Town of Fairfield - Public Works Foreman

Start Date: January 30, 2025 | End Date: July 29, 2025
County: Somerset County
Job Type: Public Works

Immediate Supervisor:        Director of Public Works

Overview of Position:

This is a supervisory position overseeing public works maintenance and construction activities including roadwork, storm drainage systems, sewer systems, heavy equipment maintenance and other municipally related tasks.  This employee must be highly responsible and reliable.  The employee helps determine work schedules and supervises a crew of approximately ten union employees (and seasonal full-time employees) who are often divided into separate work teams.  This is salaried work that involves supervision of plow crews for extended hours during winter storms as well as emergency call-ins throughout the year.  This is a highly public position with consistent contact with residents and subcontractors.  This supervisory employee must be capable of maintaining calmness and patience with individuals who may attempt to exert influence or may express anger.

Other responsibilities include direct oversight of Parks and Cemetery Department, PAL ball fields and building maintenance on all Town facilities. 

The employee must work cooperatively with, and under the direction of the Director of Public Works. 

The employee is subject to review though evaluations based on results achieved.

Essential Job Functions:

*Supervise crews engaged in construction and maintenance of streets, storm drain systems, sewer systems, sidewalks, equipment maintenance, snow plowing and icing treatments, building maintenance and similar tasks.

*Inspects work to ensure conformance with quality standards.  Makes necessary adjustments to correct deficiencies.

*Maintains harmonious relationships with employees as best as possible.

*Works extended hours for emergency maintenance needs such as snow plowing, ice treatments, accident clean ups, sewer system interruptions, etc.

*Aids in inspection and evaluation of equipment to ensure safe operation.

*Receives written or oral assignments.  Assigns crew in accordance with volume of work.  Provides instruction on safe and quality completion of work.

*Maintains timely records of materials, equipment, labor use and service to systems.

*Investigate complaints concerning public works’ activities or projects.

*Communicate promptly with Director regarding operational difficulties.

*Compares and assess project and equipment costs for benefit of Town.

*Keeps abreast of latest safety practices and regulations and ensures coverage of necessary annual safety training for crew.

*Assists in hiring new personnel.

*Deals with public and subcontractors in courteous and professional manner.

*Advances own knowledge of operations technology through reviewing trade literature and obtaining training if available.

*Conducts preventative maintenance activities on roadways, sewer lines (must be familiar with sewer vacuum/rodding equipment) and related manholes and pump stations, storm drain pipes and basins as well as on buildings and related operating yards, maintenance activities.

*Conducts regular structural inspection of manholes and catch basins.

*Assists with obtaining qualified contract services when necessary.

*Assists with decisions regarding purchase of materials and capital equipment.

*Aids in oversight of construction completed by subcontractors and may supervise cooperative Public Works/subcontractor construction activities.

*Promptly communicates with Director regarding any personnel difficulties.  Contacts Director to consult on potential employee disciplinary actions (i.e. written reprimands or temporary suspensions).

*Trains designated public works employees on proper use of equipment if necessary.

*Available for emergency call-ins on regular basis including evenings, nights and weekends.  Calls in public works employees to service emergency needs.

*Must familiarize self with details of Public Works union contract provisions.

*Ensures strict compliance with any Town, State or Federal regulations applicable to public works employees or operations.

*Operates equipment if necessary.

*Prioritizes projects and ensures completion in a quality and timely manner avoiding unnecessary delays or undue mishaps.

*Assists contractors/others with locating municipal utilities whenever necessary.

*Helps maintain accurate system maps at the Public Works facility.

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) required.

Supervisory experience and/or training preferred.

Familiar with public works and sewer system operations preferred.

Class B Commercial Driver’s License required; Class A preferred.

Experience operating/utilizing backhoes, loaders, excavators, single/tandem axle dumps and trench boxes.

Additional technical training preferred (i.e. mechanical, electrical, computer)

Working Conditions:

This is supervisory work but sometimes requires physical labor when assisting crew members.  Occasionally requires bending and stooping, work on uneven ground, lifting and carrying of objects up to 50 pounds, use of both feet for repetitive movements such as operating foot controls, use of hands for repetitive movements such as grasping of hand controls, handles, tools, etc., exposure to moving equipment and machinery, marked changes in climate conditions, exposure to dust, fumes and gases.  Exposure to chemicals, bacteria and other hazards associated with wastewater and storm water collection and pumping systems.  Requires climbing of stairs.  Occasionally requires squatting, crawling, ladder use, reaching above shoulder level, crouching, kneeling, balancing and helping to carry or lift objects up to 100 pounds.  Occasionally use of computer terminal and digital equipment. 

To apply, please contact Bruce Williams, Public Works Director at 453-6551 or visit our website www.fairfieldme.com for an application.