Sr. Equipment Operator– Backhoe

Overview

Fort Worth Water is hiring Senior Equipment Operators to operate backhoes and other heavy equipment in support of vital water and wastewater infrastructure work. This is a 24/7 Field Operations position; you will work outdoors in all conditions and may be required to respond to emergencies, after hours, nights, weekends, holidays, and participate in an on-call rotation.

Position offers a competitive pay range and benefits, with a sign-on incentive of $2,000.

• Pay Range: $22.90 – $28.62/hr
• Job Posting Closing on:
  July 14, 2026
• Workdays &
  
  Hours:
  
  Field Operations is a 24/7 operation; weekend work may be required. On-call rotation and emergency hours may apply.

Benefits include 11 paid holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off, Pension Plan, Professional Development Opportunities, and more.

The City of Fort Worth is a growing city serving nearly 1,000,000 residents. Values include exceptional customer experience, mutual respect, diversity, continuous improvement, ethical behavior, and accountability.

• Operate backhoes and other heavy equipment, including cranes, bulldozers, dump trucks, mini excavators, trackhoes, and service trucks
• Install, maintain, and repair water and wastewater pipelines
• Operate valves to isolate leaks or shut off service as needed
• Assist in the construction and repair of water/sewer mains, fire hydrants, and service taps
• Locate and uncover buried pipelines; cut and measure pipe for replacement or installation
• Clear obstructions in collection and distribution systems using appropriate equipment
• Set up job sites with traffic control measures (cones, signs, barriers)
• Perform pre- and post-operation inspections and preventative maintenance on all assigned equipment
• Collaborate with crew to maintain safe working conditions and complete tasks efficiently

• High School Diploma or GED (REQUIRED)
• At least 3 years of professional experience operating motorized heavy equipment (backhoes, skid steers, front-end loaders, or excavators) (REQUIRED)
• Ability to pass a hands-on heavy equipment test during the interview
• Valid Texas Class A CDL with acceptable driving record
• Ability to obtain a TCEQ Class D Water or Wastewater Collection I license within 12 months of hire (written test and background check required)
• Availability to work overtime, nights, weekends, holidays, and rotate in an on-call schedule
• Ability to pass a drug screen, physical, and background check
• Ability to lift up to 100 pounds and work in outdoor, extreme weather conditions

• 2+ years of experience in utility repair, construction, maintenance, or fieldwork
• Prior experience in water or wastewater utilities
• Familiarity with job site safety and work zone setup
• Experience leading or supervising a crew

• Operate advanced equipment including cranes, bulldozers, backhoes, dump trucks, mini excavators, trackhoes, and service trucks
• Install, maintain, and repair water and wastewater pipelines
• Operate valves on water lines to isolate leaks or shut off service as needed
• Assist in the construction and repair of water/sewer mains, fire hydrants, and service taps
• Locate and uncover buried pipelines, cut and measure pipe for replacement or installation
• Clear obstructions in collection and distribution systems using proper equipment
• Conduct job site setup including traffic control measures
• Conduct pre- and post-operation inspections and preventative maintenance on all assigned equipment
• Collaborate with crew to maintain safe working conditions and complete tasks efficiently

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Heavy Work – Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 20 pounds constantly to move objects. Work outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme temperatures.

Work environment may include…