Stormwater Services - Equipment Operator Trainee​/I​/II - Stormwater Utility

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under direct supervision, the Equipment Operator Trainee/I/II position involves manual work in the performance of various tasks and projects to improve drainage and flood control within Abilene. This position requires work experience in the safe and efficient operation and minor servicing of construction and maintenance equipment. This is a preparatory position to prepare the Stormwater employee for increased responsibility in the field of drainage operations.

On‑job training to prepare the individual for this position is anticipated and will be conducted at the Stormwater Maintenance Supervisor’s discretion.

This position exercises no supervision.

• Operate and maintain creeks, drainage ways, and other stormwater infrastructure using skid steers, vacuum trailers, boom trucks, and related equipment.
• Conduct street sweeping operations and apply herbicides with street sweepers, following safety and environmental guidelines.
• Operate agricultural‑type tractor mowers equipped with shredder mower decks and/or zero‑turn mowers.
• Operate pickup and utility vehicles, as well as dump trucks ranging from 3 to 16 cubic yards and water trucks.
• Use chainsaws, pole saws, wood shredders, and line trimmers for maintenance activities.
• Participate in concrete repair and rehabilitation projects, including installation of new concrete drainage ways.
• Maintain creek beds with light and small equipment, including hand tools, for general operations and maintenance.
• Perform minor preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and promptly report mechanical issues or other operational concerns.
• Provide on‑call support and respond to after‑hours emergency situations when necessary.

• All duties and equipment use listed under Equipment Operator I.
• Perform advanced operation and maintenance assignments using boom/crane trucks, wheel loaders, skid steers, tracked excavators.

• Perform other job‑related duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

• Knowledge of: general operation and servicing of light construction equipment and hand tools; work hazards and safety precautions; safe driving principles and practices.
• Skills to: use, operate, and care for a variety of tools, machinery, and equipment; safely operate a motor vehicle and associated equipment.
• Abilities to: perform minor equipment maintenance repairs; understand and follow verbal and written instructions; make minor operating adjustments and recognize operating deficiencies; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; follow and embrace City of Abilene Core Values; perform as a team member to accomplish the Division’s mission.

• Equipment Operator Trainee: Entry level. Preferred: previous work experience in safe and efficient operation and minor servicing of light and medium construction and maintenance equipment.
• Equipment Operator I: Previous work experience in safe and efficient operation and minor servicing of light and medium construction and maintenance equipment required.
• Equipment Operator II: Two (2) years of work experience in safe and efficient operation and minor servicing of light and medium construction and maintenance equipment required. Working knowledge of maintenance operations in creeks and drainage structures, including shooting grade, cutting to grade, setting forms and working concrete, basic welding skills.

• Equipment Operator Trainee & II:
  Valid Class B Texas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required or ability to obtain within 90 days.
• Equipment Operator I:
  Valid Class B Texas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required.
• Equipment Operator II:
  Non‑Commercial Herbicide Applicator License from Texas Department of Agriculture preferred.

• Physical demands vary from sedentary to very heavy lifting, depending on the task; includes exposure to noise, outdoors, wet weather, vibration, chemicals, and mechanical hazards.
• Ability to travel to different work sites and be available after work hours.
• Ability to safely traverse steep grades often found in creeks and drainage ways.

• Standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling – Moderate (60–30% of time).
• Overhead work – Infrequent (20–10% of time).
• Fine dexterity, kneeling, crouching, crawling, bending, twisting, climbing, balancing – Moderate or Infrequent.
• Vision, hearing, talking – Extensive (100–70% of time).

• Job Family:
  Equipment Operator – Stormwater Utility
• Pay Type:
  
  Hourly
• Hiring Minimum Rate: $18.83 USD
• Hiring Maximum Rate: $25.39 USD