Austin Water Equipment Operator - South Austin Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant

About This Position

 

ABOUT AUSTIN WATER:
For more than 100 years, Austin Water has provided safe, reliable, high-quality and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve more than 1 million people across 544 square miles in the Austin metropolitan area.

Austin Water consistently ranks among the best in the country when it comes to water quality. We also treat, return, and recycle wastewater in ways that protect environmental resources. Austin Water exceeds federal and state requirements for clean water and environmental compliance at our water and wastewater treatment plants.

 

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under general supervision, performs a variety of duties related to driving and operating equipment, and provides equipment operation support. Performs work that is varied and moderately complex with assignments that are semi-routine in nature.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Operates a variety of powered equipment, which may include tractor trailers, backhoes, front end loaders, dump trucks, lift trucks, scarabs, trommel screens, water trucks, bobcats, trenchers, vacuum trucks, sludge tank trucks, and cranes.
• Operates vehicles/equipment according to Federal/State requirements and City policies/procedures.
• Calculates figures, analyzes and interprets data, and prepares reports.
• Performs routine preventative maintenance on equipment by checking fluids, lubrication, adjusting belts, conducting pre-trip/post-trip safety inspections, and maintaining reports of maintenance activities.
• Recommends changes to methods, operations, sequences, and set procedures for work assigned.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of basic diagnostic techniques and mechanical troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of methods and precautions for handling and transporting hazardous materials and chemicals.
• Knowledge of State and Federal requirements for operating commercial vehicles and specialized heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of City practice, policy, and procedures.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to operate commercial vehicles and specialized heavy equipment.
• Ability to use hand tools and power tools.
• Ability to read and follow technical guidelines and standard operating procedures.
• Ability to read and interpret meters, gauges, and control panels.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus three (3) years of experience in equipment operations, including one (1) year of experience in specialized utility equipment.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Current Texas Class A Commercial Driver License. May require specific endorsements.
• To be considered for employment in this position, applicants must comply with Department of Transportation Federal Regulations and the City of Austin Drug Policy.
• Positions in the Lift Stations Division must be certified for Respiratory Protection and Confined Space Entry within six (6) months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience operating heavy and specialized equipment such as backhoes, forklifts, vactor trucks, knuckle trucks, sewer combo trucks, and dump trucks.
• Experience conducting routine equipment inspections and performing preventive maintenance.
• Experience supporting plant operations, maintenance, construction support, and material handling in a wastewater, utility, or industrial environment.
• Experience working safely in an active plant or industrial setting while following established safety procedures.
• Experience using computerized work order system, basic computer navigation skills and ability to learn new software applications.

 

Notes to Candidate:

Benefits:

Working with Austin Water provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more – click HERE for more information.

 

South Austin Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) receives wastewater flow from Austin Water Utility’s sanitary sewer collection system and treats it before returning it to the Colorado River. South Austin Regional WWTP is also a key facility in meeting Austin’s reclaimed water needs for non-potable water.

 

Position Overview:

This Austin Water Equipment Operator supports onsite operations at South Austin Regional WWTP by safely operating and maintaining a variety of heavy and specialized equipment. Equipment may include forklifts, backhoes, vactor trucks, knuckle trucks, lift trucks, sewer combo trucks, and dump trucks used in support of plant operations, maintenance activities, construction support, and material handling. This position is expected to perform work safely, complete routine equipment checks, and help maintain efficient and reliable plant operations.

 

Pay Range: $26.10 – $30.80 per hour

 

Retention Incentive Bonus:

This position may be eligible for an Incentive Bonus of up to $3,000!

$500 after 90 days.

$500 after 180 days.

$1,000 after 1 year.

$1,000 after 2 years.

 

Position(s) will be filled at the following locations:

 

South Austin Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant

1017 Fallwell Lane

Del Valle, Texas 78617

Days and Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

This position is considered essential and may be required to work weekends, holidays, overtime, and call-back / on-call assignments.

 

Essential Employee:

This has been designated as an Essential Employee position. In the event of a City-designated emergency, Essential Employees provide services that impact the public health, safety, utility services, and welfare of members of the Austin community and other employees and ensure the continuity of essential operations. In such an emergency, Essential Employees may be called back in, may be required to modify their schedule, may be assigned to a City-designated work site, or may be retained on site to assist with operations and recovery.

Driving Requirement:
This position requires a Texas Class A Commercial Driver License with Tanker endorsement at time of hire. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin Driver Safety Standards requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.

 

Commercial Driver’s License:

Applicants must possess and maintain the required Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with endorsements as specified by the position in accordance with applicable Texas and federal requirements. Federal eligibility requirements for certain non-domiciled CDLs changed effective March 16, 2026. Applicants holding a non-domiciled CDL should review current Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements and Texas Department of Public Safety CDL requirements. Employees must comply with the Alcohol and Controlled Substance Testing rules as outlined by the City of Austin Alcohol and Drug Policy for Drivers of Commercial Motor Vehicles.

 

Work Environment

This position is in a heavy industrial setting and requires performing all duties associated with operating heavy equipment outdoors in all weather conditions including extreme heat, cold and rain. This position will include cross training in the operation of various equipment. Position will require adaptability and willingness to change or modify workload on demand and multitask. Position requires working in environments which may have hazardous situations.

Physical Requirements:

This position will require that you be able to perform the following essential job functions with confidence and with or without reasonable accommodations: carrying or lifting up to 50 lbs., pushing or pulling up to 50 lbs., sitting, standing, walking, lying, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching overhead, kneeling, crawling, stooping/bending, twisting, repetitive foot and hand movement, driving, grasping and squeezing, ability to wear personal protective equipment including a self-contained breathing apparatus, exposure to extreme weather conditions, atmospheric conditions, hazardous conditions, and very loud noise.

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position.
• Provide each job title, accurate employment dates, employer address, and contact information for all jobs included in the application.
• Your work history should include the duties you performed, any supervisory or lead responsibilities, and any equipment and computer software used.
• Although you have the option to attach your resume, a resume is not required.
• Statements such as “see resume” will be considered incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

 

Assessment Requirement:

Applicant skills and competencies relevant to this position will be assessed. A minimum score of 70% is required to be considered for the interview phase of this recruitment process.

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.
• And are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.

 

Pre-Employment Screening Requirements:

• Selected candidates will be required to complete and pass a drug and alcohol screening test.
• Selected candidates will be required to complete and pass a pre-employment physical exam to be considered for this position, which includes a Functional (FC)strength/agility test.

Secondary Employment:

• All Austin Water employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department.
• Austin Water must review all secondary employment.
• Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with Austin Water, as well as current Austin Water employees considering secondary employment.

All Austin Water worksite locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any AW worksite – including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicle located on the premises.

 

Electronic Notification to Applicants:

• Applicants will be notified via e-mail to communicate information related to the status of their application as part of an ongoing effort to increase operational efficiency, promote a green environment and minimize delays and costs.
• Ensure that the email address and contact information you provide are current, secure, and readily accessible to you. The City of Austin/Austin Water will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive email communications, fail to check your inbox, or fail to respond in a timely manner.

IMPORTANT NOTE TO APPLICANTS:

• Postings close at 12:00 a.m. on the listed End Date. All application steps – including document uploads and final submission – must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the End Date.
• We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

Please note this posting may close any time after 7 days.

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JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

 

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

 

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

 

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.