Senior Utility Technician - DCOPS (Eligible for Hiring/Retention Incentive)
Job Summary
The Senior Utility Technician is responsible for a variety of manual and skilled labor duties for the repair, construction, and maintenance of the water distribution and wastewater collection system.
Essential Functions
- Perform manual labor work including installation of pipes and fittings for repair, construction, and maintenance of water and wastewater systems.
- Operate dump trucks, crew trucks, front‑end loaders, skid loaders, and other equipment of similar size and complexity.
- Excavate and backfill trenches to complete repairs.
- Transport equipment, tools, and materials to and from job sites in compliance with Texas Department of Public Safety rules.
- Load and unload materials from trucks.
- Stock vehicle with necessary equipment and material.
- Clean, organize, and maintain facilities, tools, and equipment.
- Observe and promote all established safety procedures.
- Interpret maps.
- Assist with the setup of work‑zone barricades and signs for traffic control.
- Inventory tools, equipment, and materials.
- Provide training on the proper usage of tools and equipment.
- Adhere to all workplace safety rules and standards; report unsafe conditions and stop work if needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
- Valid Texas Class “A” Commercial Driver’s License.
- Position‑specific physical testing.
- Ability to report to work on time, maintain good attendance, and work all designated schedules.
Job Dimensions
- Knowledge of operating characteristics and safety procedures for equipment being operated.
- Knowledge of materials, tools, and equipment typically used in maintenance or construction.
- Knowledge of hazards and safety measures applicable to the work performed.
- Knowledge of SAWS safety practices and procedures, including traffic control.
- Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
- Ability to perform all physical requirements of the job.
- Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
- Ability to maintain and establish effective working relationships with co‑workers, supervisors, and the general public.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Physical requirements include lifting/carrying up to 40 lb frequently and 100 lb occasionally; pushing a maximum force of 100 lb; pulling a maximum force of 150 lb. Specific crew assignments may adjust these limits (e.g., biosolids, concrete, asphalt crews). The work involves standing, sitting, walking, climbing, bending, crawling, squatting, kneeling, and working in cramped positions for long periods. Visual acuity, speech, and hearing are required. Conditions are primarily outdoors with exposure to inclement weather, wastewater, mechanical, electrical, chemical and confined‑space hazards, offensive fumes, excessive noise, heavy traffic, deep excavations, and wildlife. Personal protective equipment, including respiratory protection, may be required. The role requires daily operation of a company vehicle and may involve days, nights, weekends, holidays, on‑call, and rotating shifts.
Equipment
- Truck
- Water Trench Pump
- Trailer
- Trench Pump
- Hose
- Jack
- Hammer / Hammers
- Shoring Boards & Jacks
- Pipe Clamps
- Shoring Pump
- HDPE Tubing Rolls
- Tamper
- Probe Bar
- Hole Hawg
- Maul & Other Hand Tools
- Tack Oil Sprayer with Wand
- Asphalt Chute
- Asphalt Roller
- Asphalt Rake
- Assorted Size Ladders
- Assorted Size Shovels
Benefits
- Hiring incentive of $1,000 for external candidates (paid in two $500 installments on the second and fourth paycheck).
- Retention incentive of $1,000 after successful completion of a six‑month introductory period (paid during the seventh month).
- Full‑time medical and dental plan coverage.
- Life insurance.
- Retirement plans.
- Paid leave and holidays.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Additional benefits as outlined on www.saws.org.
Pay
Starting hourly rate: $22.00 (Grade 14).
Schedule
Full‑time position; may be required to work days, nights, weekends, holidays, on‑call, and rotating shifts.
Work Locations
Northside Operations Center – 15103 Capital Port Dr., San Antonio, TX 78249
Northeast Service Center – 18106 Judson Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247
Eastside Service Center – 3930 E. Houston St., San Antonio, TX 78220
Westside Operations Center – 2903 Hunt Lane, San Antonio, TX 78245
Steven Clouse Water Recycling Center – 3495 Valley Road, San Antonio, TX 78221