenance, inspections, flushing programs, meter activities, and hydrant testing.

Assist with planning and scheduling system upgrades, main replacements, and distribution improvement projects.

Coordinate with engineers, contractors, and other City departments during construction and repair activities.

Inspect completed work to ensure compliance with standards, specifications, and City requirements.

Equipment, Materials & Records

Ensure proper use, inspection, and maintenance of tools, vehicles, and specialized distribution equipment.

Requisition materials, supplies, and equipment in accordance with approved procedures and delegated authority.

Ensure accurate completion and submission of work orders, inspection reports, flushing records, and maintenance logs.

Maintain documentation needed for audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews.

Regulatory & Agency Coordination

Support compliance with applicable state and federal requirements related to water distribution and wastewater collection systems.

Maintain operational records and reports required for regulatory inspections and internal review.

Coordinate with emergency services, hospitals, and other agencies regarding fire protection, outages, and emergency procedures, as directed.

Emergency Response & After-Hours Support

Serve as a field-level responder during water and sewer system emergencies.

Provide on-scene leadership during emergency repairs under the direction of the Assistant Utilities Director.

Participate in on-call rotations and respond after normal work hours as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in water distribution and/or wastewater collection operations.

Supervisory or lead experience preferred.

Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Licenses and Certifications

Valid State driver’s license required.

Valid State Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required.

Must hold and maintain a South Carolina Water Distribution Operator certification (minimum Class “C” or as required by system classification).

Plumbing license or equivalent trade certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of water distribution and wastewater collection system operations.

Working knowledge of safety standards, excavation practices, and confined space procedures.

Ability to supervise crews performing physically demanding and hazardous work.

Ability to read and interpret plans, maps, work orders, and utility locates.

Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills.

Ability to make sound operational decisions within assigned authority.

Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare reports.

Ability to work effectively under emergency conditions and time constraints.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in outdoor field environments with exposure to weather conditions, traffic, noise, water, confined spaces, and industrial hazards.

Physical demands include standing, walking, bending, climbing, and lifting items up to 50 pounds with appropriate assistance or equipment.

Requires after-hours work, emergency response, and on-call availability.

Routine local travel required; occasional overnight travel may be required for training.

Responsibility & Authority

Supervises assigned water and sewer distribution personnel.

Responsible for operational execution, safety compliance, and work quality in distribution and collection activities.

Provides input into budgeting, capital planning, and regulatory documentation; does not approve budgets, capital expenditures, or regulatory filings.

Authorized to requisition materials and services within established limits and procedures.

No independent policy-making authority.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

This job description is not intended as a complete listing of job duties. The incumbent is responsible for the performance of other related duties as assigned/required. The City of Abbeville is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pay: From $49,454.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k)
Dental insurance
Dependent health insurance coverage
Employee assistance program
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Military leave
Paid time off
Parental leave
Professional development assistance
Retirement plan
Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

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Water and Sewer Distribution Supervisor

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