Utility Technician - DCOPS (Eligible for Hiring/Retention Incentive)

San Antonio Water System • San Antonio, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Utility Technician performs manual and semi-skilled labor for the repair, construction, and maintenance of water distribution and wastewater collection systems. The role involves installing pipes and fittings, excavating and backfilling trenches, moving materials and equipment, maintaining tools and facilities, and helping establish traffic-control work zones. The technician may operate equipment such as front-end loaders and skid loaders, interpret maps, and provide training on proper tool and equipment use. This position receives immediate supervision and is expected to follow workplace safety procedures, report unsafe conditions, and stop work when needed to prevent accidents.

The position is based at one of several listed SAWS service or operations centers in San Antonio, Texas. Work is primarily outdoors and includes frequent exposure to inclement weather, wastewater, various safety hazards, offensive fumes, excessive noise, heavy traffic, deep excavations, and animals, snakes, and poisonous insects. The role requires daily operation of a company vehicle and may require work outside a regular schedule, including days, nights, weekends, holidays, on-call duty, and rotating shifts.

The starting hourly rate is $20.00, with pay depending on qualifications. External candidates hired by SAWS receive a $1,000 hiring incentive in two $500 payments, issued on their second and fourth paychecks. After successfully completing the six-month introductory period, new hires are eligible for an additional $1,000 retention incentive, paid during their seventh month of employment. Full-time benefits currently include medical and dental coverage, life insurance, retirement plans, paid leave and holidays, tuition reimbursement, and other benefits.

Requirements

• Have a valid Texas Class C Driver’s License or obtain one within six months of employment or assignment.
• Pass position-specific physical testing.
• Report to work on time, maintain good attendance, and work all designated schedules.
• Understand the operating characteristics and safety procedures for equipment being operated.
• Know materials, tools, and equipment typically used in maintenance or construction.
• Know hazards and safety measures applicable to the work being performed, including SAWS safety practices and traffic-control procedures.
• Understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Be able to perform all physical requirements of the job and work in adverse weather conditions.
• Communicate clearly and effectively and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and the public.
• Meet physical demands that include lifting and carrying up to 40 pounds frequently and 100 pounds occasionally; pushing a maximum force of 100 pounds; and pulling a maximum force of 150 pounds. Requirements vary for assigned crews: biosolids crew lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds frequently and 75 pounds occasionally; concrete crew up to 40 pounds frequently and 80 pounds occasionally; asphalt crew up to 50 pounds frequently and 100 pounds occasionally.
• Be able to stand, sit, walk, climb, bend, crawl, squat, kneel, and work in cramped or strained positions for long periods; visual acuity, speech, and hearing are required.
• Meet applicable personal protective equipment requirements, including clearance for respiratory protection and associated equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform manual labor, including installing pipes and fittings for water and wastewater system repair, construction, and maintenance.
• Operate front-end loaders, skid loaders, and other equipment of similar size and complexity as assigned.
• Excavate and backfill trenches to complete repairs.
• Transport equipment, tools, and materials to and from job sites in compliance with Texas Department of Public Safety rules.
• 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 and standards.
• Interpret maps.
• Assist with setting up work-zone barricades and signs for traffic control.
• Inventory tools, equipment, and materials.
• Provide training on proper tool and equipment use when needed.
• Report unsafe working conditions and stop work when needed to prevent accidents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical plan coverage
• Dental plan coverage
• Life insurance
• Retirement plans
• Paid leave
• Paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• $1,000 hiring incentive for external hires, paid in two installments
• $1,000 retention incentive after successful completion of the six-month introductory period

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed