Heavy Equipment Operator II - Drainage

City of San Marcos, TX; San Marcos (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of San Marcos, TX is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator II to lead the Stormwater Maintenance team within the Public Works Stormwater Division, ensuring drainage infrastructure upkeep for community safety and regulatory compliance.

You will operate and maintain heavy equipment, evaluate job sites, document inspections and work orders, and support cross-departmental projects; a Class A CDL is required within one year of employment, with a CDL-learner's permit within 90 days.

Qualifications

• Three (3) years’ experience operating street, drainage, water or wastewater utility and/or other heavy equipment.
• Ability to read blueprints and routine maintenance documentation.
• Class A Commercial Driver’s License required within one year; CLP within 90 days.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License with acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Leads and supports field crews in drainage maintenance, construction, and emergency response.
• Operates and maintains heavy and specialized equipment to complete projects.
• Evaluates job sites to determine tools, materials, and methods.
• Documents inspections, timekeeping, and work orders using digital tools.
• Ensures environmental compliance and responds to spills or discharges.
• Participates in public outreach and education efforts.
• Provides traffic control and safety support for construction zones, emergencies, and events.
• Responds to after-hours emergencies and on-call rotations.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Team leadership

Public works experience

Blueprint reading

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Class A CDL within 1 year

Texas Driver’s License

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 Heavy Equipment Operator II leads the Stormwater Maintenance team within the Public Works Stormwater Division, ensuring the effective upkeep of drainage infrastructure to support community safety and regulatory compliance. This role oversees operations, coordinates personnel, and manages specialized equipment to maintain system integrity and meet MS4 standards. Acting as a key resource for special projects and cross-departmental needs, the position drives operational excellence and continuity by stepping in for the Crew Leader when required.

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.

• Leads and supports field crews in the safe and efficient execution of drainage maintenance, construction, and emergency response activities.
• Operates and maintains a variety of heavy and specialized equipment to complete infrastructure projects and ensure public safety.
• Evaluates job sites to determine appropriate tools, materials, and methods for effective project execution.
• Performs maintenance and improvement of drainage systems, including open channels, underground storm drains, erosion control, and street sweeping.
• Uses digital tools to document inspections, timekeeping, and work orders accurately and efficiently.
• Ensures environmental compliance by installing BMPs and responding to spills, dumping, and other illicit discharges.
• Participates in public outreach and education efforts to promote awareness of drainage and environmental programs.
• Provides traffic control and safety support for construction zones, emergencies, and special events.
• Collaborates with other crews and divisions, contributing to cross-functional projects and citywide operations.
• Responds to after-hours emergencies and participates in on-call rotations to support urgent infrastructure needs.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Three (3) years’ 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certified Inspector of Sediment and Erosion Control (CISEC) or Certified Erosion, Sediment and Stormwater Inspector (CESSWI) preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of how to read and comprehend blueprints and routine maintenance documentation to ensure accurate execution of work tasks.
• Skill in verbal 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.

This is a safety sensitive position.