WATER MAINTENANCE WORKER / HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (H.E.O.)

San Benito PD; Penryn; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of San Benito is seeking a Water Maintenance Worker / Heavy Equipment Operator to perform skilled operation of water distribution equipment and related tasks. You will handle installation, repair, and testing of water mains, hydrants, meters, and valves, while ensuring safety and efficiency on each job.

Two positions are available; a valid Texas CDL Class A or B and at least two years of heavy equipment experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Minimum two years of experience operating heavy equipment in street maintenance or construction preferred.
• Valid Texas CDL Class A or B is required; driving record must be acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Operate city heavy equipment (backhoe, loaders, excavator, dump truck) to perform street maintenance and water system work.
• Install, repair, and test water mains, hydrants, meters, valves, and related components.
• Block off work areas and re-route traffic with safety considerations.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and minor field repairs.
• Respond to emergency callouts and maintain safe work practices.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety awareness

Reading orders & manuals

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Backhoe

Front-end loader

Excavator

Dump truck

Tapping machine

Jackhammer

Acetylene torch

Chain saw

Trash pump

Air compressor

Job description

WATER MAINTENANCE WORKER / HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (H.E.O.)

Positions Available: Two (2)

$17.25 per hour - GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES - Under general supervision, the Heavy Equipment Operator performs skilled work in the operation of heavy construction and maintenance equipment used in street construction, repair, and maintenance activities. This role is responsible for operating a variety of equipment and ensuring work is completed in a safe and efficient manner. Applies knowledge of water systems, equipment and facilities to operate equipment and performs regular, recurring, and non-routine tasks for maintenance, repair and installation for the water distribution maintenance section.

Duties Include, But Not Limited To, The Following:

• Operate City equipment units, such as backhoe, front-end loader, excavator and dump truck, and tools such as tapping machine, jackhammer, acetylene torch, chain saw, trash pump, ditch compactor, and air compressor, to perform any operation within the capacity of the equipment and as necessary to accomplish the job required. This includes loading and transporting equipment to the work site using truck and trailer as required.


• Employee installs and repairs water mains and other related technical tasks. This includes, but is not limited to, excavating to grade; laying and aligning pipe; and using special tapping equipment to install valves, lateral water lines, blow offs, hydrants and meters.


• As necessary, required to block off work area and re-route traffic with consideration for public safety and convenience.


• Accomplish hookups and flush to test installations according to established procedures.


• Install, overhaul and repair fire hydrants. This includes shutting off main line or hydrant foot valve, disassembling and cleaning hydrant subsections, replacing gaskets, seals, and seats, and reassembling and testing hydrant for proper operation.


• Perform routine equipment maintenance and minor field repairs such as lubrication, checking fluid levels and replacing belts and other components as required.


• Perform work in accordance with all federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations and within mandated and appropriate safety standards.


• Maintain and promote excellent relations and communications with co-workers. This includes sharing the workload to maintain balance. This may include helping to train and orient new employees in acquiring skills in department policies and procedures, and department functions.


• Professionally respond to public inquiries (regarding water quality, back flow, incident line locations, etc.) using oral, written or computer correspondence in a courteous, efficient manner. When unable to resolve issue refer customers to Water Distribution Supervisor.


• Perform all duties in accordance with all City of San Benito safety policies and other applicable state or federal regulations.


• Operates heavy equipment such as backhoes, front-end loaders, graders, bulldozers, dump trucks, skid steers, and rollers.


• Performs maintenance and repair of streets, alleys, sidewalks, and drainage systems.


• Loads, hauls, and spread materials such as gravel, asphalt, and debris.


• Assists in patching potholes, paving streets, and applying seal coats.


• Performs manual labor tasks such as shoveling, raking, and clearing debris when not operating equipment.


• Inspects equipment before and after use; performs routine maintenance and reports mechanical issues.


• Follows traffic and safety regulations during operations; sets up traffic control and barricades when needed.


• Completes work orders and other documentation as required.


• Responds to emergency callouts for street blockages and/or repairs.


• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Maintain regular and prompt attendance; physically present to work


• Performs after work hours as required, (nights and weekends)


• May perform work on weekends; standby is required

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.


• Minimum two (2) years of experience operating heavy equipment, preferably in street maintenance or construction.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Valid Texas Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class A or B required.


• Must maintain an acceptable driving record.


• May be required to obtain additional certifications depending on job assignment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of construction and street repair methods and materials.


• Skill in operating and maintaining heavy equipment safely and efficiently.


• Ability to read and interpret work orders, safety guidelines, and equipment manuals.


• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.


• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.


• Ability to perform heavy physical labor under varying weather conditions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, climbing, and lifting to 75 lbs.


• Exposure to dust, noise, vibration, extreme temperatures, and hazardous materials.


• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and physical examination.

OTHER CAPABILITIES

• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate and write clearly and legibly in entries, as-built documentation, and required reporting forms.


• Flexibility to respond to emergency 24-hour shift requirements, whether it is on stand-by or on-call duty.


• Must be able to effectively use a combination of experience, training and ability to quickly assess situations and arrive at decisions (appropriate with employees training and experience) to ensure efficient and effective continuation of work and customer service delivery that avoids service interruptions or creates hazardous conditions.


• Must be able to use required tools and equipment effectively and efficiently to perform required tasks in a crew environment or independently. Must be able to use various water system monitoring components and other system indicators to assess proper operations and diagnose problems.

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.

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

This position of employment requires satisfactory job performance of six-month probation from starting date. This position requires State of Texas (TCEQ) licensing.

This employee must pass all licensing requirements to successfully complete his/her employment expectations. The above noted job description is not intended, to describe in detail the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to give the associate a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of his/her position. As the City’s demands change so will the essential functions of this position.

Posted September 14, 2026 8:00 AM Closing Open Until Filled