Senior Heavy Equipment Operator

Salary: $70,844.80 - $87,006.40 Annually
Location : County of San Diego, CA
Job Type: Regular - Full time
Job Number: 25603611CL
Department: Public Works, Dept of (Gen)
Division: Landfill Closure Supp-Gf
Opening Date: 12/23/2025
Closing Date: 1/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Job Summary
County of San Diego - Department of Public Works

Announces An Excellent Career Opportunity

SENIOR EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
Interviews will begin the week of February 28, 2026
The Department

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.
The Position

We are currently accepting job applications for Senior Heavy Equipment Operator - Closed Landfills to join our team. As a Senior Heavy Equipment Operator in Closed Landfills, you will maintain County closed landfills and burn sites, supporting regulatory compliance and protecting public health and safety. Senior Heavy Equipment Operators provide a leadership role in major maintenance projects, operate and train on heavy equipment, and oversee teams and support in minor maintenance including manual labor duties via the use of hand tools. This position is responsible for providing technical guidance and training to solid waste equipment operators and workers.

For additional information on the job classification, please click
Ideal Candidate Profile:

• The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic and commitment to safety.
• Demonstrate a high degree of motivation and willingness to learn.
• Communicate effectively in verbal and written form.
• Have the ability to train staff on a variety of equipment, such as trucks, dozers, or scrapers.
• Exercise appropriate judgement in answering questions and guiding staff.
• Have knowledge of construction and/or grading sites.
• Have knowledge of landfill and burn site regulatory requirements.

HIRING PROCESS AND TIMELINE

• Job Offer and Background process begins after in-person practical examination and interviews. Note: 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: 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

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,

1. Two (2) years of experience as an Equipment Operator with the County of San Diego; OR,
2. Three (3) years of experience operating motorized equipment in the construction or maintenance of roadways or sewer lines. Such experience must have included the operation of motor-graders, mechanical or vacuum brooms, backhoes, loaders, sewer rodders and dump trucks of various sizes and capacities.

The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate's personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTSIn order for your education to be considered, you must attach a copy of your diploma, complete transcripts or foreign studies equivalency certificate to your application. Required documents submitted on or after February 29, 2008 do not need to be resubmitted. Please only attach the documents required.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT
As part of the County of San Diego's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position.

EVALUATION PROCESSQualified candidates will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment and supplemental applications. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function of a job, on a case-by-case basis.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.

Veteran's Preference PolicyThe County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego.Military Skills TranslatorDo you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help

The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
Click here to see the Non-Management Benefits Summary (NMG-NCM)
01

Please review the minimum qualifications for this position, which are: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 as an Equipment Operator with the County of San Diego; OR,Three (3) years of experience operating motorized equipment in the construction or maintenance of roadways or sewer lines. Such experience must have included the operation of motor-graders, mechanical or vacuum brooms, backhoes, loaders, sewer rodders and dump trucks of various sizes and capacities.If you do not meet these minimum qualifications, your application will not be accepted.Do you meet these minimum qualifications?

• Yes
• No

02

Please select the box or boxes that accurately describes your work experience.

• I have at least two years of full time paid experience as an Equipment Operator for the County of San Diego
• I have at least three years of full time experience operating motorized equipment in the construction or maintenance of roadways or sewer lines. This experience included operating all of the following kinds of equipment: motor-graders, mechanical or vacuum brooms, backhoes, loaders, sewer rodders and dump trucks of various sizes and capacities
• None of the above

03

Please select the current and valid State of California Driver's License(s) that you possess at the time you are completing this job application for Senior Heavy Equipment Operator-Closed Landfills-25603611CL

• A valid California Class A Commercial Driver's License with tank and air brake endorsements
• A valid California Class B Commercial Driver's License with tank and air brake endorsements
• None of the above

04

If you selected that you have a valid California Class A or Class B license with tank and air brake endorsements in Question #3, please list your license number and date of expiration. If you do not have a valid California Class A or California Class B License with tank and air brake endorsements, please indicate N/A.
05

If you are in possession of a valid California Class A or B drivers license with tank and air brake endorsements as described in Question #3 and Question #4, please be aware that you must provide proof of these documents if you are invited to participate in the practical exam and an interview. Do you understand this information?

• Yes
• No

06

If you selected any of the options listed in Question #3 excluding "None of the above", do you possess a current medical card?

• Yes
• No

07

Where did you first hear about this job opportunity?

• San Diego County website
• Veteran Outreach / FFSC
• Mana de San Diego
• LinkedIn
• APWA
• County Employee Resources Group
• Voice and Viewpoint
• County Social Media
• Family, Neighbors, Friends
• Governmentjobs.com
• College/University Career Site
• Other

Required Question

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