Austin Water Equipment Operator - South Austin Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant

City of Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retention incentive bonus up to $3,000

Job summary

Austin Water is seeking an Equipment Operator to drive and operate a variety of heavy and specialized equipment at the South Austin Regional WWTP. You will perform routine maintenance, inspections, and data reporting to support plant operations and safety standards.

The role requires a Texas Class A CDL with Tanker endorsement and adherence to DOT regulations. The position offers an essential-employee schedule, weekend/holiday potential, and a pay range of $26.10 to $30.80 per hour with a

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.
• Texas Class A Commercial Driver License with Tanker endorsement required.
• Compliance with Department of Transportation regulations and City Drug Policy; Respiratory Protection and Confined Space Entry certifications may be required within six months for Lift Stations Division.

Responsibilities

• Operates a variety of heavy and specialized equipment (backhoes, dump trucks, lift trucks, vactor trucks, cranes, etc.) according to regulations and city policies.
• Performs routine preventative maintenance, inspections and data/maintenance reporting.
• Recommends changes to procedures and safety practices to improve efficiency and safety.
• Works outdoors in a heavy industrial setting and adheres to safety and operational standards.

Skills

Diagnostic techniques

Mechanical troubleshooting

Hazardous materials handling

Safety practices

Oral and written communication

Multitasking and prioritizing

Planning and organizing

Data analysis and problem solving

Operate heavy equipment

Hand and power tools

Read technical guidelines

Read gauges and meters

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Texas Class A CDL

Job description

About This Position

ABOUT AUSTIN WATER: For more than 100 years, Austin Water has provided safe, reliable, high-quality and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve more than 1 million people across 544 square miles in the Austin metropolitan area. 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed. 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.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience operating heavy and specialized equipment such as backhoes, forklifts, vactor trucks, knuckle trucks, sewer combo trucks, and dump trucks. Experience conducting routine equipment inspections and performing preventive maintenance. Experience supporting plant operations, maintenance, construction support, and material handling in a wastewater, utility, or industrial environment. Experience working safely in an active plant or industrial setting while following established safety procedures. Experience using computerized work order system, basic computer navigation skills and ability to learn new software applications.

Notes to Candidate

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 – for more information. South Austin Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) receives wastewater flow from Austin Water Utility’s sanitary sewer collection system and treats it before returning it to the Colorado River. South Austin Regional WWTP is also a key facility in meeting Austin’s reclaimed water needs for non-potable water.

Position Overview: This Austin Water Equipment Operator supports onsite operations at South Austin Regional WWTP by safely operating and maintaining a variety of heavy and specialized equipment. Equipment may include forklifts, backhoes, vactor 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: $26.10 – $30.80 per hour

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.

Position(s) will be filled at the following locations:

South Austin Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant 1017 Fallwell Lane Del Valle, Texas 78617

Days and Hours

Monday – Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This position is considered essential and may be required to work weekends, holidays, overtime, and call-back / on-call assignments.

Essential Employee

This has been designated as an Essential Employee position. In the event of a City-designated emergency, Essential Employees provide services that impact the public health, safety, utility services, and welfare of members of the Austin community and other employees and ensure the continuity of essential operations. In such an emergency, Essential Employees may be called back in, may be required to modify their schedule, may be assigned to a City-designated work site, or may be retained on site to assist with operations and recovery.

Driving Requirement

This position requires a Texas Class A Commercial Driver License with Tanker endorsement at time of hire. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin Driver Safety Standards 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

Applicants must possess and maintain the required Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with endorsements as specified by the position in accordance with applicable Texas and federal requirements. Federal eligibility requirements for certain non-domiciled CDLs changed effective March 16, 2026. Applicants holding a non-domiciled CDL should review current Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements and Texas Department of Public Safety CDL requirements. 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 the operation of various equipment. Position will require adaptability and willingness to change or modify workload on demand and multitask. Position requires working in environments which may have hazardous situations.

Physical Requirements

This position will require that you be able to perform the following essential job functions with confidence and with or without reasonable accommodations: carrying or lifting up to 50 lbs., pushing or pulling up to 50 lbs., sitting, standing, walking, lying, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching overhead, kneeling, crawling, stooping/bending, twisting, repetitive foot and hand movement, driving, grasping and squeezing, ability to wear personal protective equipment including a self-contained breathing apparatus, exposure to extreme weather conditions, atmospheric conditions, hazardous conditions, and very loud noise.

When completing the City of Austin employment application

It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Provide each