- Salary
- $65k – $80k/yr
- Location
- County of San Diego, CA, CA, US
- Education
- Certification
- Source
- GovernmentJobs
Description
HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - CLOSED LANDFILLS
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.
We are currently seeking a skilled Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team. As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you will maintain County closed landfills and burn sites, supporting regulatory compliance and protecting public health and safety. Heavy Equipment Operators support major maintenance projects, operate heavy equipment, and perform minor maintenance including manual labor duties via the use of hand tools and hand work. The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic and a commitment to safety.
The Department of Public Works Closed Landfill program has multiple vacancies in San Marcos, CA



Hiring Process & Timeline:
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
- Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
- Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
- 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.
Required Licenses, Certifications or Registrations
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.
1. Ten-yard dump truck
2. Loader
3. Shovels and hand tools
4. Fiber Roll
5. One of the two following pieces of equipment based on applicant's preference: Backhoe or Skidsteer.
Please read the Heavy Equipment Operator job description for more information 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 ScreeningThe 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.
Conditions of EmploymentAs 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. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
Evaluation
Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application form will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

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.

Strategic Plan
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).
Disaster Service Worker
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.

Diversity & Inclusion
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.