Heavy Equipment Operator (DCOPS) - Heavy Equipment Services Group

Heavy Equipment Operator (DCOPS) - Heavy Equipment Services Group

Salary

$48,672.00 - $83,512.00 Annually

Location

East Side Operations Center: 3930 E. Houston St., San Antonio, TX

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2026-00211

Department

DIST & COLL OPS

Opening Date

08/07/2026

Closing Date

8/16/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Grade 17 - Starting Hourly Rate: $28.10. Rate of pay depends on qualifications.

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for performing a variety of labor duties to include operating and transporting heavy and specialized equipment for the repair, construction, and maintenance of the water distribution and wastewater collection system.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Operates and maintains a variety of heavy and specialized equipment such as dump truck, front-end loader, skid loader, backhoe, compact excavator, and trencher and specialized equipment such as crane truck (approximately 20-ton), grader, track excavator, bulldozer, and track loader.
• Excavates and backfills trenches in order to complete repairs.
• Transports equipment, tools, and materials to and from job sites.
• Loads and unloads materials from trucks.
• Stocks vehicle with necessary equipment and material.
• Cleans, organizes and maintains facilities, tools and equipment.
• Updates work orders in computerized maintenance management system to document service performed or completed.
• Observes and promotes all established safety procedures.
• Interprets as-built drawings, schematics, block maps and construction plans.
• Assists with set-up of work zone barricades and signs for traffic control.
• Conducts inspections of equipment and reports mechanical concerns/issues for repair.
• Assists in training crew on proper usage of tools and equipment.
• Provides training for Texas Class "A" commercial drivers license.
• Provides guidance to crew in the absence of the Foreperson.
• May perform manual labor work related to maintenance and construction.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

DECISION MAKING

• This position receives general supervision.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Three years experience operating heavy equipment in the construction, water, wastewater or similar work environment.
• Valid Texas Class "A" Commercial Drivers License.
• Position specific physical testing.
• Ability to report to work on time, maintain a good attendance record, and work all designated work schedules.

JOB DIMENSIONS

• Knowledge of operating characteristics, maintenance requirements, and safety procedures for equipment being operated.
• Knowledge of excavation, confined space, high pressure, electrical, and other safety hazards found in a construction environment.
• Knowledge of SAWS safety practices and procedures, including traffic control.
• Ability to operate light to heavy equipment.
• Ability to recognize malfunction in equipment being operated.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position.
• Ability to work under adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to operate a computer and use job related applications.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, general public, and contractors.

List of Equipment:

The following equipment is currently considered to be generally appropriate for this position, but additional equipment not on this list that is typically used in repair, construction, and maintenance of the water distribution and wastewater collection system may be required.

• Truck
• Pipe Clamps
• Jack Hammer
• Copper Tubing Rolls
• Trailer
• Probe Bar
• Shoring Boards & Jacks
• Backhoe
• Shoring Pump
• Excavators
• Whacker Tamp
• Skid Loader
• Hole Hog
• Front End Loader
• Assorted Size Ladders
• Track Loader
• Assorted Size Shovels
• Trencher
• Hammers
• Dozer
• Water Trench Pump & Hose
• Crane Truck
• Maul & Other Hand Tools
• Rock Saw

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical requirements include lifting/carrying up to 90 pounds occasionally; pushing a maximum force of 100 pounds; pulling a maximum force of 100 pounds. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing, bending, crawling, squatting, kneeling and working in cramped and strained positions for long periods of time to perform job scope. Requires visual acuity and speech and hearing.

Working conditions are primarily outside with frequent exposure to inclement weather; wastewater; mechanical, electrical, chemical and confined space hazards; offensive fumes; excessive noise; heavy traffic; deep excavations; and animals, snakes and poisonous insects. May be required to comply with requirements as specified in applicable regulations for personal protective equipment, including clearance for use of respiratory protection and other associated equipment. Operates a company vehicle daily.

Required to work hours other than regular schedule such as days, nights, weekends, holidays, on-call and rotating shifts.

San Antonio Water System values the contributions of all its employees, providing them the best in compensation and benefits. The benefits package is designed to attract and retain a workforce of qualified employees who share a responsibility in providing quality water to 1 million consumers.

From an affordable medical and dental plan to life-sustaining retirement and insurance plans, we offer benefits that reward employees for their commitment to a challenging career at SAWS. Employee benefits include the following:

• Competitive, market-based salaries
• Performance-based incentives
• Medical benefits
• Dental benefits
• Life insurance
• Prescription drug program
• Vision care plan
• Two retirement plans
• Deferred compensation plans (457 plan)
• Disability income
• Paid leave (vacation, sick, personal)
• Education assistance program
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible, tax-deferred health and dependent care spending accounts
• Wellness programs
• On-Site Fitness Facilities
• Community service opportunities

Click on the link for additional information regarding benefits: SAWS Benefits

01

Which best describes your highest level of education?

• I do NOT have a High School Diploma/GED
• I have a High School Diploma or GED
• I have some college hours (less than 60 credits)
• I have an Associates Degree or equivalent amount of credits (60 credits or more)
• I have a Bachelors Degree or higher

02

If you attended college, indicate college hours completed, degree type, and major.

03

How many years of experience do you have operating heavy equipment in the construction, water, wastewater or similar work environment?

• No experience
• Less than 3 years of experience
• 3 or more years of experience

04

Describe your experience in operating heavy equipment in the construction, water, wastewater or similar work environment as outlined in your application and/or resume. If no experience, enter N/A.

05

Do you have hands-on experience with a Cab-Over 20 Ton Crane Truck with a Delivery deck?

• Yes
• No

06

If yes, please provide your years of experience and detail your understanding of lifting capacities and rigging procedures. Additionally, explain how you would prepare a 20-ton crane for a tandem lift. If you do not have relevant crane operating experience, please indicate N/A.

07

Do you have hands-on experience with running a Combo-Truck being used to Hydro-Excavate a work site?

• Yes
• No

08

If yes, describe your experience using pressurized water and vacuum excavation to expose utilities without damage. Include your years of experience and explain how you manage spoil storage during hydro excavation as noted on your application or resume. If you have no relevant experience, enter N/A.

09

Do you have hands-on experience with driving and operating a Tractor Lo-Boy for delivering Heavy Equipment to a job site?

• Yes
• No

10

If yes, please describe your hands-on experience with loading, unloading, and securing heavy machinery, particularly tracked equipment, on a Lo-Boy trailer. Include the number of years you have worked in this capacity and specify the job sites where you acquired this experience, as indicated in your application or resume. If you do not have any relevant experience, please indicate N/A.

11

Do you have hands on experience with operating a Bull Dozer of any size?

• Yes
• No

12

If yes, tell us about your experience using a bulldozer for grading, land clearing, or working on steep slopes. Include your years of experience and the job sites you gained this experience as listed on your application or resume. If you have no relevant experience, enter N/A

13

Do you have hands on experience with operating an Excavator (Regular, Medium, or Large)?

• Yes
• No

14

When operating an excavator, how do you maintain safety during deep trenching and avoid damaging underground utilities? What projects have you applied these skills to? If you have no relevant experience operating an excavator, enter N/A.

15

Do you have experience operating any additional heavy equipment not listed above? If yes, please specify the equipment and describe your experience with each as listed on your application or resume.

16

As a CDL-A holder, do you have the following restriction on your license "O": No Tractor-Trailer (pintle hooks/straight Truck Combo)?

• No - I do not have this restriction on my CDL-A
• Yes - I have the O: No Tractor-Trailer restriction on my CDL-A

17

Please list any other restrictions you may have on your CDL-A.

18

Do you have a valid Texas drivers license? If so, what type of drivers license do you have?

• Class C
• Class CDL - A
• Class CDL A - w/Tanker
• Class CDL A - w/Tanker Hazardous Material
• I do not have a valid drivers license.
• I have a valid drivers license from another state.

Required Question

Employer San Antonio Water System

Address 2800 U.S. Hwy. 281 N.

San Antonio, Texas, 78212

Website https://www.saws.org/career-opportunities/