Posting Close Date
Applicants must submit their completed application by 09-28-2025 at 11:59 p.m. MST
Application and Special Instructions
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: As part of the online application process, all applicants are required to submit both an updated resume and cover letter at the time of application. Resumes and cover letters received after the application closing date will not be considered.
Applications received that do not contain a resume and a cover letter with responses to the required questions listed below will be considered incomplete and will not be considered further in this recruitment process.
In your cover letter, please ensure to include responses to the following:
1. Please describe your experience operating heavy equipment such as back/track hoe excavators and loaders.
2. Do you possess a valid and unrestricted CDL - Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a Tanker Endorsement?
3. Do you possess a valid and unrestricted driver’s license? Do you have at least two (2) years of driving experience? Have you had a DUI in the past two (2) years?
If you possess any of the preferred qualifications listed above, and wish to receive consideration for the experience the information must be verifiable in your resume and cover letter.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be evaluated based on the education and work experience provided in their employment profile, resume, and cover letter. The highest scoring applicants will then be invited to participate in an interview and hands-on practical skills test.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: The interview and hands-on practical skills test will be held October 9, 2025 and October 10, 2025 (as needed).
The hands-on practical skills test will evaluate an applicant’s ability to operate the following heavy equipment safely and efficiently:
1. Fill Front End Loader Bucket using a 930 Series or larger Articulating Front End Loader and load a 12-yard dump truck.
2. Excavate a straight ditch (trench and bench) using a CAT 420 Series Backhoe with ISO/SAE (Excavator/John Deere) Controls that can be changed prior to testing, if needed.
NOTE: This position is a primary driver and will be expected to operate city vehicles and heavy equipment. Must have open availability. Must be able to work in various working/climate conditions. Indoor and outdoor work with heavy exposure to extreme physical, ergonomic, or emotional hazardous environment.
REQUIREMENT: A valid and unrestricted CDL - Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a Tanker Endorsement is required within 90 days of hire.
Pursuant to Administrative Directive 6.01-8 Commercial Driver Policy: Incumbent employees may apply for a promotional opportunity if they meet all of the position requirements except for a CDL or the required CDL endorsement. An employee who does not have the required license may be conditionally selected and advised of the requirement that they obtain the required license within 90 calendar days of the conditional notification of selection.
Candidates applying for positions carrying a CDL driving designation are required to obtain a valid Arizona CDL within 90 days of hire. The CDL must be of the appropriate classification, with endorsements as required by the job classification.
Failure to obtain the required CDL and endorsement within the required 90 calendar days will result in failure of probation and employment will be terminated effective immediately. Failure to maintain the CDL thereafter will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Recruiter contact information: If you have any questions, please contact Roxie Escarcega at
[email protected] or (520) 837-2138.
Position Specific Summary
The Equipment Operator Specialist position at the City of Tucson’s Water department performs routine and preventive maintenance, and emergency excavations on water infrastructure within proximity to all major utility systems including gas, power, water, fiber optics, and sewer.
Work is performed under the supervision of the Water Operations Supervisor. This position does not supervise.
Duties and Responsibilities
Performs routine and emergency excavations utilizing backhoes, graders, haul pak dump trucks, scrapers, bulldozers, tractors, and water trucks for repair and maintenance of water infrastructure and appurtenances. This position works within close proximity to other major utilities including but not limited to high- and low-pressure gas piping (natural and petroleum), high voltage electricity, sewer and fiber optic communication. Adheres to scheduled routine maintenance of assets to ensure life cycle of equipment and assets. Makes repair recommendations to prevent downtime or unexpected equipment failure. Performs daily jobsite pre & post excavation inspections, including response vehicle placement and trench safety. Provides input on traffic control equipment requirements. Coordinates Arizona 811 utility locate requests. Analyzes situations accurately and proceeds with appropriate course of action and repairs. Transports backhoe and materials to and from excavation sites. Ensures proper use of rigging, signal and crane use for the replacement and/or installation of water infrastructure appurtenances. Communicates with Tucson Water emergency dispatch, central and reclaim system operators on job-site details.
Performs routine preventative maintenance on roadways, drainages, farm properties. Performs routine & emergency corrective maintenance on roadways, drainage, farm properties. Performs annual basin control burns in conjunction with various wildland fire districts. Performs routine job-site dust control. Responds to emergency calls for property intrusions. Coordinates and performs recharge basin preventative and corrective maintenance at Central Avra Valley Storage and Recovery Project (CAVSARP), Southern Avra Valley Storage and Recharge Project (SAVSARP), Sweetwater & Southeast Houghton Area Recharge Project (SHARP). Analyzes situations accurately and proceeds with appropriate course of action and repairs. Transport oversize heavy equipment throughout Tucson Water service area. Performs emergency water hauling (super-chlorination & de-chlorination required) for outages across Tucson Water service area via various water trucks and tankers. Performs chlorination and de-chlorination of water trucks for emergency water delivery.
Reads, interprets, and enters data into the Enterprise Asset Management System (EAM), Geographical Information System (GIS), and other systems as required. Tracks work orders in the Enterprise Asset Management System and enters data for work performed regarding equipment status, labor, and materials. Reviews Enterprise Management System data to understand lifecycle assets for proper service. Interprets data in the GIS to understand location of assets. Enters data into the system to confirm the location of assets.
Performs daily work-site safety/hazard inspections to identify excavation requirements, including safety equipment required for trench shoring. Performs daily pre and post vehicle and heavy equipment inspections. Follows all safety standards on the jobsite and trains other staff on proper safety protocol, including established equipment use and excavation safety. Ensures all tools and equipment specific to the work order are accounted for and available at the jobsite prior to starting work.
Provides customer service by communicating through paper notices and phone calls regarding water shut off time frames and expectations. Researches, resolves, and responds to customer inquiries.
Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned.
Working Conditions
This position is a primary driver and will be expected to operate a city vehicle. Must have open availability. Must be able to work in various working/climate conditions. Indoor and outdoor work with heavy exposure to extreme physical, ergonomic, or emotional hazardous environment.
This position requires weekend, evening, and on-call hours as well as travel to all Tucson Water sites, some of which are in remote locations and requires the ability to work in various weather conditions.
All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Experience
Two (2) years of relevant experience
Equivalency
Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
License/Certifications
Valid and unrestricted Arizona Class A Commercial Driver License (CDL) - Arizona Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division
Preferred Qualifications
The ideal candidates will possess the following:
At least 2 years of experience operating heavy equipment such as back/track hoe excavators, graders, and loaders.
POSITION DETAILS
Job Profile
J6005 - Equipment Operation Specialist
View full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Tucson-Talent.
Compensation Grade
G104
Hourly Range
$19.97 - 29.95 USD
The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Position Type
Regular
Time Type
Full time
Department
Water Utility
Department Link
https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Water
Background Check: This position has been designated to require a criminal background check.
ABOUT US
Benefits: The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings. With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours. You can learn more about our benefits at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefit-Snapshot.
Citizenship: The City of Tucson employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD). Click for more information from ACRD about employment discrimination and how to file a complaint with ACRD.
The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 520-791-2619.
Recruiter Name
Roxie Escarcega
Recruiter Email
[email protected]For general Human Resources questions please contact 520-791-4241.
Mechanical Engineering (1)