Equipment Operator

Equipment Operator

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

Open to the public. This recruitment will establish an open eligible list that will be used to fill current and future Equipment Operator positions. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.

Deadline to apply. This recruitment will be open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will close on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 11:59 P.M. (PST).

The first round of consideration ends Friday, August 21, 2026. The second round of consideration ends Friday, September 11, 2026. The third round of consideration ends Friday, October 2, 2026.

OC Operations and Maintenance (O&M) is a section of OC Public Works (OCPW) whose goal is to serve the citizens of Orange County by providing a safe environment and enhanced quality of life through improvements to and maintenance of public infrastructure. Operations and Maintenance provides a wide range of planning, design, project management, construction, and maintenance services to Orange County's unincorporated areas, 380 miles of flood control channels, 4 dams, 8 pumping stations, 320 road miles, and other infrastructure. O&M provides public works services for the contracted cities of Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Dana Point, and the Foothill/Eastern and San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agencies. O&M also plays a crucial role in responding to the needs of the public in the aftermath of devastating fire and storm events and other general emergencies.

The Equipment Operator is responsible for operating ten-wheel haul trucks and various types of small equipment. The Equipment Operator hauls materials to support the maintenance and repair of activities associated with flood control facilities, channels, parks, beaches, and unincorporated roads in the County of Orange. The Equipment Operator also has supporting roles such as proper installation of Best Management Practices (BMP's), traffic control during the storm or fire season, water truck operations for dust control, and wild land fire assistance. In addition, the equipment operator may lead crews of various sizes to accomplish projects; and performs other manual intensive labor duties as required.

License requirement. Possession of a valid California Driver License, Class A, with air brakes, tanker, and combination vehicle endorsements, is required before the date of appointment and must be maintained while employed in this series. Please attach a copy (FRONT & BACK) of license when applying. In accordance with the Federal Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991, incumbents will be subject to random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident drug and alcohol testing.

Minimum qualifications and core competencies. The successful candidate will possess one (1) year or more of experience which demonstrates the ability to operate single unit trucks, wheel and track-laying tractors, rollers and other light equipment safely to accomplish a task and knowledge of single unit trucks, dump trucks, wheel and track laying tractors, rollers and other specialized light equipment. Incumbents will also be expected to perform manual labor duties as assigned. In addition, the ideal candidate will also have extensive experience in the following core competencies:

• Technical expertise. Knowledgeable of the appropriate use of equipment and materials, traffic control, traffic safety regulations, utility protection, and construction-related skills.
• Safety knowledge. Ensures safe work practices associated with the appropriate use of equipment and materials, traffic control, traffic safety regulations, utility protection, and construction site safety.
• Communication. Accurately and concisely exchanges information with others, both orally and in writing.

Recruitment process. Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.

Application screening (refer/non-refer). Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.

Performance exam (weighted 100%). A performance exam is a test in which applicants demonstrate their knowledge, skills and, ability to performing job related tasks. A panel of job knowledge experts evaluates performance using standardized criteria. Only the most qualified candidates will advance to the next step in the recruitment process or will be placed on the eligible list.

Eligible list. Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.

Based on the County's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.

Veterans employment preference. The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here (Download PDF reader) to review the policy.