Heavy Equipment Operator – Department of Transportation, Environmental Services and PRNS

Job Description:

Heavy Equipment Operator – Department of Transportation, Environmental Services and PRNS

Description

Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit here to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San José.

The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of San José is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 408-535-1285, 711 (TTY) , or via email at [email protected] .

About the Department

The Department of Transportation (DOT) plans, develops, operates, and maintains transportation facilities, services, and related systems which contribute to the livability and economic health of the City. We comprise a team of more than 500 people ready to serve the needs of our residents to improve the efficiency and safety of San José streets. We are an energetic and innovative team that is improving transportation in one of the nation’s largest cities, while focusing on safety, sustainability, and active public life! For more information about DOT, visit www.sanjoseca.gov/transportation

The San José Environmental Services Department (ESD) is responsible fort he management of solid waste collection and recycling; watershed protection and pollution prevention; municipal drinking water and recycled water; community sustainability initiatives, and the operation and infrastructure improvements of the San José-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility. ESD’s mission is to deliver world class utility services and programs to improve our health, environment, and economy. ESD is comprised of a staff of over 530 with a diverse set of skills and specialties among our team. ESD staff demonstrate a strong commitment to teamwork, environmental protection, and building good partnerships. For more information about the Environmental Services Department, please click here or visit @sjenvironment on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.

Are you ready to join a team that is “Building Community Through Fun?" Are you ready to make a difference?
The City of San José’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) is looking for people who want to make San José a better place to live. Our mission is to connect people through parks, recreation, and neighborhood services for an active San José. ActivateSJ, PRNS’ latest strategic work plan, is committed to establishing healthy communities that inspire belonging by following the guiding principles of stewardship, nature, equity & access, identity, and public life.

The Department creates and activates thriving places where people live, work, play, and learn, which include 40 community centers, 10 regional parks, 200 plus neighborhood parks, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, 290 playgrounds, and 65 miles of trail, programs and services that touch the lives of individuals and families in our community. We take a fun approach to public service, and value the public’s trust. Our team is collaborative, supportive, and innovative. We are a fast-paced organization that takes decisive action after thoughtful planning. For more information, please visit activatesj.org

Position Duties

The salary range for the Heavy Equipment Operator classification is $86,403.20-$105,040.00. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience.
The Department of Transportation is currently seeking one (1) Heavy Equipment Operator for the Sewer Repair Team. The Environmental Services Department is seeking one (1) Heavy Equipment Operators at the San José -Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility (RWF). The Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Service's department is seeking one (1) Heavy Equipment Operator for the Capitol Improvement Team. Under general supervision, the Heavy Equipment Operator performs work of moderate difficulty in the operation of heavy equipment which requires a high degree of skill in the maintenance of city parks, facilities and other locations as needed. This is an around-the-clock operation; individuals in this classification maybe required to work overtime, on-call, on weekends and/or holidays.

If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment in the future.

Typical duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Participates in the accomplishment of projects in sludge drying operations such as the construction of roads, dredging and pumping of sludge into drying beds, mixing and windrowing of sludge, and hauling of sludge to an on-site stockpile area
• Supervises sampling of liquid and dried sludge according to standardized procedures
• Operates and supervises the operation of motor graders, bulldozers, rubber tire & track loaders, sludge dredges, conveyors, tractors, excavators, backhoes, and chip spreaders
• Directs the purchase of materials, equipment and services, inventory and control of supplies, spare parts, and equipment for use in the work area
• Trains equipment operators in assigned duties and skill development, and evaluates progress
• Plans, schedules, and assigns work based on progress towards production goals, and continually evaluates work performance
• Ensures safe working practices and conditions for assigned crew
• May test atmosphere for adequate oxygen and explosive conditions; may work in confined spaces
• Prepares adequate records and reports. Utilizes operations manuals and manufacturer's specifications in operating specialized equipment specific to wastewater treatment operations

Examples of equipment operations and related responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Operates a 15 or 20-ton truck crane, 20-ton tractor and tilt trailer on grade-all
• Operates a motor grader to set crowns for roads and streets, to finish grade bottoms, dry lagoons and to repair roads and dikes
• Operates a chip spreader for sealing streets
• Operates a backhoe to excavate for pipes and sewer line repairs; backfills excavated areas
• Operates a bulldozer for cleaning fire trails and creek beds and for mixing and windrowing sludge to enhance solar drying
• Operates a compactor, scraper, and roller to level and compact refuse at disposal grounds
• Operates a loader with a one-ton or over capacity to pull out stumps, rip asphalt/concrete, load dirt into trucks, rough grade properties, load "chips", bury refuse, load sludge and do general cleanup
• Operates a floating sludge dredge to remove sludge from storage lagoons when maximum efficiency levels are reached
• Operates a conveyor to remove grit and debris from digesters. Performs minor field repair and service on assigned equipment
• Observes and reports possible problems with utility lines and other obstructions that might be affected by the movement of earth
• Collects samples of liquid and dried sludge according to standardized wastewater treatment procedures
• Performs minor field repair and service on assigned equipment's
• Works in confined spaces as required and tests atmospheric conditions for safety
• May provide lead guidance to assigned personnel
• Some positions may be required to use computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS)

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Completion of high school or possession of a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.

Experience: Three (3) years of experience operating heavy motorized equipment such as that used in the construction trades,

Acceptable Substitution: Successful completion of the Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee program with the City of San Jose may be substituted for the required years of experience.

Licenses/Certificates: Possession of a valid State of California Class A driver's license with applicable endorsements is required.
Please note: If you do not currently have a Class A drivers license, but are able to obtain the license during the probation period you may be considered for the DOT opportunity only.

Other Qualifications

Communication Skills: Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people’s ideas and thoughts.

Constructive Energies: A demonstration of energy and drive that comes from within, and a willingness to approach all aspects of work with a generally positive attitude; possessing the inclination to take appropriate action rather than waiting to be told what to do; examples of Constructive Energies include but are not limited to: enthusiasm, honesty, integrity, empathy, dedication, reliable, proactive, respectful, confidence, ethical, and a willingness to help others

Customer Service: Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently using professional demeanor.

Decision Making: Identifies and understands issues, problems, and opportunities; uses effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions.

Problem Solving: Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issues; determines the significance of problem; collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome.

Reliability: Completes quality work assignments in a timely and efficient manner; fulfills responsibilities and maintain confidentiality as appropriate.

Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills: Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to the Job Specific Questions. Only the candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of a practical exam and one or more interviews.
PRACTICAL EXAM: The practical examination is to be scheduled at a later date. Due to unforeseen variables such as permitting weather conditions for field activities, the practical dates may change. Qualified candidates eligible for the practical will receive advance notice with specific date and details of the practical. Please note that the City is unable to provide a make-up practical.

INTERVIEW: Candidates who successfully pass the practical examination will be placed in the qualified candidate group for interview consideration for current and future vacancies. The interviews will be scheduled at a later date. Qualified candidates eligible for the interviews will receive advance notice with specific date and details of the interviews.

Submission of a resume is optional. However, submission of a resume in lieu of completing the education and work experience sections on the application or failing to answer all the questions will constitute an incomplete application and it will be withheld from further consideration.

If selected, the Conditional Offer of Employment may be contingent upon you providing proof of a valid State of California driver’s license, and an assessment of your California DMV Employer Pull Notice (EPN) as per the DMV Release of Driver Record Information form. Failure to pass the DMV Pull Notice assessment will deem you ineligible for employment.

Important Commercial Driver’s Licensing Update: New rules from the U.S. Department of Transportation have changed eligibility and documentation requirements for Commercial Learner’s Permits (CLPs) and Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs). As a result, California has paused issuing non-domiciled CLPs and CDLs—including originals, renewals, duplicates, corrections, upgrades, transfers, and pending transactions—to applicants with limited legal presence status.

For full details regarding this change, please review the California DMV resource:https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/important-changes-to-limited-term-legal-presence-cdl-requirements/.

If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Eduardo Gonzalez at [email protected].

Additional Information:

Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.

You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses.

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email [email protected] and we will research the status of your application.

AI and the Hiring Process

We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews. However, we value authenticity, accuracy and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees. This ensures fairness, transparency, and equity for all applicants in the hiring process.

The City of San Jose offers a wide range of core health benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Disability, and Savings Plans. Please visit the City's benefits pagefor detailed information on coverage, cost, and dependent coverage.

For information on the City’s Retirement Plan(pension for full-time employees), please visit the Office of Retirement Services website. You will be able to view information based on different Sworn/Federated job classification.

In additional to the benefits above, there is an additional perks siteto explore further benefits of working for the City of San Jose like paid leave, educational reimbursements, and holiday pay are specific to the job classification and union membership.

Closing Date/Time: 4/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$86,403.20 - $105,040.00 Annually