JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Foreman – Utilities/Meter Department: Public Works Reports to: Water Utilities Superintendent FLSA Status: Nonexempt Salary Grade: 19A 2026 Wage: $33.33 per hour
JOB SUMMARY
This position is responsible for supervising and participating in the maintenance and repair of the water distribution, including the installation and maintenance of water meters. This position also supervises and participates in the sanitary sewer collection system and storm sewer system.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Reviews, prioritizes, and assigns work orders; reviews work upon completion and closes work orders. Trains, assigns, directs, supervises, and evaluates personnel. Assists with candidate screening and interviews, providing input to the Water Utilities Superintendent. Reviews the work of personnel assigned to perform a variety of wastewater collection and water distribution system construction, maintenance, and repair activities. Ensures compliance with work safety principles and rules, including those associated with confined space entry. Designs and plans water and sewer main installation and replacement. Investigates complaints from the public and recommends corrective action to resolve complaints. Performs water main taps. Performs excavation and site repairs. Inspects sewer system using remote camera equipment. Supervises and participates in fire hydrant repairs and replacements. Directs and participates in meter installation and maintenance operations. Maintains meter inventory; makes purchases as needed. Diagnoses and repairs meter and service line problems. Directs employees to shut-off services as appropriate. Transfers and updates meter billing data. Collects data and prepares monthly and annual reports. Supervises and participates in snow removal operations. Responds to after hour emergencies. On call weekends and holidays. Performs related duties.
KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
Knowledge of department safety policies and procedures. Knowledge in operating a backhoe, excavator, loader, motor grader, skid steer, and dump truck. Knowledge of sewer collection and water distribution maintenance and repair principles. Knowledge in operating jetting and vactor equipment. Knowledge of water and sewer standards and specifications. Knowledge of utility meter installation, repair, and maintenance principles. Knowledge of safety regulations. Knowledge of areas, streets, and roads. Knowledge of utility system locations. Knowledge of equipment operation guidelines. Skill in the operation of assigned vehicles and equipment. Skill in reading and interpreting plans, maps, and specifications. Skill in supervision. Skill in problem solving. Skill in interpersonal relations. Skill in oral and written communication.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The Water Utilities Superintendent assigns work in terms of very general instructions and acts in a managerial capacity. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the final results.
GUIDELINES Guidelines include the city employee manual, state and local building codes, confined space and trench safety guidelines, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.
COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK
The work consists of varied supervisory and technical duties. Inclement weather and field conditions contribute to the complexity of the position. The purpose of this position is to supervise and participate in the maintenance and repair of water and sewer systems, including the installation, repair, and maintenance of water meters. Successful performance contributes to the efficient and effective resolution of problems and the delivery of efficient utility services to customers.
CONTACTS Contacts are typically with coworkers, other department personnel, contractors, vendors, property owners, and the general public. Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, motivate people, and provide services.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell. The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, or irritating chemicals. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
Exercises day-to-day supervision of staff activities to ensure effective operations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills must possess a high school diploma or GED. Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the work of subordinate positions to be able to answer questions and resolve problems, usually associated with one to three years’ experience or service. Possession and maintenance of a valid commercial driver’s license issued by the State of South Dakota for the type of vehicle or equipment operated (Class B with Airbrakes and N-Tanker Endorsement) within six (6) months of employment. Possession of or ability to readily obtain Class III state certification for water distribution or wastewater collection as appropriate.
RESIDENCY All new hires must reside within 40 miles of city limits unless specific approval of City Manager.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I acknowledge that I have received and reviewed this job description. I understand that this job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required for the position. I understand that job duties, responsibilities, and assignments may change at any time based on the needs of the City and in accordance with applicable policies, contracts, ordinances, or collective bargaining agreements. I further acknowledge that I am able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
APPLY TO: City of Aberdeen or SD Dept. of Labor & Regulation Human Resources 420 S Roosevelt St. 123 S Lincoln St Aberdeen, SD 57401 Aberdeen, SD 57401 www.aberdeen.sd.us/jobs
OPENING DATE: October 30, 2026 CLOSING DATE: Until Filled
To apply for this position, please complete the application and submit it by either emailing it to hr@aberdeen.sd.us or delivering it to the Human Resources office in City Hall. For more information, view the full job description.