Senior Equipment Operator – Heavy Equipment

About the role

The City of Fort Worth Water is hiring senior equipment operators to run backhoes, cranes, and other heavy machinery in support of critical water and wastewater infrastructure. This is a 24/7 field operations position with shift work, on‑call rotation and emergency response duties.

Key responsibilities

• Operate a variety of heavy equipment including cranes, bulldozers, backhoes, dump trucks, mini‑excavators, trackhoes and service trucks.
• Install, maintain and repair water and wastewater pipelines, fire hydrants and service taps.
• Locate, uncover and replace buried pipelines; clear obstructions in collection and distribution systems.
• Perform job‑site setup such as traffic control, and conduct pre‑ and post‑operation equipment inspections and preventative maintenance.
• Collaborate with crew members to ensure safe working conditions and efficient task completion.

Required profile

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 3 years of professional experience operating motorized heavy equipment (backhoes, skid steers, front‑end loaders, excavators, etc.).
• Valid Texas Class A CDL with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain a TCEQ Class D Water or Wastewater Collection I license within 12 months of hire.
• Pass a hands‑on heavy‑equipment test, drug screen, physical and background check.
• Capability to lift up to 100 lb and work in extreme outdoor conditions.

Required skills

• CDL Class A driver’s license.
• Heavy‑equipment operation (crane, bulldozer, backhoe, dump truck, mini‑excavator, trackhoe, service truck).
• Experience with water and wastewater utility construction and repair.
• Knowledge of job‑site safety and traffic‑control setup.

What we offer

• Pay range $22.90 – $28.62 per hour.
• $2,000 sign‑on incentive (split after first pay period and after 6 months).
• 11 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision, paid time off, pension plan.
• Professional development opportunities.