- Salary
- $65k – $80k/yr
- Location
- County of San Diego, CA, CA, US
- Education
- Certification
- Source
- GovernmentJobs
Description
EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
Future Salary Increases:
** June 2026 – 5.33% increase to base pay (3.0% Across-the-Board + 2.33% Market Adjustment)
** June 2027 – 5.23% increase to base pay (2.90% Across-the- Board + 2.33% Market Adjustment)
The following additional pay incentives and premiums are available:
** $1,250 Recruitment Bonus
** Additional $1,250 Bonus after successful completion of the probation period***This hard to recruit position qualifies for the Employee Referral Reward Program. If a current County of San Diego employee referred you to apply for this position, please indicate the employee’s name on your job application in the space provided. ***
In addition to the base salary, employees in this job class may receive a fifty cent ($0.50) per hour premium while tree trimming, and a twenty-five cents ($0.25) per hour premium while operating a motor sweeper.
The Department of Public Works has multiple vacancies in all geographical areas of the County and encourages applicants who live or wish to work in the following rural areas to apply: Campo, Julian, Fallbrook, and Valley Center.
Please be sure to check the boxes for all work locations in the County you are willing to accept when completing the application.


The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
I. Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews.
Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
II. Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following
successful background investigation results.
III. Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful
completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Two (2) years of experience in the construction or repair of roadways which included the operation of motorized equipment such as motor-graders, chippers, forklifts, skid-steer loaders striping equipment, backhoes, loaders, and dump trucks of various sizes and capacities; OR
- One (1) year of full-time experience as a Road Maintenance Worker with the County of San Diego.
A valid California Class B driver's license with tank and air brake endorsements is required at time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment in this class. Some positions require possession of a California Class A driver's license. Employees in this class are subject to random drug testing per DOT guidelines.
Certification/Registration:
A current medical certificate is required at time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
1. Five-yard dump truck
2. Loader
3. Shovels and hand tools
4. Fiber Roll
5. One of the three following pieces of equipment based on applicant's preference: Backhoe, Motorgrader, or Skidsteer.
Click Equipment Operator to review the complete job description including minimum qualifications, examples of duties, essential functions, etc.
On February 7, 2022, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) implemented the federal Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements for commercial driver license (CDL) applicants. ELDT must be conducted by a registered training provider listed on the federal Training Provider Registry (TPR).
In addition to the federal requirements, California resident applying for an original CDL (Class A or B) must complete a minimum of 15 hours of behind-the-wheel training and submit a California Commercial Driver Behind The Wheel Training Certification (DL 1236) to DMV as proof of completion prior to the issuance of their CDL.
For more information regarding ELDT, please visit https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov
For more information about the TPR, visit: https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov
Blind Applicant Screening:The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.
As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based upon scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
Accommodation:
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job, on a case-by-case basis.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.Veteran’s Preference Policy
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information.
Military Skills Translator
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov) (Download PDF reader).


The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.