Construction - Heavy Equipment Operator I​/II - Water Distribution

Water Distribution, 701

E. Hwy 80, Abilene, Texas, United States of America

Posted Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 7:00 AM

Under direction of the Supervisor III – Water Distribution and general supervision of the Lead Supervisor – Water Distribution, to use heavy construction and maintenance equipment and machinery to perform required construction, maintenance and operational duties in the assigned Division/Branch of the water and sewer system.

This position may exercise technical and functional supervision over Utility Workers on a job site.

• Operate backhoe, heavy crawler or rubber-tire tractors equipped with bulldozer blades or loaders in moving earth in the maintenance and rehabilitation of roads, and the maintenance of water and sewer systems.
• Operate a power shovel and attachments in excavation and loading work, and repair of water and sewer systems.
• Utilize a self-propelled loader in excess of three yards capacity.
• Run a trenching machine with capacity to dig to depths of 30 feet and operate a boring machine.
• Perform minor preventative maintenance servicing to assigned equipment; report mechanical or other problems.
• Operate a hydraulic excavator, backhoe, front-end loader and a 6 to 12 cubic yard dump truck.

Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Operating characteristics of the types of heavy maintenance and construction equipment used by the City of Abilene Water Utilities.
• Proper use and occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary for the safe operation of assigned equipment.
• Texas Utilities Code, Title 5, Chapter 251, Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act.
• Departmental and divisional policies and procedures.

• Operate a variety of heavy equipment including backhoe, motor grader, crawler tractor bulldozer/loader, rubber tire loader, hydraulic excavator, 6 to 12 cubic yard dump truck, and truck tractor/equipment and tanker trailer.
• Operate and care for a variety of tools and equipment used in water maintenance and repair activities.

• Pay attention-to-detail when performing general maintenance work.
• Accomplish the required tasks at their minimum acceptable rate for this position.
• Communicate clearly and concisely verbally and in written reports.
• Read and understand street maps displayed on paper and electronic devices.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
• Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
• Lead, manage, and perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

• One (1) year of experience in the operation of heavy equipment or one (1) year of experience comparable to a Utility Worker I is required.
• Two (2) years of experience in the operation of heavy equipment or two (2) years of experience comparable to a Utility Worker II is required.

• A high school diploma or GED is required.

• A valid Class A CDL Driver’s License issued by the State of Texas is required.
• A valid TCEQ Class D Water Distribution or Wastewater Collection I license or the ability to obtain one within 180 days of employment is required.
• A valid TCEQ Class C Water Distribution License is highly preferred.
• A valid TCEQ Class C Water Distribution or Wastewater Collection II license is required.
• A valid TCEQ Class B Water Distribution License is highly preferred.

• Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
• Bloodborne Pathogens training and Haz…