Equipment Operator

Equipment Operator

This position works within the General Services Division of Kern County. For more information about the department, please view their website.

Examination Schedule:

• Written Exam: will be conducted on June 24, 2026.

Examinations: Written Exam (Weight 100%): Will be conducted for the purpose of assessing the applicant's knowledge of operation and maintenance characteristics of basic light and medium motorized equipment such as trucks, tractors, skip loaders; dump trucks; fuel trucks, and equipment operating hazards and safety practices. Applicants must attain at least 70% score on each phase of the examination process.

Minimum Qualifications/Employment Standards:

• One year of experience in work requiring the operation and maintenance of light and medium motorized equipment.
• Possession of a valid California Class A Motor Vehicle Driver's License.
• Possession of a valid California Class B Vehicle Driver's License with a hazardous materials endorsement may be required depending upon assignment.

Admittance to the examination will require a valid government issued photograph identification. Applicants who are unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with the Human Resources Division prior to the test date. A background check may be conducted for this classification. Following an offer of employment, you may be required to submit to post offer medical and drug screening tests at County expense. This examination will establish an eligible list from which immediate appointment(s) will be made. Other permanent and temporary appointments will be made as needed. Successful candidates will remain on the eligible list for a period of twelve-months, unless specified otherwise by the Civil Service Commission.

Kern County is an ADA compliant and an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Kern County Employee Benefits:

• Health Insurance: (Medical/Dental/Vision): Kern County offers five affordable medical options. Kern Legacy Health Plans are medical and prescription health plan options administered directly by the County of Kern. Kaiser Permanente is also an option. Employees may also choose from two dental plans; Liberty Dental PPO or HMO. The vision coverage is provided through Vision Service Plan (VSP).
• Retirement Program: Kern County Employees' Retirement Association (KCERA). This Section 401 (a) defined benefit retirement plan requires employer and employee contribution and pays retired employees a pension based on salary, years of service, and age upon retirement.
• Deferred Compensation: This section 457 plan allows employees to contribute on a pre-tax basis to a supplemental retirement account which is then paid out to them when they retire.
• Social Security Administration: Note: Both Kern County and the employee contribute to Social Security and Medicare as follows:
• The County of Kern withholds 6.2% for Social Security (FICA1) and 1.45% for Medicare (FICA2) from employee's payroll warrants
• The County matches the employee's 6.2% for Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare
• Employee Assistance Program: EAP is available to help you take control of your life!
• Voluntary Benefits: Chimienti & Associates (Administrator) offers the following voluntary benefits and can be deducted on a pre-tax basis: Short Term Disability Coverage, Accident Plan, Cancer Plan and a Flexible Spending Account.
• Paid Holiday Leave: 12 set days (per calendar year)

About Kern County

Kern County employees provide opportunities that are purposeful to our community. Every employee and every action contributes to the improvement and strengthening of our county. To learn more about Kern County, click here.

Growth Mindset: We always encourage our employees to grow and develop. Kern County has a culture of innovation that allows employees to explore creative and more efficient ways to accomplish their work. We provide access to training and continued professional development in an effort to ensure that our employees have opportunities for career growth.

Additional Information

For more information regarding Kern County's recruitment process, please see our FAQ page.