Equipment Operator - DCOPS (East Side) **ELIGIBLE FOR HIRING/RETENTION INCENTIVE**

Equipment Operator - DCOPS (East Side) ELIGIBLE FOR HIRING/RETENTION INCENTIVE

Salary

$43,576.00 - $71,739.00 Annually

Location

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

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2026-00151

Department

Distribution & Collection Operations

Opening Date

05/15/2026

Closing Date

5/24/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Grade 15: Starting Hourly Rate: $25.50. Rate of pay depends on qualifications.

Must possess a valid Class "A" Commercial Drivers License

Hiring/Retention Incentive

External candidates who are hired by SAWS will receive a $1,000 Hiring Incentive. This incentive will be split into two payments of $500. The two payments will be made to the new hire on their second and fourth paycheck after they are hired. Upon successful completion of the new hire's six-month introductory period, the new hire will also be eligible for an additional $1,000 Retention Incentive, which will be paid during their seventh month of employment with SAWS. Full-time benefits currently include medical and dental plan coverage, life insurance, retirement plans, paid leave and holidays, tuition reimbursement, and others as further outlined on www.saws.org

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Equipment Operator is responsible for performing a variety of labor duties to include operating and transporting light to heavy equipment for the repair, construction, and maintenance of the water distribution and wastewater collection system. This job has an automatic progression plan. An employee hired as an Equipment Operator will automatically advance to Senior Equipment Operator upon reaching 5 years of continuous experience as an Equipment Operator with SAWS.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Operates and maintains medium to heavy equipment such as dump truck, front-end loader, skid loader, backhoe, compact excavator, trencher, and mobile concrete mixing truck.
• 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.
• Observes and promotes all established safety procedures.
• Interprets as-built drawings, schematics, block maps, and construction plans.
• Assists with the set-up of work zone barricades and signs for traffic control.
• Conducts inventory of tools, equipment, and materials.
• Conducts inspections of equipment and reports mechanical concerns/issues for repair.
• May provide training on the proper usage of tools and equipment.
• May provide training for Texas Class A commercial driver license.
• May provide guidance to crew in the absence of the Foreman.
• May perform manual labor work related to maintenance and construction.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

DECISION MAKING

• This position receives immediate supervision.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Six months' experience operating equipment in the construction, water, wastewater or similar work environment.
• Pass position specific physical testing.
• Valid Texas Class "A" Commercial Driver License.
• Ability to report to work on time, maintain a good attendance record, and work all designated work schedules.

JOB DIMENSIONS

• Knowledge of operating characteristics and safety procedures for equipment being operated.
• Knowledge of materials, tools, and equipment commonly used in construction.
• 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 communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and general public.

List of Equipment: Equipment Operation

The following equipment is currently considered to be generally appropriate for this position. Additional equipment not on this list must be of similar size, weight and complexity.

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

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 on a daily basis.

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

This position requires working hours outside of regular schedules, such as days, nights, weekends, holidays, on-call, and rotating shifts. Therefore, work hours may vary depending upon business needs, with overtime as necessary. Are you willing to commit to working irregular hours, which may change with little to no notice?

• Yes
• No

02

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
• I have a Masters Degree or higher level of education

03

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

• No Experience
• Less than 6 months of experience
• 6 months or more of experience

04

Describe your experience in the construction, water, wastewater or similar work environment. If no experience, enter N/A.

05

Describe your experience in utility excavations, specifically with regards to trench safety and avoiding utility hits. If no experience, enter N/A.

06

What types of vehicles and/or equipment do you have experience operating? If none, enter N/A.

07

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

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

08

Were you referred for employment by a current SAWS employee? Specifically for the following positions: Distribution & Collection Operations - Meter Technician, Sr. Meter Technician, Utility Technician, Senior Utility Technician, and Equipment Operator, and Customer Service - Meter Technician and Senior Meter Technician, and Production & Treatment Operations - Apprentice Electrician, Journey Level Electrician, and Master Electrician.

• Yes
• No

09

If you answered "Yes to the question above, please provide the employees full name, job title, and telephone number to allow the Human Resources department to verify the referral. Please enter the information for only one SAWS employee. If you were not referred, please enter N/A.

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/