Heavy Equipment Operator I (Austin Parks and Recreation)

Job Description:

Heavy Equipment Operator I (Austin Parks and Recreation)

Description

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 - anchors in delivering 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.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Performs construction and maintenance work in one or more specialized programs, incorporating standard construction and maintenance techniques to produce a finished product.

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.

• Drives concrete truck and delivers concrete to jobsites.
  
• Performs preventive vehicle and equipment maintenance and repairs to ensure proper operating conditions prior to leaving for the job site (checks oil, water, fuel, tires, hydraulic system, etc., and makes appropriate adjustments prior to leaving for the job site) reporting any malfunctions and repair requirements to the supervisor.
  
• Repairs/installs storm drain pipelines to reduce flooding.
  
• Repairs concrete drainage infrastructure to reduce flooding.
  
• Responds to flooding problems during storm events.
  
• Installs/replaces driveway culverts to reduce street & property flooding.
  
• Operates a variety of light and heavy equipment.
  
• Prepares daily equipment reports.
  
• Performs general manual labor as required.
  
• Performs traffic control set up at the job site to ensure a safe working environment, places and gathers cones, flags, set out traffic signs, etc.
  
• Skillfully operates and performs maintenance on variety of equipment and power tools (i.e., pneumatic roller, paint push carts, thermal push cart, paint stripers, blowers, propane torches, grinders, paint rollers).
  

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 the provisions in the Texas Motor Vehicle Code relating to the operation of motorized equipment on public streets and highways.
  
• Knowledge of the Texas Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (TMUTCD) provisions.
  
• Knowledge of Federal, State and Local laws.
  
• 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.
  
• Ability to operate and maintain of a variety of light and heavy equipment.
  
• Ability to use two-way radios.
  
• Ability to produce finished quality construction with minimum rework.
  
• 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 (2) years experience in maintenance and/or construction, including (1) year experience in the operation of heavy duty equipment.
  
• One (1) year of additional related experience may substitute for (1) year of high school up to a maximum of four (4) years substitution.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Licensed for the operation of commercial vehicles in the state of Texas within 120 days of employment. Specific endorsements may be required to be obtained within 120 days of hire.
  
• Must maintain a good driving record.
  
• To be considered for employment in this position applicants must comply with Department of Transportation Federal Regulations and the City of Austin Drug Policy.
  

Physical Requirements:

• Continuous outdoor and indoor activity, frequent sitting, standing, walking, squatting, bending, twisting upper body, climbing, exposure to extreme heat, cold, noise, mechanical hazards, fume/odor hazards, toxic waste/material hazards, occasional kneeling, crawling, carrying up to 90 pounds, lifting up to 90 pounds.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred Experience:

• Experience operating heavy-duty equipment, such as motor grader, steel drum roller, skid steer loader, excavator, backhoe, and farm tractor with attachments.
  
• Experience operating commercial vehicles, such as six (6) and twelve (12) yard dump trucks with trailer for equipment transport.
  
• Experience forming, pouring, finishing concrete and using concrete and mortar mixers.
  
• Experience repairing and installing storm drains, catch basins, and culvert systems.
  
• Experience with carpentry including rough and finish work.
  
• Experience with welding and fabrication.
  

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency with utilizing computers and iPads.
  

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.
  

Notes to Candidate:

Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin 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.

Position Information:
The purpose of the Heavy Equipment Operator I position is to provide vital support to APR Trail systems by operating and transporting heavy equipment using commercial fleet while maintaining a Class A CDL license.

Primary duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Reconditioning and constructing citywide trail systems.
  
• Perform minor and major construction projects as assigned.
  
• Repair of concrete drainage infrastructures to reduce flooding and replacement of storm drainpipes.
  
• Prepare daily reports and perform general manual labor as required.
  
• Set-up traffic control devises to support Trails services.
  
• Perform routine safety trail inspections and submit work orders into MAXIMO (work order system).
  

Application Instructions/Job Requirements:

• Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting - up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
  
• Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process.
  
• Virtual Interviews: APR may conduct virtual interviews.
  
• Driving Requirement: This position requires current possession of a Texas Commercial Class A Driver’s License or to have the ability to obtain within 120 days of employment. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation ( DRE ) 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.
  
• Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
  
• Physical Requirements: Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Work environment includes inside, and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases and mists. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs and safety issues
  

Other Information:

• Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
  90 Day Provision for Additional Vacancy: This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.
  Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: All APR work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any APR work site - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.
  

Work Location/Schedule:

• Monday through Friday; 6:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  

• Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.
  
• May be required to work during city emergencies such as extreme weather events.
  

Salary:

$22.48 - $25.24 per hour

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

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.

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.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-11-11