Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Utility Crew Supervisor
💰 $60,000 - $85,000
UtilitiesPublic WorksOperations Management
🎯 Role Definition
The Utility Crew Supervisor is responsible for overseeing daily field operations for utility maintenance, repair, and installation activities. This role ensures crews work safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory standards while delivering reliable water, wastewater, stormwater, gas, electric, or public works services. The position combines hands-on leadership, operational planning, safety enforcement, and coordination with internal departments, contractors, and the public.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Utility Worker / Maintenance Technician
- Equipment Operator
- Utility Crew Lead / Senior Field Technician
Advancement To:
- Utilities Operations Supervisor
- Utilities Superintendent
- Public Works or Utilities Manager
Lateral Moves:
- Safety Coordinator
- Operations Planner or Field Inspector
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Supervise daily utility crew activities related to maintenance, repair, replacement, and installation of utility infrastructure.
- Plan, schedule, and assign work orders to crews based on operational priorities, staffing levels, and service requests.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, confined space requirements, traffic control standards, and utility safety procedures.
- Conduct regular job site inspections to verify work quality, productivity, and adherence to safety protocols.
- Lead and participate in pre-job safety briefings, tailgate meetings, and hazard assessments.
- Monitor crew performance, provide coaching, and conduct performance evaluations in alignment with organizational policies.
- Coordinate emergency response efforts for utility outages, main breaks, sewer overflows, and storm-related incidents.
- Operate and oversee the proper use of heavy equipment, service vehicles, and specialized utility tools.
- Review and approve time sheets, overtime, leave requests, and daily work reports.
- Ensure proper documentation of work completed, materials used, and asset updates in maintenance management systems.
- Order, track, and manage inventory of materials, parts, and supplies to support uninterrupted field operations.
- Serve as the primary point of contact between field crews, dispatch, engineering, and management.
- Communicate with customers, residents, and business owners regarding work schedules, service interruptions, and restoration timelines.
- Assist in budgeting, cost tracking, and forecasting for utility maintenance and capital improvement projects.
- Enforce environmental regulations and best practices related to spills, waste disposal, and erosion control.
- Train new employees on standard operating procedures, equipment use, and safety requirements.
- Support contractor oversight by coordinating inspections, verifying scope compliance, and resolving field issues.
- Respond to citizen complaints and service inquiries with professionalism and timely follow-up.
- Participate in after-hours standby or on-call rotations to support emergency utility operations.
- Identify process improvements to enhance crew efficiency, safety performance, and service reliability.
Secondary Functions
- Assist with utility system inspections and condition assessments.
- Support cross-departmental projects and infrastructure improvement initiatives.
- Participate in audits, regulatory inspections, and compliance reporting activities.
- Contribute to the development and updating of standard operating procedures and safety manuals.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Utility system operations knowledge (water, wastewater, stormwater, gas, electric, or public works).
- OSHA safety standards, confined space entry, and lockout/tagout procedures.
- Work order management and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
- Heavy equipment operation and job site safety oversight.
- Reading and interpreting utility maps, schematics, and construction plans.
- Emergency response and incident management.
- Inventory control and materials management.
- Basic budgeting, cost control, and reporting.
- Traffic control and work zone safety compliance.
- Regulatory compliance and environmental standards.
Soft Skills
- Strong leadership and team supervision abilities.
- Clear verbal and written communication skills.
- Problem-solving and decision-making under pressure.
- Time management and work prioritization.
- Conflict resolution and employee coaching.
- Customer service and public interaction skills.
- Adaptability in emergency and high-demand situations.
- Attention to detail and accountability.
- Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
- Reliability and professionalism.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- High school diploma or GED.
Preferred Education:
- Associate degree or technical certification.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Utilities Technology
- Public Works, Construction Management, or Environmental Services
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
- 3–7 years of progressive experience in utility maintenance, operations, or public works, including lead or supervisory duties.
Preferred:
- Prior supervisory experience in a union or municipal utility environment and relevant state or industry certifications.