Stormwater Services - Equipment Operator Trainee​/I​/II - Stormwater Utility

Stormwater Services – Equipment Operator Trainee/I/II – Stormwater Utility

Under direct supervision, the Equipment Operator Trainee/I/II position performs manual work to improve drainage and flood control within Abilene. The role involves operating and maintaining stormwater infrastructure equipment, street sweepers, herbicide applicators, tractors, and utility vehicles. On‑job training will prepare the employee for increased responsibility in drainage operations.

• Operate and maintain creeks, drainage ways, and other stormwater infrastructure using skid steers, vacuum trailers, boom trucks, and related equipment.
• Conduct street sweeping operations and apply herbicides using sweepers in accordance with safety and environmental guidelines.
• Operate agricultural‑type tractor mowers, zero‑turn mowers, pickup, utility vehicles, dump trucks (3‑16 cubic yards) and water trucks.
• Use chain saws, pole saws, wood shredders, and line trimmers for maintenance activities.
• Participate in concrete repair and rehabilitation projects, including installation of new concrete drainage ways.
• Maintain creek beds with light or small equipment and hand tools as needed.
• Perform minor preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and report mechanical issues.
• Provide on‑call support and respond to after‑hours emergency situations when necessary.

Duties and equipment use are as listed under Equipment Operator I, plus advanced operation and maintenance assignments with

• Boom/Crane truck
• Wheel loader
• Skid steer
• Tracked excavator

• General operation and servicing of light construction equipment and hand tools.
• Work hazards and safety precautions for assigned equipment and operations.
• Safe driving principles and practices.
• Use, operate, and care for a variety of tools, machinery, and equipment.
• Safely operate a motor vehicle and associated equipment.
• Perform minor equipment maintenance repairs.
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Make minor operating adjustments and recognize operating deficiencies.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Maintain cooperative working relationships internally and externally.
• Follow City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self and Excellence.
• Work as a team member to accomplish the Division’s mission.

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid Class B Texas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required; ability to obtain within 90 days acceptable for entry level.
• Entry level: preference for experience in safe operation and minor servicing of light and medium construction equipment.
• Equipment Operator I: prior experience required.
• Equipment Operator II: minimum two years of work experience in operation and maintenance of light and medium construction equipment; knowledge of creek and drainage maintenance such as shooting grade, cutting to grade, setting forms, basic welding.
• Preferred:
  Non‑Commercial Herbicide Applicator License from Texas Department of Agriculture.

Essential duties require lifting and carrying ranges from sedentary to very heavy (team lifting over 100 lbs). Tasks include exposure to noise, outdoors, wet weather, vibration, chemicals and mechanical hazards. Ability to travel to different sites, work after hours, and safely traverse steep grades is required.

Physical demand codes: N (No), E (Extensive), M (Moderate), I (Infrequent), A (Almost Never).