Equipment Operator - Senior

Introduction

This is a promotional recruitment - only permanent and/or probationary County employees are eligible to apply.

POSITION INFORMATION

Please note: This position is scheduled to receive a 3% wage increase effective June 13, 2026 (pay date July 10, 2026).

Placer County is accepting applications to fill full-time Senior Equipment Operator vacancies located in both Auburn and Tahoe. Please be sure to indicate your preferred work location(s) in your application.

The eligible list established as a result of this recruitment may be used to fill additional vacancies as they arise, subject to position-specific requirements.

• Tahoe Branch Assignment Premium: Tahoe Senior Equipment Operator positions are eligible for salary plus up to an additional $1,100 per month Tahoe Branch Assignment Premium for employees who are permanently assigned to a position located in the North Lake Tahoe Area.

BENEFITS

Placer County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees. The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change. Applicants should inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view Placer Public Employees Organization (PPEO) benefits.

For more information regarding the benefits Placer County has to offer, please visit Placer County''s Human Resources website.

DEFINITION

To perform skilled construction and maintenance duties involving the operation of heavy construction equipment with a high degree of skill and independent judgment; to perform complex and difficult road maintenance and repair, traffic striping, tree trimming and removal, and street sign fabrication and installation; and to exercise technical and functional supervision over maintenance staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey level class in the Equipment Operator series. Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed, complexity of duties assigned, independence of action taken, and nature of the public contact made. Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series and exercise technical and functional supervision over maintenance staff. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from a Road District Crew Supervisor and/or higher-level supervisory and management staff.

Exercises technical and functional supervision over maintenance staff and/or other designated crew members.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

General Duties for All Assignment AreasÂ

• Participate in the coordination and scheduling of assigned projects and areas of responsibility; communicate and act as liaison with other departments, divisions, project managers, and outside contractors during all phases of project completion.
• Assist in establishing project parameters and resource requirements within assigned area(s) of responsibility; designate quantity and type of materials and supplies needed; estimate cost and layout of job; purchase materials and supplies.
• Provide lead supervision to assigned staff and crew members; assign and schedule tasks; direct the work being performed.
• Assist supervisor in determining training needs of assigned staff; provide training to staff as needed; provide input into employee performance evaluations upon request; communicate with supervisor regarding employee work performance, including deficiencies.
• Inspect work performed and notify supervisor of any concerns or issues.
• Keep records and prepare reports as required.
• Perform various physical labor tasks; maintain and perform minor repairs on equipment.
• Perform snow removal with heavy equipment, including graders, push plows, and blowers.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, other County employees, and the public using principles of effective customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Functional Assignment Areas

(While the majority of duties assigned to a position typically fall within one of the following areas, incumbents may also be assigned duties that cross multiple areas.)

When assigned to Road Maintenance (in addition to general duties), duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Operate heavy equipment, such as motor graders, heavy duty loaders and cranes, rotary snow plows, chip spreaders, and large semi-truck and trailer equipment transporters for road patching, ditch and culvert cleaning, shoulder clearing, snow removal and ice control, traffic barrier construction, culvert installation, bridge construction and repair, and guard rail installation and repair. Â
• Grade roads to proper line and grades; cut, fill, level, and prepare roadbed; mix spread, compact surfacing material, and finish road surface and shoulder to engineering specifications; assist in equipment maintenance by performing minor service tasks as needed.
• Perform complex tree trimming activities requiring a high degree of skill and independent judgment; advise supervisor regarding trees to be felled; rig appropriately and use tools and equipment to fell.
• Trim, clear, and stack roadside brush and fallen trees; operate chipper and masticator.
• Prepare and mix herbicides for roadside spraying; spray brush and weeds; operate truck or spray rig.
• Perform other road maintenance tasks, including resurfacing, oiling, and patching streets, roads, and other surfaces; clean ditches, clean and replace culverts, lay drainage pipe, build fences, and repair storm drains. Â

When assigned to Signs and Markings (in addition to general duties), duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Design, fabricate, print, plot, repair, install, replace, remove, and clean traffic signs.
• Select and use a variety of paints, coatings, reflective materials, and heat and pressure sensitive materials in the fabrication and repair of traffic signs.
• Create stencils used in the fabrication and repair of traffic signs and devices.
• Maintain inventory of signs and materials.
• Perform non-electrical traffic signal maintenance and operations work.
• Operate pavement striping, air compression, and pneumatic machines and tools to perform difficult and complex traffic sign maintenance duties; perform equipment maintenance and minor repairs and service tasks as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is primarily performed outside in varying environments, including inclement weather, requiring travel to various locations throughout the County in a variety of outdoor weather conditions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and Training

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Two (2) years of experience performing duties similar to an Equipment Operator with Placer County.

Training:Â Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Required License or Certificate

• May need to possess a valid driverâs license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.
• Possession of a valid Class B driver''s license with air brake and tanker endorsements. Hazardous materials endorsement may be required depending upon the position.
• May need to possess a valid Class A driver''s license with air brake and tanker endorsements as required depending upon the position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

General Knowledge and Abilities for All Assignment Areas

Knowledge of:

• Vehicle codes and safety practices relevant to operating heavy vehicles and equipment.
• Principles and practices of work safety.
• Methods and procedures for snow removal.
• Methods of traffic control.
• Office procedures, methods, computer equipment, and relevant software.
• Basic principles and practices of providing lead supervision and training to others.
• Principles and practices of effective customer service.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; observe safety rules and identify safety hazards; analyze problem equipment and systems; recall, identify, and locate equipment and tools; read, interpret, explain, and follow work orders, manuals, schematics, diagrams, drawings, and blueprints; recall street/road names and general geographic areas; analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action; work under time pressure with frequent interruptions; focus on a single task for long periods of time; explain job to others. Â
• Intermittently, sit while completing work papers and reports or while operating equipment; on a continuous basis, sit, walk, stand, balance, bend, squat, crouch, climb, kneel, twist, and reach while operating equipment, installing parts, digging, clearing, and spreading; hear, see, and smell with sufficient acuity to perform essential job functions; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation; speak, use telephone, write, and use keyboard to communicate; lift very heavy weight.
• Perform heavy and continuous physical labor in a safe and effective manner.
• Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Safely and effectively perform duties and operate equipment in regular traffic areas; determine traffic control areas for signing and marking of temporary maintenance or construction zones.
• Work assigned shift, including weekends, holidays, and odd or irregular hours; be subject to emergency call-out and work unusual and prolonged work schedules; work multiple or mandatory shifts during emergencies, seasonally-caused circumstances, or special projects.
• Train, assign, and monitor the work of assigned staff.
• Understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Interact fairly and courteously with others.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.

Functional Assignment Areas

When assigned to Road Maintenance (in addition to the general knowledge and abilities), knowledge and abilities may include, but are not limited to:

Knowledge of:

• County Road Division policies and procedures.
• Construction standards and practices as applied to road maintenance.Â
• Advanced use and purpose of materials, tools, equipment, methods, procedures, and practices used in the construction, maintenance, and repair of roads, streets, sidewalks, signs, and storm drains; in the trimming and removal of trees; and in carpentry, concrete, and small engine repair.Â
• Methods, equipment, and chemicals used in weed control.

Ability to:Â

• Operate equipment, hand tools, power tools, and air tools, including chain saws, power saws, concrete saws, aerial lifts, jackhammers, pickup trucks, dump trucks, chippers, masticators, rakes, shovels, and hand tampers.
• Perform the more complex road construction and maintenance activities.
• Safely handle herbicides and operate spraying equipment.
• Operate various types of heavy equipment to perform complex and difficult road construction and maintenance work requiring a high level of skill and independent judgment, including working within close tolerances and judging distances in ground levels and grade stakes.Â
• Use a high level of skill and independent judgment in climbing, trimming, and felling trees.

When assigned to Signing and Markings (in addition to the general knowledge and abilities), knowledge and abilities may include, but are not limited to:

Knowledge of:Â

• Advanced use and purpose of materials, tools, equipment, methods, procedures, and practices used in the fabrication, installation, maintenance, and repair of traffic signs, including thermoplastic applications.

Ability to:

• Perform the more complex traffic sign fabrication, installation, maintenance, and repair activities.
• Operate a variety of equipment and tools, including large pavement striping machine, forklift, hydraulic lift, pickup truck, paint guns, pumps, compressors, and various hand tools.
• Use drafting tools and computer programs.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Training & Experience Rating (70%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicantâs education, training, and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula. Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

Performance Examination (30%)

The performance examination consists of a series of job-related exercises. The performance examination is tentatively scheduled for the week of July 20, 2026. Applicants will be required to participate in, and successfully pass, the performance examination in order to move forward in the recruitment. Examination details will be sent out via email to qualifying applicants the week of July 13, 2026.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination (which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation), sign a constitutional oath, and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S. For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation (which may include a credit check, voice stress analysis, and/or a polygraph), and/or be bonded. Additionally, positions in law enforcement classifications and those supporting law enforcement functions will be required to complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process. Applicants for positions with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification. Failure to clear these requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that unlawful harassment, discrimination, and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer, and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of the following characteristics: gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race (including traits associated with race, which include, but are not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, ancestry, religion (including creed and belief), national origin, citizenship, primary language, immigration status, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including parental status, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, the personâs use of cannabis off the job and away from the workplace, political orientation, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law or any combination of two or more characteristics stated herein. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

Selection Plan

Tentative Recruitment Timeline

Week of 7/06/2026 - Minimum Qualifications Screening and T&E Rating

Week of 7/13/2026 - Performance Examination Invitations Sent

Week of 7/20/2026 - Performance Examination

Week of 7/27/2026 - Eligible List Established

Conclusion

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Bethany Clinkenbeard, Administrative Technician, at bclinkenbeard@placer.ca.gov or at (530) 886-4669.