Job Description

Posting number: 2026-00276

Department: DIST & COLL OPS

Job classification: Equipment Operator

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Water Agency, Wastewater, Maintenance, Construction Maintenance, Construction Trades

Summary

Grade 15: Starting Hourly Rate: $25.50.

**Must possess a valid Class "A" Commercial Drivers License**

Hiring/Retention Incentive

External candidates who are hired by SAWS will receive a $1,000 Hiring Incentive. This incentive will be split into two payments of $500. The two payments will be made to the new hire on their second and fourth paycheck after they are hired. 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, which will be paid during their seventh month of employment with SAWS. Full-time benefits currently include medical and dental plan coverage, life insurance, retirement plans, paid leave and holidays, tuition reimbursement, and others as further outlined on www.saws.org

Two images of construction machinery: a yellow bulldozer on the left and a backhoe working on a road on the right.A construction scene featuring a dump truck on the left and an excavator digging a trench on the right, with a clear blue sky.A split image showing construction work: on the left, a truck and excavator near a McDonald's; on the right, an excavator working in a waterway.

Examples of duties

JOB SUMMARY

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 job 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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• 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 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.
• 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.

DECISION MAKING

• This position receives immediate supervision.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• 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.

JOB DIMENSIONS

• 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.

List of Equipment: Equipment Operation

The following equipment is currently considered to be generally appropriate for this position. Additional equipment not on this list must be of similar size, weight and complexity.

• 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

Work Location:

Eastside Service Center - 3930 E. Houston St., San Antonio, TX 78220

Westside Operations Center - 2903 Hunt Lane, San Antonio, TX 78245

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical requirements include lifting/carrying up to 90 pounds occasionally; pushing a maximum force of 100 pounds; pulling a maximum force of 100 pounds. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing, bending, crawling, squatting, kneeling and working in cramped and strained positions for long periods of time to perform job scope. 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. May be required to comply with requirements as specified in applicable regulations for personal protective equipment, including clearance for use of respiratory protection and other associated equipment. 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.