Equipment Operator (DCOPS) - Eastside

San Antonio Water System•San Antonio, TX

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Equipment Operator performs a variety of labor duties, including operating and transporting light to heavy equipment for the repair, construction, and maintenance of water distribution and wastewater collection systems. The position has an automatic progression plan: employees advance to Senior Equipment Operator after reaching five years of continuous experience as an Equipment Operator with SAWS. The role operates and maintains construction equipment, excavates and backfills trenches, transports and handles materials, and maintains tools, equipment, and facilities. It also involves safety practices, interpreting construction documents, assisting with traffic control, equipment inspections, and occasional training or crew guidance. The position receives immediate supervision and is based at the Eastside Service Center, 3930 E. Houston St., San Antonio, TX 78220. Work is primarily outdoors, with frequent exposure to inclement weather, wastewater, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and confined-space hazards, fumes, excessive noise, heavy traffic, deep excavations, and animals, snakes, and poisonous insects. The role requires operating a company vehicle daily and may require working days, nights, weekends, holidays, on-call assignments, and rotating shifts. Physical demands include lifting or carrying up to 90 pounds occasionally, pushing and pulling with a maximum force of 100 pounds, and prolonged standing, sitting, walking, climbing, bending, crawling, squatting, kneeling, or working in cramped and strained positions. Visual acuity, speech, and hearing are required. Personal protective equipment requirements may include clearance for respiratory protection and associated equipment.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Six months of experience operating equipment in construction, water, wastewater, or a similar work environment.
Pass position-specific physical testing.
Valid Texas Class A Commercial Driver License.
Ability to report to work on time, maintain good attendance, and work all designated 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 construction-environment safety hazards.
Knowledge of SAWS safety practices and procedures, including traffic control.
Ability to operate light to heavy equipment and recognize equipment malfunctions.
Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position and work under adverse weather conditions.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and the general public.

Responsibilities

Operate and maintain medium to heavy equipment, including dump trucks, front-end loaders, skid loaders, backhoes, compact excavators, trenchers, and mobile concrete mixing trucks.
Excavate and backfill trenches to complete repairs.
Transport equipment, tools, and materials to and from job sites.
Load and unload materials from trucks and stock vehicles with necessary equipment and materials.
Clean, organize, and maintain facilities, tools, and equipment.
Observe and promote established safety procedures.
Interpret as-built drawings, schematics, block maps, and construction plans.
Assist with setting up work-zone barricades and signs for traffic control.
Conduct inventory of tools, equipment, and materials.
Inspect equipment and report mechanical concerns or issues for repair.
May train others in proper tool and equipment use and Texas Class A commercial driver license requirements.
May guide the crew in the Foreman’s absence.
May perform manual labor related to maintenance and construction.
Perform other duties as assigned.