EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN (Ditch Maintenance)
Salary $1,591.20 - $1,875.20 Biweekly
Location 1700 East Crosstimbers
Job Type Full Time
Job Number 38428
Department Houston Public Works
Opening Date 03/16/2026
Closing Date 4/14/2026 11:59 PM Central
Description Benefits Questions
POSITION OVERVIEW
Applications accepted from: All Persons Interested
Service Line/Section: Transportation & Drainage Operations /Ditch Maintenance
Reporting Location: 1700 E. Crosstimbers
Workdays & Hours: Monday - Thursday, 6:00am-4:30pm **Subject to change
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Ditch Maintenance section of the Stormwater Operations Branch is seeking Equipment Technicians to safely and efficiently operate a range of medium and heavy equipment to perform skilled and manual tasks. Ditch maintenance plays a vital role by clearing debris, controlling vegetation, and repairing drainage structures to ensure proper stormwater flow, prevent blockages, and reduce flooding risks in the community.
The Equipment Technician is responsible for safely and efficiently operating a variety of medium and heavy equipment, as well as power and hand tools, to perform skilled manual tasks and transport materials, personnel, and supplies necessary to complete work assignments. This includes operating heavy machinery such as dump trucks, rollers, lowboy, slope mowers, excavators, gradalls, and other specialized equipment to support stormwater maintenance activities. The technician performs diverse tasks including spraying, landscaping, infrastructure repairs, mowing, etc. The technician adheres to all safety procedures and precautions on-site, investigates and responds to complaints when necessary, and prepares and maintains detailed reports, forms, and records related to assignments, service calls, and equipment maintenance using data tracking systems. Additionally, the role may involve leading crews by coordinating and monitoring work assignments and personnel to ensure efficient completion of tasks.
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.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
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 Drivers License (CDL) based on the type of equipment the position is assigned to operate.
PREFERENCES
Preference will be given to candidates with verifiable experience operating Dump Trucks, Gradalls, and/or experience with ditch maintenance.
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.
GENERAL INFORMATION
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
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov. Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process. To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-393-6015. If you need special services or accommodations, call 832-393-6015. (TTY 7-1-1) If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.
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 individuals sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy. The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:
Medical
Dental
Vision
Wellness
Supplemental Insurance
Life insurance
Long-term disability
Retirement pension
457 deferred compensation plan
Employee Assistance Program
10 days of vacation each year
13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
Compensable Sick Leave
Personal Leave
Flexible schedules
Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
Professional development opportunities
Transportation/parking plan
Section 125 pretax deductions
Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html
01 Please select your highest verifiable level of formal education completed.
Less than High School Diploma/GED.
High School Diploma/GED.
Associate Degree
Bachelors Degree or higher
02 How many years of verifiable experience performing manual and field work with power tools or heavy equipment do you have?
Less than 6 months
At least 6 months, but less than 2 years
At least 2 years, but less than 5 years
At least 5 years, but less than 10 years
10 years or more
None of the above
03 What type of valid/current Drivers License do you have?
Class A Commercial Drivers License
Class B Commercial Drivers License
Class C Drivers License
04 Which of the following equipment do you have at least six (6) months of experience operating? (Check all that apply)
5/10 Ton Roller
Bush Hog
Bulldozer
Combo Cleaning Unit/Vac Con
Dump Truck
Flatbed
Flusher (w/ Tanker Endorsement)
Forklift
Front End Loader
Herbicide Spray Truck
Lowboy
Slope Mower
Gradall
Excavator
Backhoe
Boom Truck
Jet Eye
Tractor
Menzi-Muck (Spider Excavator)
None of the above
05 Are you a current or temporary Houston Public Works - Transportation and Drainage Operations employee?
Yes
No
06 If you answered yes to the previous question, please identify the department, job title and equipment you are currently operating as an employee with the City of Houston. (If you answered no, please write "N/A".)
07 Select the area(s) you have experience in. (Select all that apply)
Storm Sewer Maintenance
Ditch Maintenance
Vegetation (Mowing)
Management
None of the above
08 Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?
Yes
No
Required Question
Employer City of Houston
Address 901 Bagby St Houston, Texas, 77002
Website https://www.houstontx.gov/