Backhoe Loader Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $68,785.60 - $84,406.40 Annually
Location : County of San Diego, CA
Job Type: Regular - Full time
Job Number: 26603503CL
Department: Public Works, Dept of (Gen)
Division: Landfill Closure Supp-Gf
Opening Date: 06/10/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Job Summary
Excellent Career Opportunity County of San Diego - Department of Public Works
HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - CLOSED LANDFILLS
Practical exams and interviews will take place on an ongoing basis.
The starting salary for this position will be based on the candidate's qualifications at time of appointment.
Future Salary Increases
** June 2027 - 5.23% increase to base pay (2.90% Across-the- Board + 2.33% Market Adjustment)
The following additional pay incentives and premiums are available
** $1,250 Recruitment Bonus
** Additional $1,250 Bonus after successful completion of the probation period***This hard to recruit position qualifies for the Employee Referral Reward Program. If a current County of San Diego employee referred you to apply for this position, please indicate the employee's name on your job application in the space provided. ***
In addition to the base salary, employees in this job class may receive a fifty cent ($0.50) per hour premium while tree trimming, and a twenty-five cents ($0.25) per hour premium while operating a motor sweeper.
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.
We are currently seeking a skilled Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team. As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you will maintain County closed landfills and burn sites, supporting regulatory compliance and protecting public health and safety. Heavy Equipment Operators support major maintenance projects, operate heavy equipment, and perform minor maintenance including manual labor duties via the use of hand tools and hand work. The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic and a commitment to safety.
The Department of Public Works Closed Landfill program has multiple vacancies in San Marcos, CA
Hiring Process & Timeline:
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.

1. Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
2. Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
3. 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
Education, training, and/or experience, that demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above. Qualifying education/experience: 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 in the construction or repair of roadways which included the operation of motorized equipment such as motor-graders, chippers, forklifts, skid-steer loaders striping equipment, backhoes, loaders, and dump trucks of various sizes and capacities; OR,
2. One (1) year of full-time experience as a Road Maintenance Worker with the County of San Diego.

Required Licenses, Certifications or Registrations
A valid California Class B driver's license with tank and air brake endorsements is required at time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment in this class. Some positions require possession of a California Class A driver's license. Employees in this class are subject to random drug testing per DOT guidelines. A current medical certificate is required at time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
The Practical Exam is designed to assess applicants' skills in using the following equipment:
1. Ten-yard dump truck
2. Loader
3. Shovels and hand tools
4. Fiber Roll
5. One of the two following pieces of equipment based on applicant's preference: Backhoe or Skidsteer.
In addition, the practical exam is designed to identify if the candidate possesses a valid California Class B (or higher) driver's license with tank and air brake endorsements. If you are invited to the practical exam, you must bring your license with you and present it upon request. Persons not possessing a California Class B license or higher with tank and air brake endorsements at the time of the practical exam will not be allowed to participate in the exam and will not continue.
Please read the Heavy Equipment Operator job description for more information including minimum qualifications, examples of duties, essential functions, etc.
On February 7, 2022, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) implemented the federal Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements for commercial driver license (CDL) applicants. ELDT must be conducted by a registered training provider listed on the federal Training Provider Registry (TPR).
In addition to the federal requirements, California resident applying for an original CDL (Class A or B) must complete a minimum of 15 hours of behind-the-wheel training and submit a California Commercial Driver Behind The Wheel Training Certification (DL 1236) to DMV as proof of completion prior to the issuance of their CDL.
For more information regarding ELDT, please visit:
For more information about the TPR, visit:
Blind Applicant Screening
The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide 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 will help 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.
Conditions 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. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
Evaluation
The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month eligible list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment and supplemental application.
Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application form 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.
Accommodation
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions 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 Policy
The 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. Please read the for additional information.
Military Skills Translator
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the to access the tool.
Strategic Plan
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. Please see the for more information.
Disaster Service Worker
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.
Diversity & Inclusion
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 be sure to answer the following questions in a thorough and complete manner.
By checking the 'Yes' below, I indicate that I have read and understand the instructions for completing the supplemental questionnaire.
I understand that the written responses to the supplemental question(s) listed below are required in order to evaluate my qualifications for this position.
Please do NOT indicate "See Resume," or "See Application" as these are not acceptable answers.
Do you understand this information?

• Yes
• No

02
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Please check the box pertaining to how you meet the minimum qualifications as described on the job posting.

• Two (2) years of experience in the construction or repair of roadways which included the operation of motorized equipment such as motor-graders, chippers, forklifts, skid-steer loaders striping equipment, backhoes, loaders, and dump trucks of various sizes and capacities.
• One (1) year of full-time experience as a Road Maintenance Worker with the County of San Diego.
• I do not have the required experience.

03
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The working conditions of an Equipment Operator involve working without protection from the weather. Equipment Operators are subject to traffic, dust and noise. Work schedules may require working multiple shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays due to department's response to inclement weather conditions and/or emergencies.
Are you willing to work in these conditions?

• Yes
• No

04
The following must be obtained at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment in this job class:1. A valid California Class B (or higher) driver's license with tank and air brake endorsements, AND2. A current medical card. DO YOU UNDERSTAND THIS INFORMATION?

• Yes
• No

05
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 Equipment Operator:

• California Class A Commercial Driver's License
• California Class B Commercial Driver's License
• California Class A Permit
• California Class B Permit
• California Class C Driver's License
• None of the above

06
If you selected Class A and/or Class B California Driver's License in Question #5 above, please check the box or boxes below if your driver's license has any of the following:

• Tank and Air Brake Endorsements
• None of the above apply to my Class A and/or Class B California Driver's License(s)

07
If you selected that you have a California Class A or Class B license in Question 5, please list your license number and date of expiration.If you have your California Class A Commercial Driver's Permit or California Class B Commercial Driver's Permit, please list N/A.
08
If you selected California Class A or California Class B permit in Question #5, please list the date your permit was issued and the anticipated date you expect to receive the license. If you do not have a California Class A or California Class B permit, please indicate N/A.
09
If you selected that you have a California Class A or California Class B Permit in Question 5, please list the date you received your permit.If you have your