Heavy Equipment Operator-Closed Landfills-26603503CL

Heavy Equipment Operator

Excellent Career Opportunity County of San Diego - Department of Public Works HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - CLOSED LANDFILLS Practical exams and interviews will start the week of May 11, 2026. Job offers will take place the week of May 25, 2026. The starting salary for this position will be based on the candidate's qualifications at time of appointment.

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.

The County of San Diego is dedicated to providing essential services to its residents. The Department of Public Works (DPW) plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the infrastructure of our communities and is committed to excellence, integrity, and innovation in all that we do. 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:

1. Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
2. Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
3. 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

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

• A valid California Class B driver's license with tank and air brake endorsements and a current medical card is required at time of appointment and both must be maintained throughout employment in this class; AND,
• 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. 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: 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. In addition, the practical exam is designed to identify if the candidate possesses a valid California Class B (or higher) driver's license with tank and air brake endorsements. If you are invited to the practical exam, you must bring your license with you and present it upon request. Persons not possessing a California Class B license or higher with tank and air brake endorsements at the time of the practical exam will not be allowed to participate in the exam and will not continue.