Equipment Operator, Equipment Operator Specialist, or Senior Equipment Operator TX

Job Title

Equipment Operator / Equipment Operator Specialist / Senior Equipment Operator

Big Spring, TX (Howard County, Abilene District)

TxDOT’s Howard County in the Abilene District is looking for an Equipment Operator to build a career with opportunities for growth and comprehensive benefits. The role involves complex transportation maintenance work operating heavy equipment such as tractor‑trailer haul trucks, motor graders, large excavators, heavy bulldozers, cranes, herbicide trucks, heavy asphalt paving machines, self‑propelled asphalt distributors, profiling/milling machines, and dump trucks.

• Equipment Operator: A18 ($45,521 – $71,055/year)
• Equipment Operator Specialist: A19 ($48,244 – $76,028/year)
• Equipment Operator Senior: A20 ($51,158 – $81,351/year)

Yearly – FLSA Status:
Nonexempt

• Assist with traffic control; place and gather cones, warning signs and barricades; flag traffic.
• Operate light equipment such as a front‑end loader up to one and a quarter cubic yards, pneumatic roller, rotary broom, spreader box, backhoe, street sweeper, and mower.
• Operate one or more types of complex heavy equipment such as tractor‑trailer haul trucks, motor graders, large excavators, heavy bulldozers, cranes, herbicide trucks, heavy asphalt paving machines, self‑propelled asphalt profiling/milling machines and dump trucks.
• Perform preventive maintenance inspections (PMI), routine servicing and minor repairs on equipment as required.
• Move equipment/tools, materials and products, including tires and equipment attachments.
• Operate tractor‑trailer haul trucks to relocate heavy and light equipment, including loading, securing, and unloading equipment on haul trailers in compliance with federal, state, and Department motor vehicle laws, regulations and standards.
• Operate heavy equipment such as a front‑end loader one and a half cubic yards or more, large dragline, shovel, and paint striper.
• Perform highly complex transportation maintenance and roadway repairs with heavy equipment.
• Coordinate equipment operations for daily work assignments.
• Conduct herbicide application operations and oversee procurement and inventory management of herbicide supplies.
• Sand or clean bridges and roads; post warning signs; assist the public and perform other work during emergency situations such as floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, snowstorms, accidents and hazardous material spills.
• Perform other job responsibilities as assigned.

• Serve as a work crew project lead ensuring work performed meets project specifications.
• Coordinate equipment operations for daily work assignments.
• Assist in providing support to local law enforcement officials at accident sites; assist stranded motorists as required.
• Monitor and complete various required reports including timekeeping, equipment forms, inventory, accident forms, PMI checklists, and records work in progress.
• Train other employees on equipment operation and safety procedures.

• Education: No formal education required.
• Experience:
  • Equipment Operator: 1 year in maintenance and/or construction equipment operation (full‑time or prorated part‑time).
  • Equipment Operator Specialist: 2 years in maintenance and/or construction equipment operation.
  • Equipment Operator Senior: 4 years in maintenance and/or construction equipment operation.
• Related college education or relevant technical training may be substituted for experience on a year‑per‑year basis.
• Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications are allowed; no supervisory experience required.

• Must have a valid Texas Commercial Class “A” Driver License (CDL) with N endorsement and no restrictions.

• Applicable industry safety standards, guidelines and specification codes.
• Basic vehicle mechanics, maintenance and repair procedures.
• Operating light and heavy highway equipment.
• Maintaining a safe and effective working relationship with others.
• Maintaining a safe working environment.
• Communicating effectively.
• Following verbal and written instructions.