Sr. Equipment Operator– Backhoe

Pay Range: $22.90 – $28.62/hr.

Job Posting Closing on: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 📅

Workdays & Hours:  Field Operations is a 24/7 Operation - weekend work may be required. This position is a first responder in severe weather conditions/emergencies which will be subject to work after hours, emergency call back hours, nights, weekends, holidays and will participate in an on-call rotation schedule.

Benefits for this position include: 11 Paid Holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off, Pension Plan, Professional Development Opportunities, and much more.

The City of Fort Worth is one of the fastest growing large cities in the U.S. Our employees serve the needs of nearly 1,000,000 residents, promoting our values of exceptional customer experience, mutual respect, embracing our diversity, continuous improvement, ethical behavior, and accountability.

Heavy Equipment Operation • CDL Class A • Water Utility Construction • Field Service Jobs

Looking for a stable career where your equipment skills keep a growing city running? Fort Worth Water is hiring Senior Equipment Operators to operate backhoes and other heavy equipment in support of vital water and wastewater infrastructure work.

As part of our 24/7 Field Operations Division, you’ll be on the ground—digging trenches, repairing pipelines, clearing obstructions, and responding to emergencies that affect thousands of residents. If you’re experienced, reliable, and ready to be part of a hardworking crew that takes pride in what they do, this is more than a job—it’s a career with purpose.

You'll operate advanced machinery, work outdoors in all conditions, and support the daily functions of a city that’s growing fast. And with a $2,000 sign-on incentive, now’s the perfect time to bring your skills to a team that values them.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED (REQUIRED)
• At least 3 years of professional experience operating motorized heavy equipment such as backhoes, skid steers, front-end loaders, or excavators (REQUIRED)
• The ability to pass a hands-on heavy equipment test during the interview process
• A valid Texas Class A CDL driver’s license with an acceptable driving record
• The ability to obtain a TCEQ Class D Water or Wastewater Collection I license within 12 months of hire (written test and background check required)
• Availability to work overtime, nights, weekends, holidays, and rotate in an on-call schedule
• The ability to pass a drug screen, physical, and background check
• The ability to lift up to 100 pounds and work in outdoor, extreme weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience in utility repair, construction, maintenance, or fieldwork
• Prior experience working in water or wastewater utilities
• Familiarity with job site safety and work zone setup
• Experience leading or supervising a crew

The Sr. Equipment Operator – Backhoe  responsibilities include:

• Operating advanced equipment including cranes, bulldozers, backhoes, dump trucks, mini excavators, trackhoes, and service trucks
• Installing, maintaining, and repairing water and wastewater pipelines
• Operating valves on water lines to isolate leaks or shut off service as needed
• Assisting in the construction and repair of water/sewer mains, fire hydrants, and service taps
• Locating and uncovering buried pipelines, cutting and measuring pipe for replacement or installation
• Clearing obstructions in collection and distribution systems using proper equipment
• Performing job site setup including traffic control measures (cones, signs, barriers)
• Conducting pre- and post-operation inspections and preventative maintenance on all assigned equipment
• Collaborating with your crew to maintain safe working conditions and complete all job tasks efficiently

Working Conditions and Physical Demand:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Heavy Work – Depending on assignment, positions in this class typically exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up-to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Working in all weather conditions; including extreme weather and temperatures.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Depending on the assignment, positions in this class typically require touching, talking, hearing, seeing, grasping, standing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, walking, repetitive motions, climbing, balancing, pushing, pulling, and lifting; depending on assignments. Incumbents may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, odors, dust, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, intense noises, gases, vibrations, chemicals, oils, and workspace restrictions.