Equipment Operator-Road

Excellent Career Opportunity County of San Diego - Department of Public Works Equipment Operator

Practical Exams and Interviews Will Be Conducted on an Ongoing Basis. 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 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 County of San Diego is dedicated to providing essential services. The Department of Public Works (DPW) plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the infrastructure of our communities. We are committed to excellence, integrity, and innovation.

We are currently seeking a skilled Equipment Operator to join our team. As an Equipment Operator, you will maintain County storm drains, roadways, and/or rights‑of‑way to permit safe access for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians; operate road repair and maintenance equipment; and perform manual labor duties using hand tools. The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic and a commitment to safety.

The Department of Public Works has multiple vacancies across the County and encourages applicants who live or wish to work in the following rural areas:
Campo, Julian, Fallbrook, and Valley Center. Please be sure to check the boxes for all work locations you are willing to accept when completing the application.

• Job Offer and Background Process begins after in‑person practical examination and interviews. 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:
  
  Based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed date.

If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.

Education, training, and/or experience that demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above. Qualifying education/experience includes:

• 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. Some positions may require possession of a California Class A driver's license. Employees in this class are subject to random drug testing per DOT guidelines.

A current medical certificate is required at time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

The Practical Exam is designed to assess applicants' skills in using the following equipment:

• Five‑yard dump truck
• Loader
• Shovels and hand tools
• Fiber Roll
• One of the following based on applicant's preference:
  Backhoe, Motorgrader, or Skid‑steer.

The exam also verifies possession of a valid California Class B (or higher) driver's license with tank and air brake endorsements. Candidates lacking the required license will not be permitted to participate.

On February 7, 2022, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) implemented the federal Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements for commercial driver license (CDL)…