Careers

 

TITLE	Drafter / CAD Operator
DEPARTMENT	Engineering Services
CLASSIFICATION	CT3
WAGE/SALARY	$ 17.50 per hour ($36,400 annually)
CLOSING DATE

Job Summary

This position provides technical drafting, computer-aided design (CAD), and field support services to the Engineering Services Department in support of port-related infrastructure projects. The Drafter/CAD Operator prepares, updates, and maintains drawings, plans, maps, and related documentation for port facilities, utilities, and construction projects. The position performs field-based surveying, site measurements, and verification of existing conditions, and conducts field observations to assist with construction inspections and confirm that work aligns with approved plans and specifications. Work is performed with a high level of technical proficiency and independence under general supervision.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform technical drafting and CAD duties, including preparation, revision, and maintenance of engineering drawings, plans, profiles, maps, and detailed construction documents.
• Prepare and update drawings related to port infrastructure, including roadways, buildings, dock facilities, drainage systems, and water and wastewater utilities.
• Perform field measurements, site observations, and assist with topographic surveying activities to collect elevations, distances, and existing condition data necessary for accurate plan preparation and project layout.
• Conduct routine field verification of infrastructure, utilities, and project sites to confirm the accuracy of design documents, maps, and records.
• Assist with construction inspection activities by observing work in progress, documenting field conditions, monitoring alignment with approved plans, and reporting findings to engineering staff.
• Prepare field notes, sketches, measurements, and supporting documentation for incorporation into design revisions, as-built drawings, and official project records.
• Maintain and update CAD files, databases, infrastructure maps, and utility records to reflect current conditions and completed construction.
• Assist engineering staff with quantity take-offs, basic cost estimates, and preparation of project documentation.
• Coordinate with engineering staff, inspectors, contractors, and other departments during both office and field activities to support ongoing projects.
• Scan, organize, and maintain engineering drawings, records, and digital files in accordance with departmental standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace and comply with applicable safety procedures in both office and field environments.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in Engineering Technology, Drafting, CAD, or a related field.
• Proficiency in the use of AutoCAD and/or similar drafting software.
• General knowledge of engineering and construction principles related to public utilities and infrastructure.
• General knowledge of roadway, building facilities, and water and wastewater utility layout and construction.
• Working knowledge of topographic surveying methods and field measurement techniques used in preparation of plans and project layouts.
• Knowledge of construction site safety practices and ability to work safely in an active industrial environment.
• Ability to plan, organize, and complete assigned tasks with supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, contractors, and the public.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of Drafting/CAD Operator training or equivalent certification and experience.
• Experience working in large-scale industrial or public-sector facilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and related document and data management software.
• Experience with digital document management and scanning systems.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Work Conditions & Physical Demands

The work environment and physical demands described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position.

• Work is regularly performed in both office and active field environments within an industrial port setting, requiring routine presence at construction and infrastructure sites.
• Frequent exposure to outdoor weather conditions and industrial hazards, including construction activities and moving equipment.
• Medium physical effort, including prolonged periods of standing or walking, navigating uneven terrain, and occasional lifting, carrying, or handling of materials or equipment weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Ability to bend, climb, sit for extended periods, and traverse uneven or active construction sites safely.
• Requires the routine use of personal protective equipment (PPE), which may include steel-toe footwear, high-visibility reflective vests, hearing protection, and safety glasses, depending on work location and task requirements.
• Frequent interaction with coworkers, supervisors, vendors, contractors, and members of the public.

Additional Requirements

• Valid Texas Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
• Must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Selected candidate must pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check.

  The above duties may not be performed in every position with this job title and the above functions may not include all related duties that might be performed.

TITLE	Electrician I
DEPARTMENT	Facilities Maintenance
CLASSIFICATION	Manual Technical Employee – MT2
WAGE/SALARY	$19.35/hr.
CLOSING DATE

Job Summary

This job requires the use of drawings, wiring diagrams and specifications, a wide variety of precision measuring instruments, and a broad shop knowledge.  The job requires considerable physical effort along with continuous mental or visual effort.  This employee follows the lead of a licensed Electrician, or a Supervisor

Job Responsibilities

• Help troubleshoot and repair electrical power systems, control circuits, and camera systems.
• Help troubleshoot, repair electrical components within our sewer plants.
• Other duties as assigned included but not limited to different jobs that fall under the maintenance department.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• One to two years of experience in electrical construction or maintenance.
• Ability to use precision electrical and electronic instruments, AC and DC, hand tools, and other tools as assigned with proper instructions, as appropriate to the position being hired
• Ability to plan and perform unusual and difficult work involving the use of considerable ingenuity, initiative and judgment.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written direction.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual (English / Spanish).

 

Work Conditions & Physical Demands The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Frequent exposure to outside weather conditions such as heat, cold, dust, and vehicle exhaust.
• Medium physical effort including long periods of standing, up to 8 continuous hours and occasional lifting of objects up to 50 lbs.
• Withstand prolonged periods of standing, walking, and/or sitting.
• Frequent contact with the public.

Additional Requirements

• Valid Texas Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
• Must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Selected candidate must pass a pre-employment drug screening and background investigation to be hired for this position.

The above duties may not be performed in every position with the title and the above functions may not include all related duties that might be performed.

TITLE	Equipment Operator
DEPARTMENT	Facilities Maintenance
CLASSIFICATION	Manual Technical Employee – MT2
WAGE/SALARY	$19.35 per hour ($40,248 annually)
CLOSING DATE

Job Summary

This position performs skilled tasks related to the operation, maintenance, and support of the District’s heavy equipment fleet. Equipment includes, but is not limited to, dump trucks, front-end loaders, backhoes, maintainers, hydraulic excavators, cranes and motor graders. This role requires the safe and efficient handling of large and complex equipment and includes responsibilities related to preventive maintenance, monitoring vendor-performed repairs, and maintaining parts inventory to reduce downtime.

Job Responsibilities

• Safely and efficiently operate heavy equipment such as front-end loaders, backhoes, maintainers, hydraulic excavators, and cranes.
• Perform minor repairs and routine preventive maintenance on assigned equipment.
• Maintain accurate and organized records of equipment operation, maintenance, and inspections.
• Assist in developing and implementing preventive maintenance schedules for all District heavy equipment.
• Coordinate with facilities maintenance supervisory staff to ensure adequate stock of commonly used repair parts to minimize downtime.
• Monitor and track repair work performed by outside vendors to ensure quality and timely completion.
• Follow all applicable safety rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures.
• Assist other personnel within the department when needed.
• Respond to emergency situations, such as storms or hurricanes, as required.
• Serve on stand-by (on-call) status when necessary.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Valid Texas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Class A or B with applicable endorsements.
• Minimum of five (5) years of hands-on experience operating and maintaining heavy construction or maintenance equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in varied and sometimes irregular work conditions.
• Skilled in the operation of both heavy and light equipment.
• Ability to perform manual labor in extreme weather conditions (e.g., heat, cold, rain).
• Knowledge of maintenance tools and procedures for performing preventive maintenance and basic repairs.
• Understanding of state laws and regulations related to operating heavy equipment on public roads.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain detailed and accurate records.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual (English / Spanish).
• Certifications in equipment operation
• Formal training or coursework in heavy equipment maintenance, safety, or mechanics.
• Experience working in port, maritime, or industrial settings.
• Demonstrated experience maintaining detailed maintenance logs and using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).

Work Conditions & Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Frequent exposure to outdoor elements including heat, cold, dust, and vehicle exhaust.
• Regularly required to stand, use hands to handle or feel, and reach with arms; frequent climbing is required.
• Occasionally required to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and lift or move up to 100 pounds.
• Visual requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work involves long periods of sitting while operating equipment, along with periods of physical labor.

Additional Requirements

• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screening and background investigation.

The above duties may not be performed in every position with the title and the above functions may not include all related duties that might be performed.

The Port of Brownsville is an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization. The Port of Brownsville prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

TITLE	Heavy Equipment and Diesel Mechanic
DEPARTMENT	Facilities Maintenance
CLASSIFICATION	Manual Technical Employee – MT5
WAGE/SALARY	$27.67 per hour ($57,553.60 annually)
CLOSING DATE

 

Job Summary

The Heavy Equipment and Diesel Mechanic is responsible for the inspection, maintenance, repair, and overhaul of diesel-powered heavy equipment and vehicles, including excavators, bulldozers, frontend loaders, backhoes, motor graders, skid steers, dump trucks, and related machinery. This position requires advanced knowledge of diesel systems, strong diagnostic abilities, and the capability to perform field repairs in demanding environments. The employee must exhibit attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication abilities to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the Port's fleet and heavy equipment.  

Job Responsibilities

• Inspect, diagnose, and troubleshoot diesel engines, heavy equipment, and vehicles using diagnostic tools and software.
• Conduct preventive maintenance, including oil changes, fluid checks, wheel balancing, alignments, and brake inspections.
• Repair or replace transmissions, engines, suspensions, steering systems, braking systems, exhaust systems, electrical systems, hydraulics, attachments, and other related components.
• Respond to emergency breakdowns and perform field repairs as necessary.
• Maintain accurate service and maintenance records for all equipment.
• Prepare work plans and determine necessary repair actions based on inspections and diagnostics.
• Keep tools and work areas clean, organized, and safe.
• Stay current on industry practices, tools, and technologies through training and educational opportunities.
• Follow all established safety policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Facilities Maintenance.

 

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Completion of a vocational or technical training program in diesel engine repair or heavy equipment maintenance.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience as a diesel mechanic with hands-on experience in construction and heavy equipment maintenance.
• Proficient in diesel engine diagnostics, preventive maintenance, and repair.
• Strong knowledge of drive trains, hydraulic systems, and electrical systems.
• Proficient in using diagnostic software and maintenance tools.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).
• Must follow all safety rules and procedures.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in heavy equipment mechanics, diesel technology, or related field.
• ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Diesel Certification or equivalent.
• Additional certifications in hydraulics, welding, or heavy equipment maintenance.

 

Work Conditions & Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and lifting up to 75 pounds.
• Exposure to outdoor environments, including dust, fumes, noise, extreme temperatures, and heavy equipment operations for up to 8 hours per day.
• Must be able to work in confined spaces, elevated areas, and on uneven surfaces.
• May require occasional overtime, weekend, or after-hours work.

 

Additional Requirements

• Valid Texas Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
• Must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Selected candidate must pass a post-employment drug screening and background investigation to be hired for this position.

The above duties may not be performed in every position with this job title and the above functions may not include all related duties that might be performed.

The Port of Brownsville is an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization. The Port of Brownsville prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.