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Tamper Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Streets Equipment Operator I

Pecos, TX · On-site

$35K - $49K/yr

... tamper, plate compactor, saws, pumps, oil distributor, compressors, sanders, generators, common hand and power tools, shovels, wrenches, detection devices, mobile radio, and various phone types.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Must obtain a TCEQ "D" Public Water System Operator License within one (2) ... Motorized vehicles and equipment, including tapping machine, tamper, plate compactor, pipe threader ...

Water Utility Operator I

Pecos, TX · On-site

$37K - $49K/yr

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTSMust obtain a TCEQ "D" Public Water System Operator License within one (2) ... Motorized vehicles and equipment, including tapping machine, tamper, plate compactor, pipe threader ...

Water Utility Operator I

Pecos, TX · On-site

$37K - $49K/yr

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Must obtain a TCEQ "D" Public Water System Operator License within one (2) ... Motorized vehicles and equipment, including tapping machine, tamper, plate compactor, pipe threader ...

Showing results 21-40

Tamper Operator information

See Texas salary details

$12

$20

$36

How much do tamper operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for tamper operator in Texas is $20.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tamper operator?

To excel as a Tamper Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and familiarity with roadwork or construction equipment, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with operating heavy machinery—specifically tamping machines or compactors—and knowledge of safety protocols and maintenance procedures are important. Strong communication, teamwork, and reliability help individuals thrive in fast-paced, outdoor environments. These skills are essential for maintaining equipment efficiency, ensuring a safe job site, and delivering high-quality work on schedule.

What does a tamper operator do?

A typical day for a Tamper Operator involves setting up equipment at the job site, performing pre-operation checks, and operating the tamper or compactor to compact soil, asphalt, or other materials as directed by supervisors. You'll often coordinate closely with other crew members, follow site safety procedures, and perform routine maintenance on your equipment throughout the day. The work is usually outdoors and may require physical stamina, attention to detail, and adaptability to changing site conditions. Operators are also expected to log their work and communicate findings or issues with their team to ensure smooth project progress.

What is a tamper operator?

A Tamper Operator is responsible for operating specialized machinery, such as a ballast tamper, to maintain and align railroad tracks. Their main duties include adjusting track alignment, compacting ballast, and ensuring smooth and safe railway operation. They work closely with maintenance crews to inspect and repair tracks, often in outdoor and physically demanding conditions. This role requires attention to detail, mechanical skills, and knowledge of railroad safety regulations.

What are popular job titles related to Tamper Operator jobs in Texas?

For Tamper Operator jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Tamper Operator jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Tamper Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Tamper Operator job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,811 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator-Drainage

City of Copperas Cove

Copperas Cove, TX • On-site

$100/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

PLEASE WHITELIST ALL EMAILS FROM AS STATUS UPDATES FOR POSITIONS ARE SENT DIRECTLY FROM THIS EMAIL
GENERAL PURPOSE:
Under general direction, the Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) performs various tasks in the maintenance and repair of drainage ways and appurtenances. The HEO operates various pieces of heavy equipment, performs maintenance and performs other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Receives direct supervision from Superintendent Street/Drainage and/or Drainage Supervisor.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Principal duty is to operate equipment and tools utilized in the maintenance, installation and remediation of City of Copperas Cove drainage ways and appurtenances.
Performs a variety of tasks including but not limited to ditch maintenance, tree and brush removal, trash removal, routine maintenance of equipment, labor duties and assisting Street Department.
Operation of heavy equipment and motorized vehicles in the maintenance and repair of City Drainage Systems.
Equipment utilized includes, but not limited to: operating pneumatic rollers, track/wheel loaders, grader, street sweepers, sand spreaders, water trucks, dump trucks, track excavator, backhoe, grader, shredder, chipper and herbicide sprayer.
Operates trucks of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling and unloading of various equipment, gravel and sand.
Performs supervision over crews that have requirements for light equipment and labor involved in construction and maintenance projects.
Assists in the inspection and repair of drainage systems at frequent intervals to ensure that all aspects of the systems are functioning properly
The employee must have the ability to work well with others and have a good/pleasant attitude.
Performs other essential duties as determined by the Street/Drainage Superintendent and/or Drainage Supervisor to achieve successful operations and mission accomplishment of the department and City as a whole.
Must be able to follow directions.
Regular and timely attendance is an essential job function. It is an essential function of this position that you report to work on time and work your scheduled hours.
PERIPHERAL DUTIES:
Serves as a member of various employee committees as assigned.
Operation of city vehicles and equipment.
DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from high school or equivalent;
One (1) year of light and heavy/construction equipment operation and maintenance; or, Any equivalent combination of education and experience;
Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License by date of hire with insurable record.
CDL Class A / B certification required within nine (9) months of date of employment.
A state approved herbicide applicators license preferred.
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods and procedures used in maintenance, construction and repair activities;
Knowledge and experience in the operation of heavy motorized maintenance/construction equipment;
Knowledge in the safe and efficient operation of equipment and vehicles;
Knowledge of the methods, material and equipment used in street maintenance work;
Knowledge of routine vehicle and equipment maintenance;
Skill in operation of the listed tools and equipment;
Ability to perform heavy manual tasks for extended periods of time;
Ability to work safely;
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments and the public;
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions and must have good attitude;
Ability to follow oral and written instructions; ability to relate well with the public and coworkers;
Ability to handle several duties at once and prioritize jobs.
SELECTION GUIDELINES:
Formal application; review of education and experience; oral interview; background check; successful completion of a drug screen; job related test may be required.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:
Heavy motorized vehicles and equipment, including the backhoe, track loader, road grader, and skid steer loader, dump truck, pickup truck, utility truck, tamper, plate compactor, saws, pumps, aerial propane kettle, compressors, sanders, generators, common hand and power tools, shovels, wrenches, detection devices, mobile radio, phone, ditch witch, and weed eaters.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
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.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, talk, hear, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus, foot coordination in the manipulation of gears, pedals and steering wheels of light and heavy equipment.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
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 the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will primarily work outdoors. The employee usually works near moving mechanical parts, outside weather conditions, vibrations and other hazards associated within an outside work environment. Additionally, the employee occasionally works in wet or humid conditions, in high and precarious places, with fumes or airborne particles, toxic and caustic chemicals, and there is the risk of electrical shock.
The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
No one will perform the duties of a higher position without prior authorization from an individual authorized to approve.
The position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.