Crew Leader (Open to Kent County Government Employees Only)

County Commissioners of Kent County, MD•Chestertown, MD

12d•$54,560 - $87,296•Onsite

About The Position

The Crew Leader leads an assigned County Roads crew and is responsible for the safe, efficient execution of daily work assigned by the Division Chief or Roads Supervisor. The role develops jobsite plans, assigns employees and equipment, directs and evaluates work, responds to immediate safety and performance concerns, and participates in equipment operation or physical work as needed. The Crew Leader serves as essential personnel during weather events and other emergencies. The position reports to the Road Supervisor and supervises department road crew staff. Work takes place in a variety of outdoor settings, with exposure to varying temperature and air conditions and the everyday risks and discomforts typical of outdoor work. The role routinely involves lifting items up to 80 pounds, walking or standing for long periods, and frequently stooping and bending. The employee must pass required physical and DOT examinations and remain available for overtime, emergency response, and work outside normal hours.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Five years of experience in road construction or maintenance, with at least six months in charge of a crew on a part-time basis; or equivalent technical training, education, or experience.
Valid Maryland Class B Commercial Driver’s License and an acceptable motor vehicle record.
Demonstrated safe operation of trucks, snow-removal equipment, and a representative range of heavy or specialized road-maintenance equipment.
Flagger certification and CPR/First Aid certification, or ability to obtain them within six months of appointment.
Emergency response experience.
Experience operating a bucket truck, snow plow, front end loader, loadall, chainsaw, chipper, truck rollers, and other construction-related equipment.
Ability to provide clear direction, hold employees accountable, resolve routine conflicts, coach performance, and maintain effective control of an active jobsite.
Thorough knowledge of safe work practices for road construction and maintenance, traffic control, excavation, tree work, equipment operation, and emergency response.
Working knowledge of roadway repair, drainage, pipes and culverts, vegetation management, material placement, snow removal, and related County Roads operations.
Ability to safely operate trucks and a representative range of heavy and specialized Roads Division equipment, and evaluate whether employees operate assigned equipment safely.
Ability to organize personnel, equipment, and materials; interpret management priorities; adjust work to field conditions; and make timely decisions within assigned authority.
Ability to give clear instructions, listen effectively, communicate calmly during difficult situations, and work professionally with employees, supervisors, and the public.
Ability to demonstrate work methods, assess employee readiness, and provide structured opportunities for employees to develop additional skills.
Ability to maintain accurate daily records and use email and basic mobile or electronic systems required for communication and work reporting.
Obtain and maintain tree-care, pesticide/herbicide application, and other job-related certifications as assigned, within a period established by the County.
Pass required physical and DOT examinations and remain available for overtime, emergency response, and work outside normal hours.

Responsibilities

Translate scheduled work into daily jobsite plans; assign employees, equipment, and work areas; and adjust assignments as conditions change.
Lead crews performing roadway repairs, pipe and culvert replacement, drainage and ditch work, tree and vegetation maintenance, debris removal, traffic-control activities, and related Public Works duties.
Conduct pre-job planning and safety briefings and confirm hazards, utility markings, traffic control, excavation protection, personal protective equipment, and other precautions.
Supervise jobsite activities and enforce County policies, operating procedures, and applicable workplace and traffic-safety requirements.
Stop unsafe work, remove unsafe equipment from service, reassign tasks, provide corrective direction or counseling, document concerns, and initiate or recommend further discipline through the chain of command.
Train and coach employees in safe work practices, road-maintenance methods, and equipment operation, and provide opportunities to develop proficiency on additional equipment while maintaining safe and productive operations.
Operate trucks and heavy equipment and perform physical road-maintenance work as needed while supervising the overall jobsite.
Inspect assigned roads, bridges, drainage systems, and work areas; identify hazards or maintenance needs; and report conditions requiring additional resources or management direction.
Ensure assigned vehicles, equipment, and tools receive required daily inspections and are used properly; promptly report defects, damage, and repair needs.
Maintain accurate daily records of work completed, employee and equipment assignments, materials used, inspections, delays, incidents, and other required information.
Coordinate anticipated staffing and leave impacts with the Roads Supervisor or Division Chief; the role does not formally approve leave or employee timesheets.
Communicate professionally with residents, motorists, contractors, and County staff; address routine jobsite concerns and refer significant complaints or decisions through the chain of command.
Serve as essential personnel during snowstorms, hurricanes, floods, and other emergencies; lead an assigned route or crew, operate equipment, and provide supplemental field supervision as directed.
Perform other duties as required.