Equipment Operator I - Drainage

City of San Marcos, TX; San Marcos (TX); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of San Marcos, TX is seeking a Drainage Equipment Operator I to support the Stormwater Division's maintenance and construction of drainage systems. The role involves operating heavy equipment, performing underground repairs, and helping with inspections and line locates.

This position requires a High School diploma, one year of relevant experience, and a Class A CDL within one year of hire; CLP within 90 days.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of experience operating heavy equipment.
• Class A Commercial Driver’s License required within one year.
• Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) required within 90 days of employment.
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Operates heavy equipment and power tools, including dump trucks, loaders, vacuum trucks, jackhammers, and chainsaws.
• Installs and maintains erosion control measures such as inlet protection, rock berms, and silt fences.
• Maintains and cleans underground storm drain systems and drainage infrastructure in the public right-of-way.
• Responds to illicit discharge incidents including spills, dumping, and leaks, ensuring environmental compliance.
• Provides traffic control for construction projects, emergencies, and special events.
• Cleans and sweeps City streets and Airport roads; trims trees and shrubbery as needed.
• Cleans and grades open channels to support proper drainage flow.
• Uses technology (computers, tablets, smartphones) for inspections, documentation, and timekeeping.
• Works in confined spaces and participates in cross-training with other Transportation Division crews.
• Provides on-call support and assists other City departments as needed.

Job description

Become part of a team that thrives on Professionalism, Innovation, Customer Experience, Integrity, and Teamwork — the values that guide how we serve our community.

The Drainage Equipment Operator I operates a variety of heavy equipment to support the Stormwater Division’s maintenance and construction of drainage and infrastructure systems. It plays a key role in ensuring safe and reliable stormwater operations by performing underground repairs, drainage inspections, line locates, and open-channel cleaning. The role also provides flexible support across other Public Works Division units, including Streets and Traffic, to meet operational needs and maintain essential city services.

The following list highlights the main responsibilities of this position. While it covers the core tasks, it may not include every duty that could be assigned. Employees may be asked to take on other responsibilities as needed to support the team and department.

• Performs manual labor to support drainage improvement construction and maintenance activities.
• Operates heavy equipment and power tools, including dump trucks, loaders, vacuum trucks, jackhammers, and chainsaws.
• Installs and maintains erosion control measures such as inlet protection, rock berms, and silt fences.
• Maintains and cleans underground storm drain systems and drainage infrastructure in the public right-of-way.
• Responds to illicit discharge incidents including spills, dumping, and leaks, ensuring environmental compliance.
• Participates in community outreach and educational events related to stormwater and drainage.
• Provides traffic control for construction projects, emergencies, and special events.
• Cleans and sweeps City streets and Airport roads; trims trees and shrubbery as needed.
• Cuts and grades open channels to support proper drainage flow.
• Uses technology (computers, tablets, smartphones) for inspections, documentation, and timekeeping.
• Works in confined spaces and participates in cross-training with other Transportation Division crews.
• Provides on-call support and assists other City departments as needed; performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• One (1) year of experience operating street, drainage, water or wastewater utility and/or other heavy equipment.
• A Class “A” Commercial Driver’s License is required within one (1) year of employment. A Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) is required within 90 days of employment.
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge ofhow to read and comprehend routine maintenance documentation to ensure accurate execution of work tasks.
• Skill inverbal and written communication.
• Ability to maintain effective and positive working relationships with City staff, vendors, and the general public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires the ability to lift up to 85 pounds occasionally. Subject to vision and hearing constantly; standing, walking, pushing/pulling, reaching, handling, balancing, talking and foot controls frequently; sitting, lifting, carrying, fine dexterity, kneeling, twisting and climbing occasionally; crouching, crawling and bending rarely.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Working conditions involve exposure to variable and/or extreme weather conditions, dust, dirt, heavy equipment, vehicle traffic, hot asphalt, hazardous chemicals/materials, and infectious diseases is involved. Utilizes personal protective equipment as required.