Water/Wastewater Equipment Operator I - Collection

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

Job summary

The City of San Marcos, Texas, is seeking an Equipment Operator I to maintain water and wastewater infrastructure and support regulatory compliance. You will operate equipment, update GIS data, enter work orders, and assist other departments to keep utilities running smoothly for residents.

The role requires a high school diploma and specific certifications within set timelines, plus a Texas driver’s license and the ability to respond to emergencies within an hour.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Class D Water or Class I Wastewater Collection certification required within two years.
• Class II Wastewater Collection and Class C Water Distribution certifications required within four years.
• Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required within one year; Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) within 90 days.
• Must respond within one hour for emergency calls.
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.
• Must perform after hours standby duties.

Responsibilities

• Performs maintenance and repairs on water and wastewater infrastructure, including mains, service lines, fire hydrants, valves, manholes, cleanouts, and chemical sites for grease control.
• Installs new water and wastewater service lines, water meters, and supports the Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI).
• Conducts valve exercising, main flushing, fire hydrant maintenance, and CCTV inspections of wastewater systems to ensure functionality and compliance.
• Utilizes GPS technology to update water and wastewater data within the Geographical Information System (GIS).
• Completes accurate data entry into the computerized work order system to support tracking and reporting.
• Operates and maintains departmental vehicles, equipment, and tools to ensure safe and effective use.
• Provides support to other City departments as needed to assist with cross-functional operations.
• Works toward obtaining required licenses and certifications to meet regulatory and operational standards.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interdepartmental collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Class D Water Certification

Class I Wastewater Collection Certification

Class II Wastewater Collection Certification

Class C Water Distribution Certification

Class A CDL

Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

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 Equipment Operator I supports the City’s essential water/wastewater infrastructure by performing maintenance on systems and equipment to ensure reliable service and regulatory compliance. Responsibilities include operating specialized tools, maintaining accurate records, and collaborating with other departments to sustain operational efficiency. The position plays a key role in protecting public health and delivering uninterrupted utility services to the community.

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 maintenance and repairs on water and wastewater infrastructure, including mains, service lines, fire hydrants, valves, manholes, cleanouts, and chemical sites for grease control.
• Installs new water and wastewater service lines, water meters, and supports the Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI).
• Conducts valve exercising, main flushing, fire hydrant maintenance, and CCTV inspections of wastewater systems to ensure functionality and compliance.
• Utilizes GPS technology to update water and wastewater data within the Geographical Information System (GIS).
• Completes accurate data entry into the computerized work order system to support tracking and reporting.
• Operates and maintains departmental vehicles, equipment, and tools to ensure safe and effective use.
• Provides support to other City departments as needed to assist with cross-functional operations.
• Works toward obtaining required licenses and certifications to meet regulatory and operational standards.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Class D Water or Class I Wastewater Collection certification is required within two (2) years of employment. Class II Wastewater Collection and Class C Water Distribution certifications are required within four (4) years of employment.
• 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 be able to respond within one (1) hour for emergency calls.
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.
• Required to perform after hours standby duties.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• One (1) year related maintenance/equipment operation experience is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of training and repair manuals, quadrangle maps, and material safety data sheets to support operational tasks and safety compliance.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication to interact professionally with City staff, contractors, vendors, and the general public.
• Ability to maintain positive working relationships and collaborate effectively across departments and with external partners.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires the ability to lift up to 80 pounds occasionally. Subject to vision and hearing constantly; standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching and handling frequently; sitting, fine dexterity, kneeling, crouching, crawling, bending, twisting, climbing, balancing, talking and foot controls occasionally.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Working conditions involve occasional exposure to variable and/or extreme weather conditions, vehicle traffic, heavy equipment, open trenches, confined spaces, hazardous chemicals, and infectious diseases. Utilizes confined space equipment or other personal protective equipment as required.

This is a safety sensitive position.