San Antonio Water System is hiring: Heavy Equipment Operator (Production) - Wurz

Heavy Equipment Operator (Production) - Wurzbach Pump Station

San Antonio Water System

Grade 17 - Starting Hourly Rate: $23.40

Job Description

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for performing a variety of labor duties to include operating and transporting heavy and specialized 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 a Heavy Equipment Operator will automatically advance to Senior Heavy Equipment Operator upon reaching five years of continuous experience with SAWS.

Essential Functions

• Operates and maintains a variety of heavy and specialized equipment such as dump truck, front‑end loader, skid loader, backhoe, compact excavator, trencher, crane truck, grader, track excavator, bulldozer, and track loader.
• Excavates and backfills trenches to complete repairs.
• Transports equipment, tools, and materials 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.
• Updates work orders in a computerized maintenance management system to document services performed.
• 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 traffic control signs.
• Conducts inspections of equipment and reports mechanical concerns or issues for repair.
• Assists in training crew on proper usage of tools and equipment.
• Provides training for obtaining a Texas Class "A" commercial driver’s license.
• Provides guidance to crew in the absence of the foreperson.
• May perform manual labor related to maintenance and construction.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Decision Making

• This position receives general supervision.

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Three years’ experience operating heavy equipment in construction, water, wastewater, or a similar environment.
• Valid Texas Class "A" Commercial Driver’s License.
• Passes position‑specific physical testing.
• Ability to report to work on time, maintain a good attendance record, and work all designated schedules.

Job Dimensions

• Knowledge of operating characteristics, maintenance requirements, and safety procedures for equipment.
• Knowledge of excavation, confined space, high‑pressure, electrical, and other safety hazards found in a construction environment.
• Knowledge of SAWS safety practices, including traffic control.
• Ability to recognize malfunction in equipment.
• 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 operate a computer and use job‑related applications.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co‑workers, supervisors, the general public, and contractors.

List of Equipment

• Truck
• Pipe clamps
• Jack hammer
• Copper tubing rolls
• Trailer
• Probe bar
• Shoring boards & jacks
• Backhoe
• Shoring pump
• Excavators
• Whacker tamp
• Skid loader
• Hole hog
• Front‑end loader
• Assorted size ladders
• Track loader
• Assorted size shovels
• Trencher
• Hammers
• Dozer
• Water trench pump & hose
• Crane truck
• Maul & other hand tools
• Rock saw

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include lifting/carrying up to ninety pounds occasionally; pushing a maximum force of one hundred pounds; pulling a maximum force of one hundred pounds. The role requires standing, sitting, walking, climbing, bending, crawling, squatting, and kneeling for prolonged periods to perform job scope. Visual acuity, speech, and hearing are required.

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. Operators may be required to comply with regulations for personal protective equipment, including clearance for respiratory protection. A company vehicle is used daily.

Employees are required to work hours outside a regular schedule, including days, nights, weekends, holidays, on‑call, and rotating shifts.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Management and Manufacturing | Utilities