EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN (Ditch Maintenance)

City of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Houston seeks Equipment Technicians in the Ditch Maintenance section of the Stormwater Operations to safely operate medium and heavy equipment, perform skilled manual tasks, and support drainage maintenance to keep stormwater flowing and prevent flooding.

You will conduct reporting and records, may lead crews, and must meet minimal qualifications including a high school diploma or GED, six months of tool or equipment experience, and a valid Texas driver's license with CDL possible

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or GED and ability to read/write and follow instructions.
• Six months of experience with power tools or equipment.
• Valid Texas driver’s license; must comply with City of Houston driving policy.
• May require Class A or B CDL depending on equipment assigned.
• Preference for experience operating Dump Trucks, Gradalls, and ditch maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Operate a range of medium and heavy equipment safely to perform skilled manual tasks.
• Clear debris, control vegetation, and repair drainage structures to ensure proper stormwater flow and prevent flooding.
• Prepare and maintain detailed reports and records using data-tracking systems.
• May lead crews by coordinating and monitoring work assignments and personnel.

Skills

Equipment operation

Safety procedures

Recordkeeping

Crew leadership

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Dump trucks

Gradalls

Lowboy

Slope mowers

Excavators

Rollers

Job description

Position Overview

Applications accepted from: All Persons Interested

Service Line/Section: Transportation & Drainage Operations /Ditch Maintenance

Reporting Location: 1700 E Crosstimbers St, Houston, TX 77093

Workdays & Hours

Various*

• Subject to change

Description Of Duties/Essential Functions

The Ditch Maintenance section of the Stormwater Operations Branch is seeking Equipment Technicians to safely and efficiently operate a range of medium and heavy equipment to perform skilled and manual tasks. Ditch maintenance plays a vital role by clearing debris, controlling vegetation, and repairing drainage structures to ensure proper stormwater flow, prevent blockages, and reduce flooding risks in the community.

The Equipment Technician is responsible for safely and efficiently operating a variety of medium and heavy equipment, as well as power and hand tools, to perform skilled manual tasks and transport materials, personnel, and supplies necessary to complete work assignments. This includes operating heavy machinery such as dump trucks, rollers, lowboy, slope mowers, excavators, gradalls, and other specialized equipment to support stormwater maintenance activities. The technician performs diverse tasks including spraying, landscaping, infrastructure repairs, mowing, etc. The technician adheres to all safety procedures and precautions on-site, investigates and responds to complaints when necessary, and prepares and maintains detailed reports, forms, and records related to assignments, service calls, and equipment maintenance using data tracking systems. Additionally, the role may involve leading crews by coordinating and monitoring work assignments and personnel to ensure efficient completion of tasks.

Working Conditions

This position routinely requires stooping, bending, and/or lifting of items of 30-80 pounds with occasional periods of walking on rough surfaces. There are routine exposures to significant levels of heat, cold, moisture and air pollution. The position may involve periodic exposure to chemical substances and physical trauma of a minor nature such as cuts, bruises, and minor burns.

This is a Houston Public Works Department Emergency Management position at the Tier I Level.

Minimum Requirements

Requires a High School Diploma, GED, or the ability to read, write, add, subtract, and follow oral and/or basic written instructions at a level necessary for successful job performance supplemented by specialized courses or training in the operation of the construction equipment.

Experience Requirements

Six (6) months of experience performing manual and field work with power tools or equipment are required.

License Requirements

Requires a valid Texas driver’s license and compliance with the City of Houston’s policy on driving.

May be required to have a valid Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) based on the type of equipment the position is assigned to operate.

Preferences

Preference will be given to candidates with verifiable experience operating Dump Trucks, Gradalls, and/or experience with ditch maintenance.

• Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6. **

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED

None

However, the department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION

Yes

If YES, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate’s qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

Pay Grade - 13

EOE - Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.