Equipment Operation Specialist

Posting Close Date

Applicants must submit their completed application by 08-02-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST

Application and Special Instructions

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.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: 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 a hands-on practical skills assessment.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: The hands-on practical skills test will be held August 13, 2026, and August 14, 2026 (as needed).

The hands-on practical skills assessment 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.

Applicants who pass the practical skills assessment will proceed to an in person panel interview.

SAVE THE DATE: Interviews will be held August 26, 2026 and August 27, 2026 (as 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 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.

ABOUT THIS JOB

This classification may include any of the listed duties, knowledge, skills, or other characteristics. This list is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all duties and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on department needs.

• Operates heavy equipment required to perform a variety of construction tasks and transports equipment to job sites.
• Maintains a variety of heavy equipment by inspecting equipment, performing preventive maintenance of equipment, cleaning equipment components, and reporting necessary repairs.
• Performs concrete work, weed removal, and asphalt maintenance.
• Investigates and resolves customer complaints, identifies, locates and requests necessary materials and completes logs and reports.
• Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned.

All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High School Diploma or GED
Experience: At least two (2) years of relevant experience
License Requirement: A valid and unrestricted CDL - Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a Tanker Endorsement is required within 90 days of hire
Equivalency: Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis

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

To view the full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands click 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.

Fair Labor Standards Act (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.  The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer.

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 Status. The City of Tucson does not offer visa sponsorship.

City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer

The City 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). 

ADA Accessibility Complaint Form

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 (49375)

Recruiter Email

[email protected]

For Human Resources general questions please contact 520-837-4190.