Equipment Operator - DCOPS; East Side​/Retention

Grade 15 Pay

Starting hourly rate: $25.50. Rate of pay depends on qualifications.

External candidates hired by SAWS will receive a $1,000 Hiring Incentive, split into two payments of $500 made on the second and fourth paycheck after hire. Upon successful completion of the new hire’s six-month introductory period, the new hire will also be eligible for an additional $1,000 Retention Incentive, paid during the seventh month of employment. Full‑time benefits include medical and dental plan coverage, life insurance, retirement plans, paid leave and holidays, tuition reimbursement, and other benefits as outlined on the SAWS website.

The Equipment Operator is responsible for performing a variety of labor duties to include operating and transporting light to heavy equipment for the repair, construction, and maintenance of the water distribution and wastewater collection system. This position has an automatic progression plan; an employee hired as an Equipment Operator will automatically advance to Senior Equipment Operator upon reaching 5 years of continuous experience as an Equipment Operator with SAWS.

• Operates and maintains medium to heavy equipment such as dump truck, front-end loader, skid loader, backhoe, compact excavator, trencher, and mobile concrete mixing truck.
• Excavates and backfills trenches in order to complete repairs.
• Transports equipment, tools, and material to and from job sites.
• Loads and unloads materials from trucks.
• Stocks vehicle with necessary equipment and material.
• Cleans, organizes, and maintains facilities, tools, and equipment.
• Observes and promotes all established safety procedures.
• Interprets as-built drawings, schematics, block maps, and construction plans.
• Assists with the set‑up of work zone barricades and signs for traffic control.
• Conducts inventory of tools, equipment, and materials.
• Conducts inspections of equipment and reports mechanical concerns/issues for repair.
• May provide training on the proper usage of tools and equipment.
• May provide training for Texas Class A commercial driver license.
• May provide guidance to crew in the absence of the Foreman.
• May perform manual labor work related to maintenance and construction.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• This position receives immediate supervision.

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Six months’ experience operating equipment in the construction, water, wastewater or similar work environment.
• Pass position-specific physical testing.
• Valid Texas Class “A” Commercial Driver License.
• Ability to report to work on time, maintain a good attendance record, and work all designated work schedules.

• Knowledge of operating characteristics and safety procedures for equipment being operated.
• Knowledge of materials, tools, and equipment commonly used in construction.
• Knowledge of excavation, confined space, high pressure, electrical, and other safety hazards found in a construction environment.
• Knowledge of SAWS safety practices and procedures, including traffic control.
• Ability to operate light to heavy equipment.
• Ability to recognize malfunction in equipment being operated.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position.
• Ability to work under adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and general public.

Physical requirements include lifting/carrying up to 90 pounds occasionally; pushing a maximum force of 100 pounds; pulling a maximum force of 100 pounds. Required to stand, sit, walk, climb, bend, crawl, squat, kneel and work in cramped and strained positions for long periods of time. Requires visual acuity and speech and hearing. Working conditions are primarily outside with frequent exposure to inclement weather, wastewater, mechanical, electrical, chemical and confined space hazards, offensive fumes, excessive noise, heavy traffic, deep excavations, and animals, snakes and poisonous insects.

Requires compliance with personal protective equipment regulations. Operates a company vehicle on a daily basis. Required to work hours other than regular schedule such as days, nights, weekends, holidays, on-call and rotating shifts.

• Truck
• Water Trench Pump & Hose
• Trailer
• Maul & Other Hand Tools
• Jack Hammer
• Shoring Boards & Jacks
• Shoring Pump
• Whacker Tamp
• Hole Hog
• Assorted Size Ladders
• Assorted Size Shovels
• Hammers
• Pipe Clamps
• Copper Tubing Rolls
• Probe Bar
• Backhoe
• Compact Excavator
• Skid Loader
• Front End Loader
• Trencher

Eastside Service Center – 3930

E. Houston St., San Antonio, TX 78220