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Caltrans Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Caltrans Equipment Operator information

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$13

$22

$31

How much do caltrans equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for caltrans equipment operator in the United States is $22.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Caltrans Equipment Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Caltrans Equipment Operator, you need a valid California commercial driver’s license, experience operating heavy equipment, and a good understanding of safety regulations. Familiarity with equipment such as loaders, graders, backhoes, and snow removal machinery, as well as knowledge of maintenance and inspection protocols, is essential. Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills are important for adapting to changing conditions and ensuring safe operations. These skills are crucial for maintaining California’s roadways efficiently and safely, often under challenging and time-sensitive conditions.

What are some common challenges faced by Caltrans Equipment Operators, and how can they be effectively managed?

Caltrans Equipment Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, operating heavy machinery in high-traffic or remote areas, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. Managing these challenges effectively involves ongoing training, clear communication with team members, and proactive maintenance of equipment. Operators are also encouraged to stay alert and adaptable, as work assignments and environments can change rapidly depending on project needs or emergencies.

What is the difference between Caltrans Equipment Operator vs Caltrans Maintenance Worker?

AspectCaltrans Equipment OperatorCaltrans Maintenance Worker
CredentialsDriver's license, equipment operation certificationsGeneral maintenance certifications, sometimes CDL
Work EnvironmentOperate heavy machinery on highways and construction sitesPerform repairs, landscaping, and roadside maintenance
Employer & IndustryCalifornia Department of Transportation, public infrastructureCalifornia Department of Transportation, public infrastructure

Caltrans Equipment Operators primarily operate heavy machinery like bulldozers and loaders on highways, requiring specialized certifications. Maintenance Workers focus on roadside repairs and landscaping, often with general certifications. Both roles support Caltrans' mission but differ in daily tasks and equipment used.

What are Caltrans Equipment Operators?

Caltrans Equipment Operators are skilled workers responsible for operating and maintaining a variety of heavy equipment used in the construction, maintenance, and repair of California’s state highways and transportation infrastructure. Their duties often include driving trucks, operating graders, loaders, backhoes, and other machinery, as well as performing manual labor as needed. They play a crucial role in ensuring roads are safe and functional by clearing debris, repairing pavement, and assisting during emergencies such as snow removal or natural disasters.
More about Caltrans Equipment Operator jobs
What states have the most Caltrans Equipment Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Caltrans Equipment Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Caltrans Equipment Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Caltrans Equipment Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Caltrans Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,279 per year, or $22.2 per hour.
CALTRANS EQUIPMENT OPERATOR I

CALTRANS EQUIPMENT OPERATOR I

State of California

Sacramento, CA

$21.50 - $27.50/hr

Other

Posted 17 days ago


State Of California rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 112 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description and Duties Under general direction of a Caltrans Maintenance Supervisor (CMS) or designee, employee operates equipment identified as Category 2 used by the assigned unit. Works individually or with a crew performing tasks related to highway maintenance work. Must possess a valid Class B drivers license with a Tank endorsement, Class A are desirable. PARF# 01-26-0078 / JC-520388 Please take this 1-minute Caltrans Recruitment survey to tell us how you found out about this job. https://forms.office.com/g/RyK102ty4G https://youtu.be/oC9wIp8QalI Apply today to join our team!

We especially encourage applicants to check out our Caltrans Career Compass tool! The Caltrans Career Compass is a tool to assist and help candidates understand and succeed in applying to Caltrans positions. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. Working Conditions Position located at 634 CA-96 Willow Creek, Humboldt County. Required to work in a wide range of sometimes extreme weather conditions, including heat up to 120 degrees and cold to 20 degrees. Could be exposed to strong winds, rain, sleet and snow while performing duties.

Will be required to work overtime due to storms, emergencies, special work projects or when Supervision deems that it is in the best interest of the State. Personal safety requirements include: A. Work boots in good study condition must be worn to provide foot and ankle support protection. B. Either long or short sleeve shirts provided by Caltrans or a safety vest worn over no-safety shirts or coats. C.

Long pants. No cutoffs or shorts. D. Provided safety gear; hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection devices, face shields, gloves, respirators, chaps or other safety must be worn when required by the Department. Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification. * CALTRANS EQUIPMENT OPERATOR I Additional Documents * Job Application Package Checklist * Duty Statement Position Details Job Code #: JC-520388 Position #(s): 901-643-6890-XXX Working Title: CALTRANS EQUIPMENT OPERATOR I Classification: CALTRANS EQUIPMENT OPERATOR I $4,571.00 - $5,710.00 New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable. # of Positions: Multiple Work Location: Humboldt County Telework: In Office Job Type: Permanent, Full Time Department Information Caltrans Mission: Improving lives and communities through transportation. Caltrans Vision: A thriving and connected California. The Caltrans workforce is made up of diverse and unique individuals who contribute to our organizational success. Department Website: www.dot.ca.gov Director's EEO Policy: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/equal-employment-opportunity Director's EEO Policy Statement: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/equal-employment-opportunity Special Requirements * The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL).

You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions. * The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired. * Possession of a valid and unrestricted Class B commercial driver license with a N (Tank Vehicle) endorsement. Minimum qualifications: Either I - One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Caltrans Highway Maintenance Worker or Caltrans Landscape Maintenance Worker. Or II Either of the following: 1. Two years of experience in the California Department of Transportation performing the duties of a Service Assistant (Maintenance) including training in and operation of highway maintenance or construction equipment.

or 2. One year of experience within the last five years (this time limitation is extended for a period equivalent to that spent in recognized military service during the last five years) in operating highway construction or maintenance equipment or in operating light trucks requiring a Class B commercial driver license. or 3.

Possession of certification as a Heavy Equipment Operator Technician from a college or university accredited by the California Superintendent of Public Instruction, or a college or university approved by the Bureau on Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education, under the provisions of California Education Code Chapter 3, Part 59, Division 10. For more information about District 1, view here: https://youtu.be/KL60isfvi1s This position is subject to the Post & Bid process. Applications from a certification list, transfer, reinstatement, re-employment, and/or training and development assignment will be accepted for this position, but cannot be acted upon unless the Post & Bid process does not result in a hire. Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are basing your eligibility on education, you must include your unofficial transcript(s)/diploma for verification.

Unofficial, original, or official sealed transcripts will be accepted and may be required upon appointment. Applicants with foreign transcripts/degrees must provide a transcript/degree U.S. equivalency report evaluation that indicates the number of units and degree to which the foreign coursework is equivalent.

Please visit either of the following two websites for a list of evaluation agencies: https://www.naces.org/members or https://aice-eval.org. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers. Application Instructions Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application. Final Filing Date: 6/13/2026 Who May Apply Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available).

SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s). Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s). How To Apply Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting.

Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below: Address for Mailing Application Packages You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to: Department of Transportation N/A Attn: Caltrans DHR Contact Certification Services MS-90 P O Box 168036 Sacramento, CA 95816-8036 Address for Drop-Off Application Packages You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at: Department of Transportation Drop-Off Address Caltrans DHR Contact Classification and Hiring Unit - ECOS 1727 30th Street, MS 90 Sacramento, CA 95816 Closed on weekends and State holidays. 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM Required Application Package Documents The following items are required to be submitted with your application.

Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job: * Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position. * Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview.

The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting. Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate: * Class A driver's license with Tank (N) endorsement Benefits Click HERE to view the Benefits Summary for Civil Service Employees in the State of California. Contact Information The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position. Human Resources Contact: Kevin Hoang (279) 234-2245 kevin.r.hoang@dot.ca.gov Hiring Unit Contact: Anita Trehearne (707) 572-7457 Anita.Trehearne@dot.ca.gov Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled.

You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office. EEO Contact: Caltrans EEO Office (844) 368-3367 Ask.eeo@dot.ca.gov California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device. Important Application Instructions: The State application (STD. 678) is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. For mailed or hand delivered applications to be considered for this position, the Job Control number (JC-520388), PARF# 01-26-0078 and title of the position (Caltrans Equipment Operator I) must be included on the STD.

678 form. Electronic applications through your CalCareers account are highly recommended and encouraged. Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications based on possession of EDUCATION, LICENSE, OR CERTIFICATE must include a copy of your DEGREE/TRANSCRIPTS, LICENSE, or CERTIFICATE, along with your State application (STD. 678), to be considered for this position. NOTE: Do not submit the "Equal Employment Opportunity" questionnaire (page 5) with your completed State application (STD. 678).

This page is for examination use only. Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number, birth date, driver's license number, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age.

The job application packet checklist is not required to apply for this position. Failure to follow these instructions may result in your application not being considered for this position. Equal Opportunity Employer The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.


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About State of California

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State of California is not a company but the governmental organization that oversees the operations and welfare of the U.S. state of California, with its headquarters located in Sacramento, CA. Its industry encompasses a broad spectrum of public services and operations, including education, public safety, healthcare, and environmental protection, among others. Founded as a state in 1850 as part of the United States, the State of California operates under a constitution that was ratified in 1879. It holds the mission of improving the lives of its residents through efficient and innovative public services and policy-making. The State of California has been recognized for its notable achievements in environmental stewardship, technological innovation in public services, and for having one of the largest economies globally.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Sacramento, CA, US

Year founded

1927

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