Boat Operator - RGV3 (Laredo Zapata County)

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

• Base Pay $29.60 / Hour

Contact information

Description

Spencer Construction is a full-service heavy civil and security infrastructure contractor, delivering complex, large-scale projects throughout the Southwest and beyond. Our core competencies include earthwork, concrete construction, steel erection, and other mission-critical infrastructure services.

Our foundation is built on deep industry expertise, driven by a leadership team with decades of combined experience. We are committed to excellence and innovation in every project we undertake.

Our mission is clear: to build and safeguard America through the development, enhancement, and maintenance of border infrastructure, community assets, and heavy civil works.

We are guided by three core values—People. Building. Business. These principles shape our culture, inform our decisions, and strengthen the relationships we forge with clients, partners, and communities.

Job Summary

The Air Boat Operator is responsible for safely operating and maintaining air boats to support heavy civil construction and waterborne project operations. This role will transport personnel, materials, and equipment across waterways, assist construction crews with remote access and field activities, and ensure safe and efficient movement throughout the project area. The ideal candidate has experience operating watercraft in shallow or challenging environments, strong safety awareness, and the ability to work effectively in outdoor and remote construction settings.

• 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.

Please note: This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all duties, responsibilities, or activities required of the employee. Responsibilities may evolve at any time with or without notice.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience operating heavy equipment
• Strong understanding of safety practices and maintenance procedures
• Ability to work collaboratively and follow directions effectively
• Ability to travel to different job sites and/or states as required
• Competitive Pay
• 401K Retirement plans with employer match

Equal Opportunity Statement

Spencer Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Spencer Construction does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need