Equipment Operator; DCOPS - Construction Group​/Retention

Grade 15:
Starting Hourly Rate: $25.50. Rate of pay depends on qualifications.

Must possess a valid Class "A" Commercial Drivers License. Hiring/Retention Incentive:
External candidates hired by SAWS receive a $1,000 Hiring Incentive split into two payments of $500 on their second and fourth paycheck. Upon successful completion of the new hire’s six-month introductory period, the hire will be eligible for an additional $1,000 Retention Incentive paid during their seventh month. Full-time benefits include medical, dental, life insurance, retirement plans, paid leave and holidays, tuition reimbursement, and others as outlined on (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The Equipment Operator is responsible for performing a variety of labor duties to include operating and transporting light to heavy equipment for the repair, construction, and maintenance of the water distribution and wastewater collection system. This job has an automatic progression plan. An employee hired as an Equipment Operator will automatically advance to Senior Equipment Operator upon reaching 5 years of continuous experience as an Equipment Operator with SAWS.

• Operates and maintains medium to heavy equipment such as dump truck, front-end loader, skid loader, backhoe, compact excavator, trencher, and mobile concrete mixing truck.
• Excavates and backfills trenches to complete repairs.
• Transports equipment, tools, and materials to and from job sites.
• Loads and unloads materials from trucks.
• Stocks vehicle with necessary equipment and material.
• Cleans, organizes, and maintains facilities, tools, and equipment.
• Observes and promotes all established safety procedures.
• Interprets as-built drawings, schematics, block maps, and construction plans.
• Assists with the set‑up of work zone barricades and signs for traffic control.
• Conducts inventory of tools, equipment, and materials.
• Conducts inspections of equipment and reports mechanical concerns/issues for repair.
• May provide training on the proper usage of tools and equipment.
• May provide training for Texas Class A commercial driver license.
• May provide guidance to crew in the absence of the Foreman.
• May perform manual labor work related to maintenance and construction.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• This position receives immediate supervision.

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Six months’ experience operating equipment in the construction, water, wastewater or similar work environment.
• Pass position specific physical testing.
• Valid Texas Class "A" Commercial Driver License.
• Ability to report to work on time, maintain a good attendance record, and work all designated work schedules.

• Knowledge of operating characteristics and safety procedures for equipment being operated.
• Knowledge of materials, tools, and equipment commonly used in construction.
• Knowledge of excavation, confined space, high pressure, electrical, and other safety hazards found in a construction environment.
• Knowledge of SAWS safety practices and procedures, including traffic control.
• Ability to operate light to heavy equipment.
• Ability to recognize malfunction in equipment being operated.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position.
• Ability to work under adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and general public.

The following equipment is considered generally appropriate for this position. Additional equipment not on this list must be of similar size, weight, and complexity.

• Truck
• Water Trench Pump & Hose
• Trailer
• Maul & Other Hand Tools
• Jack Hammer
• Shoring Boards & Jacks
• Shoring Pump
• Whacker Tamp
• Hole Hog
• Assorted Size Ladders
• Assorted Size Shovels
• Hammers
• Pipe Clamps
• Copper Tubing Rolls
• Probe Bar
• Backhoe
• Compact Excavator
• Skid Loader
• Front End Loader
• Trencher

Physical requirements include lifting/carrying up to 90 pounds occasionally; pushing a maximum force of 100 pounds; pulling a maximum force of 100 pounds. The job requires standing, sitting, walking, climbing, bending, crawling, squatting, kneeling and working in cramped and strained positions for long periods of time. Requires visual acuity and speech and hearing. Working conditions are primarily outside with frequent exposure to inclement weather, wastewater, mechanical, electrical, chemical and confined space hazards, offensive fumes, excessive noise, heavy traffic, deep excavations, and animals, snakes and poisonous insects.

May be required to comply with requirements as specified in applicable regulations for personal protective equipment, including clearance for use of respiratory protection and other associated equipment. Operates a company vehicle on a daily basis.

Required to work hours other than regular schedule such as days, nights, weekends,…