Heavy Equipment Operator – Department of Transportation and Environmental Services Department

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 CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov .

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 for the 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 530with 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 .

Position Duties

City of San José - The Department of Transportation and Environmental Services Department are recruiting for two (2 ) Heavy Equipment Operator at the San José -Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility (RWF) and two (2) Heavy Equipment Operators at the Heavy Equipment and Sewer Repair Groups in the Department of Transportation. Under general supervision, the Heavy Equipment Operator performs work of moderate difficulty in the operation of heavy equipment at the RWF. In this around-the-clock operation, assignments may require work on weekends and holidays.

The Heavy Equipment Operator Annual Salary Range is : $ 85,5 50.40 - $ 104,00 0.00 Annually . Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates ’ qualifications and experience.

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.

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; train 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; may be required to work different shifts; assures safe working practices and conditions for assigned crew; may test atmosphere for adequate oxygen and explosive conditions; may work in confined spaces.

( Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.)

• Operates a 15-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.
  

• May collect samples of liquid and dried sludge according to standardized procedures in wastewater treatment operations.
  

• May work in confined spaces.
  

• Tests atmosphere for adequate oxygen and explosive conditions for safety while working in confined spaces.
  

• May provide lead guidance to assigned personnel.
  

Minimum Qualifications

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

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

Acceptable Substitution: S uccessful completion of the Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee program with the City of San Jose.

Licenses/ Certificates : Possession of a valid State of California Class A driver's license with applicable endorsements is required .

Other Qualifications

Minimum Knowledges, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of the operation of heavy construction equipment, including bulldozers, backhoes, loaders, rollers, motor graders and related experience.

Knowledge of minor equipment repairs and adjustments.

Ability to utilize heavy equipment in grading, excavating, bulldozing, loading, compacting, moving of wastewater sludge and related applications .

Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Ability to read grade stakes, and construction plans.

Competencies :

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history. Desirable competencies for this position include:

Job Expertise: Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations. Demonstrates technical knowledge of and experience in the operation of heavy motorized construction equipment.

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 issue; 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. Knowledge of safety practices and procedures in the operation of heavy equipment and especially while working in confined spaces in wastewater treatment operations.

Knowledge of safety practices and procedures in the operation of heavy equipment and especially while working in confined spaces in wastewater treatment operations.

Ability to prepare adequate records and reports. Ability to utilize operations manuals and manufacturer's specifications in operating specialized equipment specific to wastewater treatment operations.

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.

You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and may be withheld from further consideration. If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Eduardo Gonzalez at Eduardo1.Gonzalez@sanjoseca.gov

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.

Heavy Equipment Operator Bargaining Unit is OE#3

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 be advised that use of AI content in your responses may result in your removal from the hiring process.

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 CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application.

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: 8/14/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• City of San Jose

• 408-535-1285

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