Trencher Operator

ORGANIZATION Summary

4Ward Development West Africa (4WardWA), formerly known as Access Development is a well-established Safe Water Enterprise (SWE) with business subsidiaries in Ghana and Uganda that provide safe water services at a District-Wide Scale. With over a decade experience in providing safe water to more than 600,000 people through 2,000 water points across Africa by 2006, our goal is to exceed the expectations of rural and peri-urban customers by consistently delivering high-quality water. We pioneered the implementation of an innovative water system with our Numa model together with owners, Water4 (a Non-profit organization). 4Ward WA, a subsidiary of Water4 is a wholly owned for-profit Subsidiaries of Water4, Inc.

The 4WardWA suite of water solutions is designed to provide safe water tailored to consumer demand, including: hand-pumps with professional management, public retail points, and private water connections for households, schools, clinics, and businesses.

4WardWA has current operations in the Wassa East district, Western region, Ghana, where we have provided the entire district with access to safe water and adjourning communities in the Komenda, Edna-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) Municipal. This is in partnership with Water4, The Dutch Government (RVO), Hilton Foundation, Wassa East District Assembly, and many other partners. 4WardWA is scaling up its operations in Upper West and Savanna Regions in 2022 in partnership Water4, Helmsley Trust Foundation and Global Communities, with more partners to come as part of our strategy to provide three districts in these regions with safe water services.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Technical Officer–Installation, is responsible for ensuring the timely, cost-effective and efficient installation of all NUMA technologies. This position involves the handling of all aspects of the installation process, making sure quality standards and specifications are adhered to. The Officer will also be in charge of overseeing the technical assessment of all sites and/or locations for the installation of NUMA systems.  The incumbent keeps records of all installations, installation materials (electrical & plumbing) and works within the installation budget. He or she prepares a time-bound strategic plan for the execution of all installations’ output/targets for the year. At this career level, the incumbent is generally competent in several operation specialities and may be called on to coach or oversee the work of junior operations staff. The Technical Officer – Installations will join the Constructions Team and report to the General Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Equipment Operation:

    Operate trenching machinery safely and efficiently to excavate trenches for water service projects.

    Perform routine maintenance and inspection of trenching equipment to ensure it operates smoothly.

  2. Safety Compliance:

    Adhere strictly to all safety guidelines, regulations, and company policies to ensure a safe work environment. Participate in safety meetings and follow safety protocols consistently.

  3. Site Preparation: 

    Prepare work sites by clearing debris, marking out the trench path, and ensuring proper safety measures are in place.

  4. Trenching:

    Operate the trencher to excavate trenches of the required depth and width, following project specifications.

    Adjust equipment settings to accommodate different soil conditions and project requirements.

  5. Material Handling:

    Assist in the placement of water pipes, conduits, and other utilities within the excavated trenches. 

    Handle and transport materials, as needed, to support trenching operations.

  6. Quality Control:

    Monitor the trenching process to ensure the trenches meet the required standards for depth, width, and slope.  Make adjustments as necessary to maintain accuracy.

  7. Communication:

    Maintain clear and effective communication with the team and supervisors to coordinate work activities.

    Report any equipment issues or project-related concerns promptly.

  8. Record Keeping:

Maintain accurate records of daily activities, including equipment usage, fuel consumption, and project progress.

qualification

Education

  • High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience

  • Two years minimum proven experience as a Trencher Operator or similar role in a construction or water services environment.

Other requirements

  • Relevant certifications in equipment operation.

  • A valid driver's and/or motor rider’s license and a clean driving or riding record.

  • Previous experience in water service installation or repair projects.

REPORTING

The Trencher Operator will report to and work closely with the General Manager, North East Operations. 

WORKING CONDITION

Work Environment: Field Office Environment; Must live in and around Tamale or must be willing to relocate

Travel Requirements May be required to travel up to 90% of the normal schedule to operational/services communities. Should be able to ride a motorbike.

PREFERRED SKILLS

  • Knowledge of trenching machinery and equipment operation.

  • Strong commitment to safety practices.

  • Ability to work in various weather conditions and physically demanding environments.

  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

  • Basic mechanical knowledge for equipment maintenance.

  • Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and equipment.

  • Familiarity with GPS and other technology used in trenching operations.

GENERAL COMPETENCIES

The following competencies are expected of all 4Ward Development employees:

Job knowledge: Demonstrates knowledge of purposes, objectives, practices and procedures required to perform the job.

Productivity: Produces a volume of work consistent with the normal requirements of the job.

Quality of work: Work is accurate, thorough and timely according to agreed standards and expectations agreed.

Communication: Expresses information verbally and in writing in a clear and coherent manner.

Reliability: Can be depended upon to perform assigned tasks in a timely manner and degree of supervision required.

Initiative: Exhibits drive to complete tasks and takes charge in the absence of detailed instructions.

Delegation: Delegating and following up regularly to ensure that delegated duties and responsibilities are carried out.

Teamwork: Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with co-workers and works to share responsibilities towards common targets.

Leadership: Motivates and builds morale, eliciting cooperation from subordinates and achieving results through a team effort.

Constructive Feedback: Accepts improvement-oriented ideas and offers the same to colleagues or those under their supervision

LOCATION

This position is located in Tamale, Northern, Ghana.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS JOB 

Please send cover letter, resume, references and salary requirements to: hello@4ward.co by the close of business on 16th February, 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Please include the job location Tamale in your e-mail subject.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

  • Equivalent education, training and/or certification may be substituted for experience and education shown above Equivalent education, training and/or certification may be substituted for experience and education shown above