Air Boat Operator - Heavy Civil Waterway Construction

City of Lincoln; McAllen (TX); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Spencer Construction is seeking an Air Boat Operator to safely operate and maintain air boats in waterborne heavy civil projects across waterways. The role involves transporting personnel, materials, and equipment, performing inspections, and supporting field crews from the water.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years of heavy equipment experience, a strong safety mindset, and the ability to work outdoors in remote construction environments while adhering to project plans and OSHA standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience operating heavy equipment.
• Strong understanding of safety practices and maintenance procedures.
• Ability to travel to different job sites and/or states as required.

Responsibilities

• Operate and navigate air boats safely in shallow water, rivers, canals, and other waterway environments to support heavy civil construction operations.
• Transport personnel, materials, tools, and equipment to and from remote work locations along waterways.
• Assist with installation, maintenance, and inspection activities related to waterborne construction projects.
• Conduct daily equipment inspections, including engine, steering, fuel systems, safety equipment, and overall vessel condition.
• Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of air boat systems and report any mechanical issues or safety concerns.
• Safely load, secure, and unload materials and equipment while maintaining proper weight distribution and vessel stability.
• Follow project plans, safety procedures, environmental requirements, and company policies while operating in active construction zones.
• Assist field crews with positioning equipment, staging materials, and supporting construction activities from the water.
• Maintain awareness of changing weather conditions, water levels, hazards, and navigation risks.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, foremen, and crew members using radios or other communication devices.
• Maintain accurate daily logs, including equipment usage, inspections, fuel consumption, and work activities.
• Support general labor activities when not operating equipment, including site cleanup, material handling, and preparation work.
• Follow all OSHA, company safety standards, and job-specific safety requirements, including wearing required PPE and participating in safety meetings.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support successful completion of project goals.

Skills

Air boat operation

Heavy equipment operation

Safety procedures

Job description

Spencer Construction is seeking an Air Boat Operator to safely operate and maintain air boats in waterborne heavy civil projects across waterways. The role involves transporting personnel, materials, and equipment, performing inspections, and supporting field crews from the water.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years of heavy equipment experience, a strong safety mindset, and the ability to work outdoors in remote construction environments while adhering to project plans and OSHA standards.