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.

 

ABOUT AUSTIN WATER:
For over 100 years, Austin Water has been committed to providing safe, reliable, high-quality, and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve over 1,000,000 people in the Austin metropolitan area, across more than 548 square miles. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, we’re not just keeping up—we’re leading the way with sustainable infrastructure, advanced treatment technology, and environmental innovation.

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 close supervision, this position performs routine tasks to provide operational and general maintenance support at a water or wastewater treatment plant, wastewater collection, water distribution systems facility, stormwater pump station, or remote stormwater facility, and work in teams to assist with more complex tasks. Performs in both operations and maintenance disciplines to develop competency in both disciplines.

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.

• Assists with process control tasks such as basic flow control, sampling, basic laboratory testing, normal operations of pumps and blowers, and adjusting chemical feeds.

• Assists with preventative maintenance tasks such as lubrication; changing equipment oil/fluids; and installing packing, bearings, and seals.

• Assists with predictive and corrective maintenance on specialized equipment such as pumps, blowers, clarifiers, and valves.

• Assists with routine rounds of the facilities to monitor treatment process and identify process anomalies or mechanical problems with plant equipment.

• Monitors data from SCADA systems and computerized control systems, instrument panels, and gauges in order to make basic process changes as directed.

• Maintains plant operations and maintenance records using logbooks, databases, and spreadsheets.

• Acts as member of Confined Space Entry Team and may serve as entrant or assistant.

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 general maintenance processes and procedures.

• Knowledge of basic math including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, decimalized numbers, fractions, and percents.

• Skill in using computers and related software.

• Skill in using hand tools and power tools.

• Skill in operating a motor vehicle and motorized equipment.

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

• Ability to read and follow technical guidelines and standard operating procedures.

• Ability to take simple readings from meters, gauges, control panels, and testing and monitoring equipment.

• Ability to meet and maintain driver eligibility standards detailed in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus one (1) year of experience in a similar work environment such as stormwater pumpstations, process control, plant operations, construction, or in the operation, repair and maintenance of mechanical or industrial equipment.

• Thirty (30) semester hours of relevant formal education from an accredited institute may substitute for one (1) year of work experience.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Austin Water (AW) positions:

  • Must obtain appropriate TCEQ License as specified by position within one (1) year of employment:

  • Water Treatment Plant or Water Distribution Systems Facility: TCEQ Class D Water Operator License.

  • Wastewater Treatment Plant or Wastewater Collection System Facility: TCEQ Class D Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License or Class I Collection System License.

  • Must obtain the appropriate TCEQ Class C Water/Wastewater, Water Distribution or Class II Wastewater Collection System License before Class D License expires.

  • May require a Valid Texas Commercial Driver's License with endorsements.

  • Valid current Texas Class C Driver License.

  • Must be able to become certified for Respiratory Protection and Confined-Space Entry Program within six (6) months of employment and maintain certification.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in environments that may have hazardous atmospheres.

• Ability to work in permit and non-permit confined spaces where there is limited or restricted means for entry and exit, or where the work activities may be hindered.
  Ability to safely wear anti-fall (SRL) body harness for confined space entry that supports up to 283 pounds.

• Ability to climb ladders and work at heights of up to 200 feet, and to work in confined spaces up to 100 feet deep.

• Ability to walk, stand, sit, bend, stoop, twist, push, pull, climb, kneel, crawl, and lift/carry up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience maintaining and repairing mechanical industrial equipment including hydraulic systems, motors, and pumps.

• Previous pumping distribution or water treatment experience in a municipal water system.

• Experience using Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for work order and assessment management, basic computer navigation skills and the ability to learn new software applications.

• Training and/or experience in welding, machining, fabricating and the use of oxygen and acetylene torch (cutting, brazing, soldering, etc.).

• Knowledge of safety practices in the workplace, including confined space entry, ladder climbing, water and boat safety, and hazardous chemicals.

 

Notes to Candidate:

Position Overview:

Austin Water’s Pump Stations & Reservoirs division operates 32 Pump Stations, 33 Water Reservoirs, and 2 Reclaim Reservoirs to help move potable and reclaimed water throughout the 500+ square mile system to meet customer demand and maintain water pressure.

This position is responsible for performing pump stations and reservoirs operations and maintenance tasks, which includes but is not limited to:

• Operations: process control, monitoring systems, managing and adjusting water levels

• Maintenance: performing mechanical work on Lift Station equipment, such as preventative and scheduled maintenance, diagnostic and corrective maintenance, new equipment installation and equipment rebuilds.

Pay Range: $23.44 - $26.83

Days and Hours:   

This position follows a rotating schedule. 

Maintenance Schedule: Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Operations Schedule: 24/7 coverage using a rotating DuPont schedule:

Day Shift: 6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

• Week 1: Monday–Tuesday and Friday–Saturday

• Week 2: Sunday and Wednesday–Thursday

Night Shift: 6:30 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.

• Week 2: Sunday and Wednesday–Thursday

• Week 1: Monday–Tuesday and Friday–Saturday

Each assignment requires a minimum of six weeks at a given sector, unless business needs take precedence. Scheduling will typically be planned in advance to allow adequate preparation and coordination time.

This position is considered essential and may be required to work on weekends, holidays, overtime, call back and on call. Position(s) will be filled at the following location:

South First Support Center, 3616 S. First St., Austin, TX 78704

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. Additionally, this position offers a career progression plan, which provides a unique opportunity to promote without having to go through the competitive process. As employees go through on-the-job training to develop new skills and abilities and obtain the appropriate license, they are eligible to submit for Career Progression, which allows them to demonstrate knowledge and skills without having to interview for the promotion.

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 and accurate employment dates for all jobs included on the application.

• Your work history should include the duties you performed, any supervisory or lead responsibilities, and any equipment and computer software used.

• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.

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.

• If you are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.

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.

Technical Licensure:

• Valid Texas Class C Driver License.

• Positions in water distribution must obtain a Class D Water Operator License from TCEQ within six (6) months of employment. Must obtain a Class C Water Distribution License from TCEQ before Class D expires.

• Positions in wastewater collection must obtain a Class I Wastewater Collection License from TCEQ within six (6) months of employment.

• For specified work groups, Respiratory Protection and Confined Space Entry training must be completed within six (6) months of employment.

Driving Requirement:
This position requires a valid Texas Class C Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. 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.

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.

Commercial Driver’s License
This position requires that newly hired employees must be able to obtain appropriate class of Commercial Driver’s License with endorsements within one (1) year of employment. 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 operations 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.

Confined-Space Entry Requirements:

• Candidates must be able to work in environments which may have hazardous atmospheres, or in confined spaces where there is limited or restricted means for entry and exit, or where the activities of an employee are hindered.

• Candidates must be able to qualify for the Utility’s Respiratory Protection Program.

• Candidates must be clean shaven to meet the Utility’s Respiratory Protection Program guidelines which requires the use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).

Climbing Requirements:

Candidates must be able to perform duties with confidence at sites where climbing heights of up to 50 feet is required on ladders that support weight as designated by work area.

Pre-Employment Testing 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.

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.

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 will 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.

90-day Provision:

This posting may be used to fill additional vacancies that occur within the department.

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.

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. This posting can close at any time after 7 days. 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.