| Location | MN |
| Salary | $24.06–$29.04 Per Hour |
Equipment Operator Junior
Salary
$24.06 - $29.04 Hourly
Location
County-Wide, MN
Job Type
Permanent, Full-Time
Job Number
26-166/057-02
Department
Public Works
Opening Date
11/10/2026
Closing Date
11/24/2026 11:59 PM Central
Kind of Work
Now hiring for vacancies in Kabetogama, Cook, Cotton, Hibbing and Pike Lake.
This position conducts routine semi-skilled work and operation of motorized equipment used in the construction and maintenance of County roadways.
The salary range reflected above is the normal hiring range for 2026. The full salary range, including longevity pay, is $24.06 - $33.63 per hour.
In addition to the hourly wage listed above employees are eligible for:
Please Note: As part of the application process, applicants will select the location they would be willing to work. This information will be used to filter the eligible list and ensure applicants are being referred for interview according to their location(s) preference. Current vacancies exist for Kabetogama, Cook, Cotton, Hibbing and Pike Lake. Please be aware this list may be used to fill additional vacancies that arise.
Please use the following link to view the Teamsters Union Collective Bargaining Agreement.
St. Louis County does not participate in E-Verify. All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States, for St. Louis County, on a full-time basis. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
Distinguishing Features of Work
An employee in this class performs a variety of general labor tasks and serves in an apprenticeship status as an operator of motorized equipment used in the construction, repair and maintenance of County roadways. Duties include the minor repair and maintenance, and safe and efficient operation of equipment. The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.
Work Environment
These work environment factors are general in nature and may vary depending on the specific position being filled. CONSTANT: Lift and carry up to 20 pounds; push/pull - arms up to 32 pounds; push/pull - legs up to 90 pounds; grip strength up to 32 pounds; balance, hand/finger coordination; bend & reach below fingertips; reach (forward/side); reach (backward); sit (with positional changes); stand/walk; vision (near, far, field of vision & color); hearing (close and distant); driving. FREQUENT: Grip strength up to 40 pounds; rotate neck and rotate trunk. OCCASIONAL: Lift and carry up to 75 pounds; push/pull - arms up to 65 pounds; grip strength up to 75 pounds; climb ladders/stairs; kneeling/crawling/squatting; reach (overhead); smell. RARE: Push/pull - arms up to 150 pounds; grip strength up to 160 pounds (both hands).
Lighting: Natural, may work outdoors in darkness.
Flooring: Concrete, blacktop, gravel, uneven terrain (hills, ditches, etc.) Walking surface can be affected by weather.
Temperature: Exposure to all weather conditions. May work entire shift outdoors in all conditions. Temperature can be controlled in vehicle cabs.
Noise Level: Noise levels at above levels.
Ventilation: Exposure to exhaust, tar fumes, paint fumes, etc.
Environment: Works outdoors and indoors independently and with others with frequent interruptions and deadlines requiring concentration, critical decision-making skills, detailed work, multitasking and organizational skills; moderate people/public contact.
NOTE: Frequent use of awkward body mechanics, jerking motions, high degree of vibration while operating equipment.
Selection Process
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Pass/Fail):
PREFERRED QUALIFICATION:
Experience with tandem axle dump trucks, front end loaders 2 cubic yards or larger, tracked dozers, wheeled and tracked type excavators and motor graders.
Please attach a copy of the front and back of your drivers license in the attachment section of the online application or email to recruitment@stlouiscountymn.gov, fax to 218-725-5054, or mail to the following address: St. Louis County Human Resources, 100 N 5th Ave W, Room 1, Duluth, MN 55802. You will not be considered for an interview unless we receive a copy of your drivers license as we need to confirm you meet the minimum qualifications.
RATING SYSTEM:
Supplemental Questions will be 100% of the scoring process:
Please Note: When answering the supplemental questions on the website, the webpage may time out after 30 minutes. Its recommended you draft your answers in a separate document and copy/paste the answers into the application when youre finished writing. Failure to answer and save all of the questions on the "Supplemental Questions" page within 30 minutes may result in the deletion of your answers by the application system.
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT & SCREENING PROCESS SCHEDULE:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The essential functions for this position are listed under the "ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK" on the specification, available in the Human Resources Department or online at www.stlouiscountymn.gov/jobdescriptions.
VETERANS PREFERENCE:
If you are eligible to apply for Veterans Preference, please attach to your application a copy of document(s) listed for the option that applies to you:
Please refer to Minnesota Statute 197.455 for additional requirements. Click Here.
PHYSICAL-MEDICAL STANDARDS:
Qualified applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Applicants selected must meet the physical requirements for the position.
DRUG TESTING:
Applicants selected for appointment must take and pass a drug test.
BACKGROUND CHECK:
Applicants selected for appointment to a position with St. Louis County are subject to a background investigation.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION:
All new employees must submit documentation verifying identity and employment eligibility within three days of their first day of employment.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
Appointees to the position must successfully complete at least a six-month probationary period prior to being certified for permanent employment.
NON-DISCRIMINATION:
St. Louis County is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer.
Eligible St. Louis County employees earn a competitive salary and benefits package, including:
Benefits are prorated for part-time employees and administered in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement or management compensation plan.
01
Please type or clearly print your name.
02
The information you provide related to your education, training, and experience is subject to verification. I understand that giving false information, failing to accurately represent myself, or not providing required documentation as listed on the job announcement will result in disqualification.
03
Are you legally authorized to work in the United States for St. Louis County?
04
All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States, for St. Louis County. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas, and it does not currently participate in E-Verify. Will you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States?
05
Which of the following best describes your current status?
06
Type of drivers license you possess: (Please attach a copy of your drivers license in the resume attachment of the online application, or send the copy to: Human Resources, 100 N. 5th Ave. W, Room 1, Duluth, MN 55802 or email recruitment@stlouiscountymn.gov. Failure to provide a copy of your license will result in rejection of your application.)
07
I have attached a copy of my drivers license (front and back) to my application Note: By answering "No," we will not be able to accept your application.
08
At which St. Louis County location(s) would you be willing to work? (Check all that apply)
09
SME Explanation: Questions 10-22 will be reviewed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME). The questions will be scored and used to help determine 100% of your score. For each question please list the organization(s) and/or employers where you gained the experience. All information listed must also be supported in the work experience section of your application. I have read and understand the instructions given above and acknowledge that I understand my score is derived 100% from my answers to supplemental questions 10-22.
10
Please identify which of the following describes your highest level of paid, full-time experience. (2080 hours = 1 year) (part-time experience must be prorated based on this scale)
11
For the following questions, you will need to prorate any part-time experience based on 2080 hours per year. For instance, 10 hours per week for 4 years = 1 year full-time equivalent experience.
Indicate the amount of experience you have had operating trucks of 26,000 GVW or more:
12
List organization(s) with which you were employed while gaining the above experience. Employers listed must also be on the work experience section of your application. If this question is left blank, you will not receive credit for experience operating trucks of 26,000 GVW or more.
13
Indicate the amount of experience you have had operating snowplows (single axle snowplow trucks or larger, and motor graders):
14
List organization(s) with which you were employed while gaining the above experience. Employers listed must also be on the work experience section of your application. If this question is left blank, you will not receive credit for experience operating snowplows.
15
Indicate the amount of experience you have had operating four wheel drive front end loaders, three cubic yards or larger:
16
List organization(s) with which you were employed while gaining the above experience. Employers listed must also be on the work experience section of your application. If this question is left blank, you will not receive credit for experience operating front end loaders.
17
Indicate the amount of experience you have had operating tracked dozers:
18
List organization(s) with which you were employed while gaining the above experience. Employers listed must also be on the work experience section of your application. If this question is left blank, you will not receive credit for experience operating tracked dozers.
19
Indicate the amount of experience you have had operating power motor graders (other than snowplowing):
20
List organization(s) with which you were employed while gaining the above experience. Employers listed must also be on the work experience section of your application. If this question is left blank, you will not receive credit for experience operating power motor graders (other than snowplowing).
21
Indicate the amount of experience you have had operating tractor backhoes:
22
List organization(s) with which you were employed while gaining the above experience. Employers listed must also be on the work experience section of your application. If this question is left blank, you will not receive credit for experience operating backhoes.
23
I certify that my responses to the questions above are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
Required Question
Employer St. Louis County, Minnesota
Address 100 N 5th Ave. W., Room 1
Duluth, Minnesota, 55802
Phone 218-726-2422
Website http://www.stlouiscountymn.gov