Austin Water Equipment Operator

City of Austin • Austin, TX

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, performs a variety of duties related to driving and operating equipment, and provides equipment operation support. Performs work that is varied and moderately complex with assignments that are semi-routine in nature.

Austin Water has been committed to providing safe, reliable, high-quality, and affordable water services to its customers for over 100 years. Serving over 1,000,000 people across more than 548 square miles, Austin Water is a leader in sustainable infrastructure, advanced treatment technology, and environmental innovation. The Austin Water Equipment Operator position is responsible for leading precision digging and excavation tasks within a small, collaborative crew environment. This role focuses on operation of backhoes, trenchers and excavators to support utility infrastructure projects in both Pipeline Water Operation and Wastewater Operations. This position assists multiple work groups within Austin Water through organized and often pre-scheduled assignments related to operations, transportation and maintenance of heavy equipment.

Requirements

• Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
• 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.
• 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.
• To be considered for employment in this position, applicants 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.
• This position requires a valid Texas Class A Driver License.
• External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite.
• To be considered for a driving position, 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.
• Employees 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.
• 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.

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
• retirement plan
• Retention Incentive Bonus of up to $3,000 ($500 after 90 days, $500 after 180 days, $1,000 after 1 year, $1,000 after 2 years)

What This Job Offers

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