Equipment Operator I - Drainage

City of San Marcos, Texas; San Marcos (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

City of San Marcos, Texas, seeks a Drainage Equipment Operator I to support the Stormwater Division in maintaining drainage and infrastructure systems. You will work with heavy equipment to perform underground repairs, inspections, line locates, and open-channel cleaning.

The role offers cross‑division support within Public Works, including Streets and Traffic, and requires a High school diploma, 1 year of heavy equipment experience, and a Texas Driver’s License.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• At least 1 year of experience operating street, drainage, water or wastewater utility equipment.
• Valid Texas Driver's License and acceptable driving record.
• CDL Class A required within 1 year of employment; CLP within 90 days of employment.

Responsibilities

• Operates heavy equipment and power tools including dump trucks, loaders, vacuum trucks, jackhammers and chainsaws.
• Performs drainage and infrastructure maintenance, line locates, and underground repairs.
• Maintains erosion control measures and drainage infrastructure in public rights‑of‑way.
• Responds to illicit discharge incidents and ensures environmental compliance.
• Provides traffic control for construction projects, emergencies, and events.
• Cleans streets, trims vegetation, and supports cross‑training with other divisions.

Skills

Reading maintenance docs

Verbal communication

Written communication

Teamwork/relationships

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

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.