Pipe Bursting Supervisor

SALARY: $29.58 - $43.52, Hourly (DOE&Q) NON-EXEMPT
OPENING DATE: 03/20/2026
CLOSING DATE: 03/27/2026

DEFINITION

To outline the role, responsibilities, and required qualifications for the Pipebursting supervisor position. It is intended to ensure a clear understanding of duties, facilitate consistent performance and support project success in underground utility replacement.

To lead field crews in the trenchless replacement of aging or damaged water and sewer lines using pipe bursting techniques. This role bridges field operations and management by overseeing day-to-day workflow, enforcing safety and quality standards, reading plans, resolving issues promptly, and communicating proactively to prevent service disruptions.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from upper level supervisory, Pipebursting/Construction Manager and management staff.

Exercises direct supervision over maintenance staff.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES - Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Organize and supervise crews of skilled and semi-skilled personnel in the repair, construction and maintenance of a variety of City facilities and properties including but not limited to curb and gutter removal and replacement, sewer and waterline construction, cleaning and repair, and storm drain and culvert maintenance.

Participate in the full range of maintenance, repair and construction duties including performing the most difficult duties assigned to the work unit.

Operate a full range of heavy and light equipment such as jet and dump trucks, backhoes, graders, bobcats, loaders, water pumps, air compressors, mowers, rollers and other related equipment used in the maintenance, repair and construction of City facilities and properties.
Investigate complaints and recommend corrective actions as necessary to resolve complaints.

Inspect streets, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, drainage facilities, parks and water/wastewater systems for needed maintenance and repairs.

Inspect the work of crews while in progress; provide advice and assistance to supervisors.

Provide or coordinate crew training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures as directed.

Ensure safety of worksite; verify barricade placement as necessary; maintain barricade and safety materials; replace worn and non-complaint safety equipment.

Other Important Responsibilities and Duties:

Assist in preparing budgets; maintain time, material and equipment use records.

Requisition supplies and materials as necessary including safety barricades.

Supervise, train and evaluate subordinates.

Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Uses of safety barricades and materials and their setup techniques and compliance procedures.

Materials, methods, practices and equipment used in public works and utility operations maintenance, construction and repair activities.

Types and level of maintenance, construction and repair activities generally performed in a water utility operation maintenance program.

Elements of construction technology as they relate to the assigned construction maintenance and repair activities.

Principles of personnel supervision, training and evaluation.

Safe work practices.

Ability to:

Interpret and work from sketches, penciled layouts and blueprints and prepare plans for minor projects.

Maintain and prepare various records and reports.

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:
--- making observations
--- reading and writing
--- inspecting site locations for compliance
--- supervising crew members
--- operating assigned equipment
--- communicating with others.

Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of:
--- making sound decisions
--- prioritizing projects
--- interpreting work orders, drawings and specifications
--- demonstrating intellectual capabilities.

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following:
--- walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time
--- lifting a variety of equipment and materials
--- operating assigned equipment.

Effectively deal with personal danger which may include exposure to:
--- hazardous chemicals and materials
--- fumes, smoke and heavy dust
--- electrical hazards
--- confined or high workplaces
--- extremely loud noises
--- hazards associated with working in and near traffic.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Supervise, train and evaluate assigned personnel.

When assigned to Pipebursting:

Project Leadership

• Supervise daily pipe bursting operations and crew assignments
• Monitor progress against schedule and project objectives
• Coordinate with stakeholders to minimize downtime
• Communicate with citizens

Technical Oversight

• Interpret blueprints, as built drawings, and specifications
• Oversee equipment setup, alignment, and pipe insertion
• Verify proper connections, pressures and backfill procedures

Safety and Quality Assurance

• Enforce organizational safety procedures and protocols
• Conduct daily toolbox talks and routine safety audits
• Implement quality control checks on materials and installations

Site Management

• Prepare jobsite, secure utility locates, and manage traffic control
• Oversee material procurement, inventory, and equipment maintenance
• Supervise site restoration, clean-up, and final inspections

Crew Management and Training

• Train, monitor, and evaluate fitters and equipment operators
• Resolve on-site conflicts and foster teamwork
• Promote efficient, safe work techniques and continuous improvement

Reporting and Documentation

• Provide daily/weekly status updates and a monthly productivity report
• Maintain accurate logs of labor, materials, equipment use, and incident reports
• Document deviations, corrective actions, and project milestones

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• Proven experience in underground utility installation and replacement
• Strong mechanical aptitude and expert knowledge of pipe bursting methods
• Familiarity with piping materials, plumbing codes, and trenchless technology
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
• Detail oriented and meticulous quality control
• Ability to work under pressure in physically demanding environments
• Proficiency with project management tools and safety standards

Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience performing construction and maintenance work including one year of lead or supervisory training or experience.

When assigned to pipe bursting, five (5) years minimum experience

Training:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade, supplemented with specialized training in personnel supervision and/or construction-related subjects.

License or Certificate:

Possession of a Class “B” Commercial Driver’s License.

Possession of a Class II Certificate for Collection System Operator issued by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission.

Excavation Safety - Competent Person Certificate.

Pipe Bursting Supervisor – WW Conveyance (Pipe Bursting) - #26-019.

CITY OF PORT ARTHUR
Attn: Hiring Manager
P.O. Box 1089
Port Arthur, Texas 77641-1089
(EEO/AA/V/F/RC/H)
The City of Port Arthur is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer