Equipment Operator I

Job Information

See notes below for future wage increases and/or additional compensation opportunities.

Applicants are encouraged to apply to the following related recruitment:

• Equipment Operator III

Equipment Operator I positions operate the less complex industrial motive equipment such as skip loaders, backhoes, skid steers, self-propelled roller compactors, asphalt distributors, motor graders on rough blading work, power sewer rodding machines, hydraulic flushers, motorized grave diggers, dump trucks, medium class wheeled tractors, five-gang mowers, five and seven deck mowers, and other equipment of comparable difficulty; and perform other duties as assigned.

Notes:

• Employees in job classifications represented by AFSME Local 127 are scheduled to receive the following general wage increases:
• 3.5% effective 7/1/27
• 2% effective 7/1/28
• 2% effective 1/1/29
• In addition to the scheduled general wage increases, the following equity adjustment wage increase is also scheduled to take effect for Equipment Operator I: 5% effective 1/1/29.
• Eligible benefited employees originally hired on or after July 10, 2021, will be automatically enrolled in the San Diego City Employees Retirement System (SDCERS).
• Some Equipment Operator I employees are required to pass a medical physical, respiratory fit test, and obtain Confined Space Certification within six months from the date of hire. Employees will be required to obtain and maintain Confined Space Certification to retain employment.
• Equipment Operator I employees who operate commercial vehicles are required by California State Law, as a condition of employment, to submit to drug and alcohol testing. Prior to hire, a background check will be completed in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse and with former employers regarding drug and alcohol testing.

Minimum Requirements

You must meet the following requirements on the date you apply, unless otherwise indicated.

Experience: You must meet one of the following options:

1. One year of full-time experience operating industrial motive equipment similar to equipment operated by Light Equipment Operator positions in the City of San Diego such as light duty class farm, garden, or turf-type tractors; riding mowers; self-propelled triplexes; roller compactors; power augers; or other equipment of comparable difficulty.
2. Six months of full-time experience operating industrial motive equipment similar to equipment operated by Equipment Operator I positions in the City of San Diego such as skip loaders; skid steers; self-propelled roller compactors; asphalt distributors; motor graders on rough blading work; power sewer rodding machines; hydraulic flushers; motorized grave diggers; dump trucks; medium class wheeled tractors; five-gang mowers; or other equipment of comparable difficulty.

Notes:

• Driving the equipment only without actually operating it to perform construction, maintenance, repair, and other intended work is NOT qualifying.
• City of San Diego employees using Out-of-Class Assignment (OCA) experience to qualify must submit written documentation signed by their appointing authority or payroll specialist, detailing the work performed, dates, and total number of qualifying OCA hours. OCA experience without the required documentation will NOT be considered.

License: A valid California Class C Driver's License is required at the time of hire.

Notes:

• Some positions may require a valid California Class A or B Driver's License at the time of hire, which must be maintained throughout an individual's employment as an Equipment Operator I with the City of San Diego.
• Some positions may require a valid Tank Endorsement at the time of hire, which must be maintained throughout an individual's employment as an Equipment Operator I with the City of San Diego.
• Some positions will require a valid Tank Endorsement within six months from the date of hire, which must be maintained throughout an individual's employment as an Equipment Operator I with the City of San Diego.

Highly desirable(s):

• Experience working in a golf maintenance environment.
• Experience with turf mowers and other equipment specific to turf maintenance.
• Skid-Steer operation with the ability to operate different attachments.
• A valid California Class A or B Driver's License with a current medical certificate.

Required documents (must submit with application):

• For City of San Diego employees, proof of Out-of-Class Assignment (OCA), if utilized to meet the minimum requirements.

Required documents should be attached electronically to your application. If you are unable to attach at the time of application submittal, you must submit them as soon as possible via fax: View phone number on click.appcast.io; or to the Employee Information Center: City of San Diego Personnel Department, 1200 Third Avenue Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92101. Include your name and the title of the position for which you are applying.

Screening Process

Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental questions will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in this initial screening process, your application will be reviewed for applicable education, experience, and/or training to ensure all minimum requirements have been met. Successful candidates will be placed on a list which will be used to fill position vacancies during the next six months (180 days). For each vacancy, only those candidates with the most appropriate qualifications will be contacted by the hiring department for an interview.

Supplemental Information

Pre-employment requirements: Employment offers are conditional pending the results of all screening processes applicable to this position, which may include the following: confirmation of citizenship or legal right to work in the United States; completion of a pre-employment medical review and exam (which may include drug and alcohol testing); reference checks; and fingerprinting. Fingerprints will be submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Justice for a conviction record report. Certain positions may require additional screening processes, including a polygraph examination and/or background investigation. All screening processes must be successfully completed before employment begins. A positive test result for alcohol, cannabis/marijuana, illegal drugs, or inadequately explained prescription drugs, or misrepresentation, falsification, or omission of pertinent facts in any step of the screening or selection process, may be cause for disqualification or termination of employment. Nothing in this job posting constitutes an express or implied contract for employment with the City of San Diego. Candidates must notify the Personnel Department of any change to their name, mailing address, email address, or phone number, otherwise they may miss employment opportunities.

Rev. 9 - July 3, 2026 (New Recruitment Date)

City employees may be eligible to participate in a benefit program including holidays, vacations, savings and retirement plans, health programs, and other benefits. Eligible City employees initially hired or assuming office on or after July 10, 2021, with the exception of Police Recruits participating in the City's Police Academy, will participate in the City's Defined Benefit Plan administered by the San Diego City Employees' Retirement System (SDCERS). Benefits may change due to employer-employee contract negotiations. Flexible Benefits Plan Options for Employees Represented by Local 127 or review the Benefits Summary for Local 127 Employees. (Download PDF reader)