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Equipment Operator (DCOPS) - Construction Group (Eligible for Hiring/Retention Incentive)
San Antonio Water SystemSan Antonio, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 28 Jul 2026
💰 $71,739/yr($43,576/yr – $71,739/yr)
About the role
Posting number: 2026-00207
Department: DIST & COLL OPS
Job classification: Equipment Operator
Posting type: Open & Promotional
Categories: Water Agency, Wastewater, Maintenance, Construction Maintenance, Construction Trades
Summary
Grade 15: Starting Hourly Rate: $25.50. Rate of pay depends on qualifications.
**Must possess a valid Class "A" Commercial Drivers License**
Hiring/Retention IncentiveExternal 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
Two images of construction machinery: a yellow bulldozer on the left and a backhoe working on a road on the right.A construction scene featuring a dump truck on the left and an excavator digging a trench on the right, with a clear blue sky.A split image showing construction work: on the left, a truck and excavator near a McDonald's; on the right, an excavator working in a waterway.
Examples of duties
JOB SUMMARYThe 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 excav
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