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Job Description
Grade 19 // Starting Hourly Rate: $29.86. Rate of pay depends on qualifications.
Job Description
JOB SUMMARY
The Foreperson-Leak Detection reports to a Superintendent in Water Resources-Leak Detection and is responsible for supervising a crew that is committed to delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable water services to our community. The Leak Detection Foreperson will lead a specialized team in identifying, investigating, and resolving water distribution system leaks. This role is critical to protecting our infrastructure, conserving water resources, and ensuring uninterrupted service for our customers. This position requires extensive technical expertise, leadership experience, and a passion for investigative work in the field of leak detection. This job has an automatic progression plan. An employee hired as a Foreperson will automatically advance to Senior Foreperson upon reaching 5 years of continuous experience as a Foreperson with SAWS.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS- Trains, mentors, supervises, and evaluates crew members by checking their work for efficiency and quality. Initiates corrective action as necessary.
- Supervises employees in any of the following areas: repair, construction and maintenance of water distribution and wastewater collection systems; performance of leak detection surveys and coordination of related activities; analysis of the wastewater collection system and collection of data.
- Operates a variety of complex electronic equipment associated with specific assignments such as pipe tracing equipment, leak detection correlators and Closed-Circuit TV equipment.
- Secures and accounts for materials, stock, tools and heavy equipment.
- Interprets blueprints, construction plans, as-built drawings and reads and interprets block maps, operations and maintenance manuals and maintenance reports.
- May oversee and perform complex repairs of mechanical equipment and piping systems and in-house construction projects, including equipment demolition and installation.
- Detects continuous leak noise and/or signals generated by pressurized water escaping from pipes through cracks, holes, faulty joints, etc.
- Oversees the installation of advanced leak detection equipment on water system appurtenances, installed through a tapped connection, corporation stop, valve, or fitting with direct access to the water column.
- Interprets raw or pre-processed signals from noise loggers, correlators, or other monitoring platforms for real-time or periodic analysis.
- Ensures all equipment, including associated fittings being used within the water column is handled, stored, and installed using procedures that protect water quality and minimize risk of contamination to the water distribution system.
- Responsible for adhering to safety policies and procedures.
- Performs various utility calculations.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
DECISION MAKING- This position works under limited supervision.
- This position is responsible for supervising 3 to 12 employees.
MINIMUMREQUIREMENTS- High School Diploma or GED.
- Three years’ experience in operation, maintenance or construction of water or wastewater facilities.
- TCEQ Class “C” Groundwater or Distribution Operator License within 24 months of hire.
- Valid Class “C” Texas Driver’s License.
- Work Zone Traffic Control certification within 12 months of hire.
- Pass position specific physical testing.
- Ability to report to work on time, maintain a good attendance record, and work all designated work schedules.
PREFERREDQUALIFICATIONS
•Experience in water distribution and wastewater collection systems.
JOBDIMENSIONS- Proficiency in verbal and written communications.
- Proficient in the use of materials, tools, utility calculations and equipment commonly used in construction, maintenance, or repair of water distribution, wastewater treatment and collection systems.
- Proficient in the use and application of computer software packages which include: word processing, spreadsheets, database, and computerized maintenance management systems.
LISTOFEQUIPMENT
The following equipment is currently considered to be generally appropriate for this position. Additional equipment not on this list must be of similar size, weight and complexity.
•Truck
•Water Trench Pump
•Acoustic Listening Devices
•Trench Pump Hose
•Pressure and Flow Instruments
•Hammers
•Pipe Locators
•Valve Cleaner
•Ground Penetrating Radar Equipment
•Probe Bar
•Thermal Imaging Equipment
•Maul & Other Hand Tools
•Valve Keys
•Assorted Size Shovels
•Fire Hydrant appurtenances
PHYSICALDEMANDSANDWORKINGCONDITIONS
Physical requirements include lifting/carrying up to 90 pounds occasionally; assisting in the pushing of objects weighing up to 105 pounds; assisting in the pulling of objects weighing up to 105 pounds. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing, bending, crawling, squatting, kneeling and working in cramped and strained positions for long periods of time to perform job scope.
Working conditions are primarily outside with frequent exposure to inclement weather; wastewater; mechanical, electrical, chemical and confined space hazards; offensive fumes; excessive noise; heavy traffic; deep excavations; and animals, snakes and poisonous insects. May be required to comply with requirements as specified in applicable regulations for personal protective equipment, including clearance for use of respiratory protection and other associated equipment. Operates a company vehicle on a daily basis.
May be required to work hours other than regular daytime schedule such as on-call, rotating shifts, overtime, weekends, holidays, or emergency response.
#LI-DNI
San Antonio Water System values the contributions of all its employees, providing them the best in compensation and benefits. The benefits package is designed to attract and retain a workforce of qualified employees who share a responsibility in providing quality water to 1 million consumers.
From an affordable medical and dental plan to life-sustaining retirement and insurance plans, we offer benefits that reward employees for their commitment to a challenging career at SAWS. Employee benefits include the following:- Competitive, market-based salaries
- Performance-based incentives
- Medical benefits
- Dental benefits
- Life insurance
- Prescription drug program
- Vision care plan
- Two retirement plans
- Deferred compensation plans (457 plan)
- Disability income
- Paid leave (vacation, sick, personal)
- Education assistance program
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible, tax-deferred health and dependent care spending accounts
- Wellness programs
- On-Site Fitness Facilities
- Community service opportunities
Closing Date/Time: 12/28/2025 11:59 PM Central -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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San Antonio Water System
Show moreThe San Antonio Water System (SAWS) is a public utility owned by the City of San Antonio. SAWS serves 2 million people in Bexar County as well as parts of Medina and Atascosa counties. The population includes more than 511,300 water customers and 457,600 wastewater customers. SAWS actively seeks out public participation in its operations and planning, while SAWS volunteers strive to help their neighbors in need.
As an industry leader in conservation and water and wastewater management, SAWS provides sustainable, affordable water services. To deliver responsible water services, our investment in our employees – one of our greatest assets – ranks as a top priority.
San Antonio Water System's Board of Trustees has adopted mission, vision and values statements that serve as a foundation to move the utility forward through 2050 and reinforce San Antonio's much-deserved reputation as Waterful.
Our Mission: Sustainable, Affordable Water Services / Our Vision: To be leaders in delivering responsible water services for life. / Our Values: Excellence, Integrity, Respect and Safety.
SAWS is a values-based organization that believes in diversity in all aspects of our business. At SAWS, we attract and retain the finest individuals whose diverse talents drive innovation. We recognize that differences in race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, physical ability or any characteristic protected by law, enrich and empower our work environment. We respectfully infuse diversity in our daily work lives with the knowledge that people from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences make connections that make SAWS a success.
SAWS is committed to providing our employees with a healthy, safe, and rewarding work environment where all employees have an equal opportunity for professional and personal growth. SAWS employees go beyond what is expected – developing remarkable, award-winning programs in conservation, water resources, watershed protection and wastewater treatment.
Why Choose a Career at SAWS?
For Your Work-Life Balance: SAWS is proud to invest in its employees by offering a variety of paid time off to help meet the work-life balance goals of you and your family.
For Your Professional Growth: Professional growth is key to both our employees’ success as well as SAWS’. That’s why SAWS offers a number of professional development opportunities that achieve both personal and company goals.
For Your Future: Achieving your personal financial goals is an important part of your life. SAWS makes it easy for employees to save for retirement by providing several retirement plan options.
For Your Health: SAWS offers a range of health, dental and vision benefits, and Wellness Programs to help meet each employee’s needs.
For your Protection: SAWS offers life insurance and disability coverage to meet the need for protection against life’s unexpected events.
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