Austin Water Equipment Operator

City of Austin

2d • $25 - $30 • Onsite

About The Position

The Austin Water Equipment Operator position is responsible for operation of backhoes, trenchers and excavators to support utility infrastructure projects in both Pipeline Water Operation and Wastewater Operations. This role assists multiple work groups within Austin Water through organized and often pre-scheduled assignments related to operations, transportation and maintenance of heavy equipment. Austin Water has been committed to providing safe, reliable, high-quality, and affordable water services to over 1,000,000 people in the Austin metropolitan area for over 100 years. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, Austin Water is leading the way with sustainable infrastructure, advanced treatment technology, and environmental innovation, consistently ranking among the best in the country for water quality. The department also treats, returns, and recycles wastewater in ways that protect environmental resources, exceeding federal and state requirements for clean water and environmental compliance.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus three (3) years of experience in equipment operations, including one (1) year of experience in specialized utility equipment.
• Current Texas Class A Commercial Driver License.
• May require specific endorsements.
• Must comply with Department of Transportation Federal Regulations and the City of Austin Drug Policy.
• Positions in the Lift Stations Division must be certified for Respiratory Protection and Confined Space Entry within six (6) months of employment.
• External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. Applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
• Must currently hold the appropriate class of Commercial Driver’s License with endorsements.
• Must comply with the Alcohol and Controlled Substance Testing rules as outlined by the City of Austin Alcohol and Drug Policy for Drivers of Commercial Motor Vehicles.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with confidence and with or without reasonable accommodations: carrying or lifting up to 50 lbs., pushing or pulling up to 50 lbs., sitting, standing, walking, lying, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching overhead, kneeling, crawling, stooping/bending, twisting, repetitive foot and hand movement, driving, grasping and squeezing, ability to wear personal protective equipment including a self-contained breathing apparatus, exposure to extreme weather conditions, atmospheric conditions, hazardous conditions, and very loud noise.
• Candidates must be able to work in environments which may have hazardous atmospheres, or in confined spaces where there is limited or restricted means for entry and exit, or where the activities of an employee are hindered.
• Candidates must be able to qualify for the Utility’s Respiratory Protection Program.
• Candidates must be clean shaven to meet the Utility’s Respiratory Protection Program guidelines which requires the use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
• Candidates must be able to perform duties with confidence at sites where climbing heights of up to 50 feet is required on ladders that support weight as designated by work area.
• Selected candidates will be required to complete and pass a drug and alcohol screening test.
• Selected candidates will be required to complete and pass a pre-employment physical exam to be considered for this position, which includes a Functional (FC)strength/agility test.
• Knowledge of basic diagnostic techniques and mechanical troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of methods and precautions for handling and transporting hazardous materials and chemicals.
• Knowledge of State and Federal requirements for operating commercial vehicles and specialized heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of City practice, policy, and procedures.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to operate commercial vehicles and specialized heavy equipment.
• Ability to use hand tools and power tools.
• Ability to read and follow technical guidelines and standard operating procedures.
• Ability to read and interpret meters, gauges, and control panels.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Nice To Haves

• Experience using backhoes, excavators, front end loader, rock saw, lit truck, trenches, dump truck, skid-steer, and forklift, and performing preventative maintenance on that equipment
• Experience with underground utility construction including deep excavation and experience with trench shoring and trench boxes
• Experience driving 18 speed manual transmission truck to haul heavy equipment

Responsibilities

• Operates a variety of powered equipment, which may include tractor trailers, backhoes, front end loaders, dump trucks, lift trucks, scarabs, trommel screens, water trucks, bobcats, trenchers, vacuum trucks, sludge tank trucks, and cranes.
• Operates vehicles/equipment according to Federal/State requirements and City policies/procedures.
• Calculates figures, analyzes and interprets data, and prepares reports.
• Performs routine preventative maintenance on equipment by checking fluids, lubrication, adjusting belts, conducting pre-trip/post-trip safety inspections, and maintaining reports of maintenance activities.
• Recommends changes to methods, operations, sequences, and set procedures for work assigned.

Benefits

• medical and dental coverage
• paid sick, vacation and personal time
• a retirement plan
• professional growth including hands-on training, coaching and opportunities to obtain Water/Wastewater licensing
• generous leave
• work-life balance programs
• on-site fitness centers
• mental health support

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED