Equipment Technician (Drinking Water Operations)

City of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Houston is seeking candidates for a Water Repairs & Restoration role within the Houston Public Works Department. The position involves repairing water lines, meters, valves, and hydrants, and performing restoration work on City right of ways and customer properties.

Responsibilities include operating heavy equipment and maintaining safety protocols, leading a team when needed, and preparing work orders.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Six months of manual/field work with power tools or equipment.
• Valid Texas driver’s license and compliance with City of Houston driving policy; CDL may be required for certain equipment.

Responsibilities

• Repair and maintenance of water distribution lines, service laterals, meters, valves, and hydrants.
• Perform restoration work including concrete/asphalt paving, fences, and landscaping within City rights of way and customer properties.
• Operate and maintain heavy equipment and power tools; ensure safety and proper operation daily.
• Lead team members, inspect sites, and train new personnel as needed.
• Prepare work orders and related documents.
• Respond to public inquiries and coordinate with stakeholders.

Skills

Physical stamina

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Backhoe

Excavator

Concrete mixer truck

Dump truck

Forklift

Job description

Position Overview

Applications accepted from: All Persons Interested

Service Line/Section: Houston Water/Repairs & Restoration Sections

Reporting Location: Various Locations, Houston, TX, USA

Workdays & Hours: Rotating schedules*

• Subject to change

Description Of Duties/Essential Functions

The Houston Public Works Department is seeking candidates who can perform the following duties:

• Repairs and maintenance of water distribution lines, service laterals, meters, valves, and fire hydrants.
• Provide effective maintenance and mechanical service for water utility services.
• Perform restoration activities such as concrete and asphalt paving (driveways, sidewalks, wheelchair ramps, etc), fences (wood, cyclone, wrought iron, etc), and landscaping repairs (sod, topsoil, plant trees, bushes, flowers, etc) within City right of ways, customer yards, and businesses.
• Utilize troubleshooting abilities to assist in solving problems.
• Investigate and respond to complaints from the general public. Communicate with co-workers, supervisors, management, citizens, and other entities to ensure all work is accomplished.
• Uses heavy repair trucks, concrete mixer trucks, pickup trucks, trailers to transport personnel, equipment, tools, and materials to work locations.
• Operate light, medium, and heavy equipment such as backhoe, excavator, roll back truck, dump truck and forklift.
• Operate and maintain power and hand tool equipment. Includes walk behind concrete saws, all-purpose saws, skill saws, concrete breakers, sledgehammers, etc.
• Ensure equipment is maintained and in safe working conditions daily.
• Observe and follow safety regulations and precautions at work sites.
• Acts as lead worker on team, makes repair decisions, inspects work sites and assists in training new personnel.
• Prepares completed work orders, pre-post trip sheets, and other related documents.
• Other duties as assigned.

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.

EDUCATIONAL 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

• Hazmat license and valid Class A or B Commercial Driver License (CDL).
  • If you do not currently have a Class A or B CDL license, you must obtain one within eight (8) months of entry into this classification.
• Experience operating backhoes, front end loaders, excavators, concrete mixer trucks, and dump trucks.
• Willingness to work rotating shifts, nights, and weekends, in various weather climates, around extraneous odors.
• 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.