Equipment Operator Supervisor

City of Portsmouth•Portsmouth, VA

About The Position

Under general supervision, supervises city drainage maintenance activities, including assigning and overseeing the operation of motorized equipment, hand tools, and power tools to clean ditches and repair cave-ins. The position reports to the Assistant Director of Public Works and provides on-site direction to Laborers and Equipment Operators performing ditch and drainage maintenance. The supervisor assigns vehicles, inspects work, ensures safety procedures are followed, and performs routine equipment checks and preventive maintenance while reporting malfunctions. The role involves traveling throughout the city to identify potential flooding conditions and drainage structures that need maintenance or repair, as well as supervising snow removal operations. It also includes monitoring expenditures; supporting staff development, training, and succession planning; managing performance and employee relations; and prioritizing work. Individual assignments are determined by the supervisor according to workload and department needs. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and 3–5 years of progressively responsible drainage maintenance experience, including 3–5 years of supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. A valid Class B Commercial Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record is required. The employee must obtain VDOT Intermediate Work Zone Traffic Control Certification and complete required NIMS Incident Command System certifications within one year of employment. Pre-employment medical evaluation and substance abuse testing are required, and the position is subject to random alcohol and controlled-substance testing. As essential personnel, the employee must work during and following natural disasters and emergency situations.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in drainage maintenance, or an equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.
3–5 years of supervisory experience.
Valid Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with an acceptable driving record.
Ability to obtain Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Intermediate Work Zone Traffic Control Certification.
Ability to complete required National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command System certifications within one year of employment.
Knowledge of asphalt and concrete maintenance procedures and methods, tools and materials, drainage maintenance and repair, equipment operation and maintenance, and applicable safety precautions and regulations.
Ability to assign and supervise work, inspect and report on work, understand instructions, and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to read work orders, policy manuals, zoning maps, and administrative forms, and complete work orders, production reports, vehicle maintenance forms, leave slips, and time sheets.
Ability to use mathematical formulas and perform basic arithmetic.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, including preparing reports, agendas, and policies.
Ability to plan and organize daily work and establish priorities.
Ability to work during and following natural disasters and emergency situations.
Must pass a pre-employment medical evaluation and substance abuse testing; subject to random alcohol and controlled-substance testing.
Physical ability to inspect and repair ditches and drainage structures; exert up to 50 pounds occasionally, 25 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly; and operate drainage-maintenance equipment with hand-eye-foot coordination.

Responsibilities

Provide on-site direction and supervision to crews of Laborers and Equipment Operators performing ditch and drainage maintenance.
Assign vehicles and work, and inspect staff work during and after assignments.
Ensure that appropriate safety precautions are followed during maintenance and repair work.
Perform routine equipment checks and preventive maintenance, and identify and report equipment malfunctions.
Protect city equipment, private property, and people by following safety procedures and watching for pedestrians, property, utility lines, and obstructions.
Establish systems to ensure city and department personnel policies and procedures are administered appropriately.
Travel throughout the city to identify potential flooding conditions, including ditches, cave-ins, and drain structures requiring maintenance or repair.
Supervise snow removal operations.
Monitor expenditures and support staff development, training, succession planning, performance management, and employee relations.
Prioritize work and related activities.
Perform other related work as required.