Crew Leader (Open to Kent County Government Employees Only)

Job Summary

Leads an assigned County Roads crew and is responsible for the safe, efficient execution of daily work assigned by the Division Chief or Roads Supervisor. Develops the jobsite plan, assigns employees and equipment, directs and evaluates work, addresses immediate safety and performance concerns, and participates in equipment operation or physical work as needed.

Serves as essential personnel during weather events and other emergencies.

Essential Functions

Functions listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Translates scheduled work into a daily jobsite plan; assigns employees, equipment and work areas; and adjusts assignments as conditions change.

Leads assigned crews performing roadway repairs, pipe and culvert replacement, drainage and ditch work, tree and vegetation maintenance, debris removal, traffic-control activities and related Public Works duties. Conducts pre-job planning and safety briefings. Confirms hazards, utility markings, traffic control, excavation protection, personal protective equipment and other required precautions before and during work.

Directly supervises jobsite activities and enforces County policies, operating procedures and applicable workplace and traffic-safety requirements. Stops unsafe work, removes unsafe equipment from service, reassigns tasks when necessary and provides immediate corrective direction or employee counseling. Documents safety, conduct and performance concerns and initiates or recommends further discipline through the chain of command.

Trains and coaches employees in safe work practices, road-maintenance methods and equipment operation. Provides employees reasonable opportunities to develop proficiency on additional equipment while maintaining safe and productive operations. Operates trucks and heavy equipment and performs physical road-maintenance work when needed, while maintaining awareness and supervision of the overall jobsite.

Inspects assigned roads, bridges, drainage systems, and work areas; identifies hazards or maintenance needs; and reports conditions requiring additional resources or management direction. Ensures assigned vehicles, equipment and tools receive required daily inspections and are used properly. Reports defects, damage and repair needs promptly.

Maintains accurate daily records of work completed, employee and equipment assignments, materials used, inspections, delays, incidents and other required information. Coordinates anticipated staffing and leave impacts with the Roads Supervisor or Division Chief but does not formally approve leave or employee timesheets.

Communicates professionally with residents, motorists, contractors and other County staff; addresses routine jobsite concerns and refers significant complaints or decisions through the chain of command. Serves as essential personnel during snowstorms, hurricanes, floods and other emergencies. Leads an assigned route or crew, operates equipment and provides supplemental field supervision as directed.

Performs other duties as required. Supervision: The position reports to the Road Supervisor. Position supervises department road crew staff. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities The employee is expected to perform or possess the following: Leadership and Supervision: Ability to provide clear direction, hold employees accountable, resolve routine conflicts, coach performance and maintain effective control of an active jobsite Safety and Jobsite Control: Thorough knowledge of safe work practices for road construction and maintenance, traffic control, excavation, tree work, equipment operation and emergency response.

Road Maintenance: Working knowledge of roadway repair, drainage, pipes and culverts, vegetation management, material placement, snow removal and related County Roads operations. Equipment Operation: Ability to safely operate trucks and a representative range of heavy and specialized equipment used by the Roads Division and to evaluate whether employees are operating assigned equipment safely.

Planning and Judgment: Ability to organize personnel, equipment and materials; interpret management priorities; adjust work to field conditions; and make timely decisions within assigned authority. Communication: Ability to give clear instructions, listen effectively, communicate calmly during difficult situations and work professionally with employees, supervisors and the public.

Training and Employee Development: Ability to demonstrate work methods, assess employee readiness and provide structured opportunities for employees to develop additional skills. Documentation and Technology: Ability to maintain accurate daily records and use email and basic mobile or electronic systems required for communication and work reporting.

Education and Experience

High School diploma or GED required. Five years’ experience in road construction or maintenance with at least six months in charge, part-time, of a crew; or equivalent technical training, education or experience. Valid Maryland Class B Commercial Driver’s License and an acceptable motor vehicle record. Demonstrated safe operation of trucks, snow-removal equipment and a representative range of heavy or specialized road-maintenance equipment.

Flagger certification and CPR/First Aid certification required or must be obtained within six months of appointment. Emergency response experience required. Tree-care, pesticide/herbicide application, and other job-related certifications must be obtained and maintained as assigned within a period established by the County.

Experience operating a bucket truck, snow plow, front end loader, loadall, chainsaw, chipper, truck rollers and other construction related equipment required. Must pass required physical and DOT examinations and remain available for overtime, emergency response and work outside normal hours. Physical and Environmental Conditions: Work is conducted in a variety of outdoor settings that can expose the employee to occasional discomforts from exposure to less than optimal temperature and air conditions.

The position routinely requires lifting of heavy items, such as equipment, materials (up to 80 pounds) and/or very long periods of walking on a routine basis, and/or standing for long periods of time and/or frequently requires stooping and bending. Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of outdoor work.

Benefits

Vacation, Sick, and Personal Leave Paid Holidays Parental Leave Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage Long-Term Disability & Short-Term Disability Coverage Defined Benefit Pension Plan Tuition Reimbursement Kent County Government provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. This and all County positions are subject to transfer, based on need. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job .