Drainage Operations and Maintenance Crew Lead (Ponds) (Green Infrastructure & Ponds)

The City of Austin is hiring a full-time Drainage Operations and Maintenance Crew Lead (Ponds) to oversee a team responsible for maintaining drainage systems, particularly ponds and green infrastructure. Key responsibilities include coordinating crew activities, ensuring safety and efficiency, operating heavy equipment, and responding to emergencies. Candidates should have a strong construction background, leadership skills, and the ability to work outdoors in various conditions.
About the position

The Drainage Operations and Maintenance Crew Lead (Ponds) position within the City of Austin's Watershed Protection Department is a full-time role focused on overseeing and leading a team responsible for the maintenance and operation of drainage systems, specifically ponds and green infrastructure. This position is essential for ensuring the effective management of stormwater and the maintenance of public health and safety in the community. The Crew Lead will be responsible for coordinating the activities of the crew, ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently and safely, and that the necessary equipment and materials are available at job sites. The role requires a strong background in construction and heavy equipment operation, as well as the ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and work plans. As an essential employee, the Crew Lead may be called upon during emergencies or extraordinary situations to provide critical services that impact the community. This includes responding to severe weather events and participating in recovery operations. The position also offers a retention incentive bonus for employees who remain in the role for extended periods, rewarding commitment and service to the department. The Crew Lead will work closely with other city employees and departments to ensure that all operations are conducted safely and in compliance with relevant regulations. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, the ability to train and mentor crew members, and a thorough understanding of stormwater management practices. The position requires physical stamina and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, as well as the capability to operate and maintain a variety of heavy equipment. The Crew Lead will also be responsible for conducting safety briefings, performing pre-trip inspections of vehicles and equipment, and ensuring that all work is completed to a high standard of quality.

Responsibilities
• Lead and supervise drainage operations and maintenance crew focused on ponds and green infrastructure.
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• Read and interpret engineering drawings and work plans to assign job duties and monitor task completion.
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• Ensure sufficient materials, tools, and equipment are delivered to job sites in a timely manner.
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• Coordinate crew's work with other crews or groups of city employees.
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• Conduct safety briefings and fill out Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) before starting work.
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• Operate heavy equipment and train others on its use as per the Equipment Training Program.
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• Drive trucks and trailer rigs to haul equipment and materials to job sites.
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• Conduct pre-trip inspections of vehicles and equipment to ensure proper operating conditions.
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• Report malfunctions and repair requirements to the supervisor.
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• Oversee maintenance of gas/diesel/propane equipment used in operations.
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• Perform work in stormwater management facilities and on erosion control projects.
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• Manage traffic control at job sites, including placing cones and warning signs.
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• Perform landscape maintenance tasks such as trimming trees and mowing grass.
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• Respond to emergency situations such as floods and severe weather, assigning tasks as needed.

Requirements
• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
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• Five (5) years of experience related to construction or drainage maintenance, including three (3) years of heavy equipment operation experience.
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• Valid Class 'A' Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a good driving record.
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• Ability to perform physical tasks including lifting up to ninety (90) pounds and working in various weather conditions.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience operating heavy equipment such as Skid Steer and Track Excavator.
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• Experience performing pond maintenance and installation or repair of PVC pipe.
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• Experience shooting grade and conducting site assessments.

Benefits
• Health insurance
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• Dental insurance
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• Vision insurance
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• Retirement plan
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• Paid leave time
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• Career development opportunities