CITY OF PHILADELPHIA PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT
7B14
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.
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; 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; assigns crew members to flushing fire hydrants; assigns crew members to
pump
water from basements flooded by broken water mains or backed up 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 insure 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 KNOWLEDGES, 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.
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.
- 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 4/86.)
- Education equivalent to completion of the tenth school grade.
- Four years of experience in the installation, repair or maintenance of water mains and
appurtenances, two years of which has been in emergency water distribution repair
work.
Or any equivalent combination of acceptable education and experience to be determined by
the
Personnel Department.
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.
PAY RANGE: 14
Class Established: 5/1960
Latest Spec. Revision: 4/1986
CN/lg/sb
END OF JOB CLASS SPECIFICATION - 7B14