Description

City of Wilmington

Job Description – Water Crew Foreman ROINC

Job Title: Water Crew Foreman ROINC

Department: Water
Reports To: Public Works Director
Employment Status: Bargaining Unit – AFSCME General Unit
Pay Rate per Hour: $47.12 per hour plus annual pay raises as negotiated per AFSCME Contract: This position does qualify for overtime pay.
Hours: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Hours may change to meet operational needs, including call-backs and shift changes, as outlined in the AFSCME Bargaining Agreement.

 
Position Summary

The Water Crew Foreman ROINC serves as the lead operator and supervisor for the City’s water treatment and distribution systems. This position functions as the Responsible Operator in Charge (ROINC), ensuring all operations are compliant with IEPA regulations and all testing, reporting, and maintenance activities are completed in a timely and accurate manner. The Foreman oversees all personnel within the Water Department and serves as the direct liaison to the Public Works Director.

 
Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The following duties are essential. Other responsibilities may be assigned:

Operations & Compliance

Operate all aspects of the Water Treatment Plant and Pumping Stations
Maintain water quality in accordance with IEPA/EPA regulatory standards
Adjust chemical feed rates to ensure safe, compliant drinking water
Conduct and record all required sampling and testing
Maintain logs and submit accurate and timely regulatory reports to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA)
Ensure that all IEPA-required water samples are collected, documented, and submitted in full compliance with applicable regulatory timelines and protocols
Monitor system performance and make operational adjustments as needed
Utilize SCADA, PLCs, VFDs, and automated systems to manage treatment and distribution
Ensure full compliance with backflow prevention programs and all City ordinances related to water and sewer services
Supervision & Personnel Management

Manage and direct all water department personnel, including plant operators, distribution crew, and meter technicians
Assign, delegate, and oversee completion of all work tasks and projects
Provide leadership, training, and mentorship to department staff
Assist in performance evaluations, recommend training, and support hiring efforts
Enforce safety protocols and ensure adherence to OSHA and city safety standards
Maintain work schedules, crew rotations, and coverage for call-outs or emergencies
Serve as point-of-contact for operational issues and communicate them directly to the Public Works Director
Prepare and submit annual operational and capital improvement budgets for the water department to the Public Works Director for review and consideration.
Infrastructure Maintenance & Repairs

Oversee all repair, maintenance, and inspection work on water plant systems and distribution infrastructure
Manage valve exercising, hydrant flushing, water main and service line repairs
Coordinate installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of water meters and remote metering systems
Maintain accurate inventory of tools, equipment, chemicals, and spare parts
Develop and monitor capital improvement plans, system modifications, and construction projects
Emergency & After-Hours Response

Respond to emergency water issues such as main breaks, plant failures, and boil orders
Maintain readiness for after-hours call-outs and provide leadership during critical and emergency response efforts
 
Qualifications

Education and/or Experience

High school diploma or GED required
Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory or management experience in water, wastewater, or public works operations
Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered
Strong knowledge of IEPA regulations, water quality standards, and system operations
Proficient in troubleshooting and maintaining water treatment processes, distribution systems, and metering equipment
Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

Valid Illinois Driver’s License (CDL preferred)
Valid Class A In-Training IEPA Water Treatment Certificate/License required (Class A preferred.
If the selected candidate does not already possess the Class A In-Training certification, they must obtain it within nine (9) months of hire and a full Class A license within 3 years of hire.
 
Knowledge, Skills Abilities

Ability to read, comprehend, and follow written and oral instructions
Ability to write clear and accurate reports and correspondence
Strong interpersonal skills to present information in small group and one-on-one settings
Ability to calculate ratios, percentages, and interpret schematics or blueprints
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing conditions
Proficient with Microsoft Office, Scada and ARC GIS.
 
Physical Demands

Frequent standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and climbing
Must be able to lift 50 lbs and occasionally more than 100 lbs
Regular exposure to noise, vibration, confined spaces, moving mechanical parts, and outdoor elements
Use of respirators and other protective equipment may be required
 
Work Environment

Exposure to extreme weather conditions, confined spaces, and hazardous materials including toxic or caustic chemicals
Work may occur in high, precarious places and areas with risk of electrical shock
All employees must follow safety regulations as set forth by OSHA, the Department of Labor, and the City of Wilmington