Austin Water Equipment Operator

Equipment Operator

About Austin Water: For over 100 years, Austin Water has been committed to providing safe, reliable, high-quality, and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve over 1,000,000 people in the Austin metropolitan area, across more than 548 square miles. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, we're not just keeping up—we're leading the way with sustainable infrastructure, advanced treatment technology, and environmental innovation.

Austin Water consistently ranks among the best in the country when it comes to water quality. We also treat, return, and recycle wastewater in ways that protect environmental resources. Austin Water exceeds federal and state requirements for clean water and environmental compliance at our water and wastewater treatment plants.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under general supervision, performs a variety of duties related to driving and operating equipment, and provides equipment operation support. Performs work that is varied and moderately complex with assignments that are semi-routine in nature.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Operates a variety of powered equipment, which may include tractor trailers, backhoes, front end loaders, dump trucks, lift trucks, scarabs, trommel screens, water trucks, bobcats, trenchers, vacuum trucks, sludge tank trucks, and cranes.
• Operates vehicles/equipment according to Federal/State requirements and City policies/procedures.
• Calculates figures, analyzes and interprets data, and prepares reports.
• Performs routine preventative maintenance on equipment by checking fluids, lubrication, adjusting belts, conducting pre-trip/post-trip safety inspections, and maintaining reports of maintenance activities.
• Recommends changes to methods, operations, sequences, and set procedures for work assigned.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic diagnostic techniques and mechanical troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of methods and precautions for handling and transporting hazardous materials and chemicals.
• Knowledge of State and Federal requirements for operating commercial vehicles and specialized heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of City practice, policy, and procedures.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to operate commercial vehicles and specialized heavy equipment.
• Ability to use hand tools and power tools.
• Ability to read and follow technical guidelines and standard operating procedures.
• Ability to read and interpret meters, gauges, and control panels.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus three (3) years of experience in equipment operations, including one (1) year of experience in specialized utility equipment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience operating heavy and specialized equipment such as backhoes, forklifts, vac trucks, knuckle trucks, sewer combo trucks, and dump trucks.
• Experience supporting plant operations, maintenance, construction support, and material handling in a wastewater, utility, or industrial environment.
• Experience conducting routine equipment inspections and performing basic preventive maintenance checks.
• Experience working safely in an active plant or industrial setting while following established safety procedures.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Current Texas Class A Commercial Driver License. May require specific endorsements.
• To be considered for employment in this position, applicants must comply with Department of Transportation Federal Regulations and the City of Austin Drug Policy.
• Positions in the Lift Stations Division must be certified for Respiratory Protection and Confined Space Entry within six (6) months of employment.

Notes to Candidate:

Position Overview:

The Equipment Operator supports onsite operations at the South Austin Regional (SAR) Wastewater Plant by safely operating and maintaining a variety of heavy and specialized equipment. Equipment may include forklifts, backhoes, vac trucks, knuckle trucks, lift trucks, sewer combo trucks, and dump trucks used in support of plant operations, maintenance activities, construction support, and material handling. This position is expected to perform work safely, complete routine equipment checks, and help maintain efficient and reliable plant operations.

Pay Range: $25.22 - $29.70 hourly

Position(s) will be filled at the following location: 13009 Fallwell Ln. Del Valle, TX 78617
Days and Hours: Mon - Fri, 7:00am to 3:30pm.

This position requires employees to be able to work weekends, holidays, and emergency call-back assignments. Work hours are subject to change to accommodate business needs of the organization.

Benefits:

Working with Austin Water provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more – click HERE for more information. Additionally, this position offers a career progression plan, which provides a unique opportunity to promote without having to go through the competitive process. As employees go through on-the-job training to develop new skills and abilities and obtain the appropriate license, they are eligible to submit for Career Progression, which allows them to demonstrate knowledge and skills without having to interview for the promotion.

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position.
• Provide each job title and accurate employment dates for all jobs included on the application.
• Your work history should include the duties you performed, any supervisory or lead responsibilities, and any equipment and computer software used.
• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.
• A résumé is required but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you are selected to interview:

• Your skills and competencies for this job will be assessed prior to being invited to interview. A 70% or above on all the assessments is required to be considered for the next step.

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.
• If you are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.

Retention Incentive Bonus:

This position may be eligible for an Incentive Bonus of up to $3,000!

$500 after 90 days.

$500 after 180 days.

$1,000 after 1 year.

$1,000 after 2 years.

Driving Requirement: External New Hires must meet the City of Austin's Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.

Commercial Driver's License:

• This position requires that newly hired employees must be able to obtain appropriate class of Commercial Driver's License endorsements within one (1) year of employment. Employees must comply with the Alcohol and Controlled Substance Testing rules as outlined by the City of Austin Alcohol and Drug Policy for Drivers of Commercial Motor Vehicles.

Work Environment:

• This position is in a heavy industrial setting and requires performing all duties associated with operating heavy equipment outdoors in all weather conditions including extreme heat, cold and rain. This position will include cross training in operations of various equipment. Position will require adaptability and willingness to change or modify