Parks and Open Space Equipment Operator (Departmental Promotional Only)

Job Description:

Parks and Open Space Equipment Operator (Departmental Promotional Only)

Description

Description

The Parks Department is seeking highly qualified candidates for the Parks and Open Space Equipment Operator. Under general supervision, this position is responsible for operating a variety of heavy and complex equipment used in the construction, maintenance, repair, and improvement of County park and recreational facilities throughout the County park system. The incumbent performs skilled equipment operation in support of park infrastructure projects and maintenance activities across a large geographic area.

Typical duties include operating tractors, heavy trucks, loaders, excavators, and other heavy equipment to construct and maintain park roads, trails, grounds, and related facilities. The incumbent utilizes specialized equipment to perform excavation and grading work, prepare ditches and trenches, and install or repair utilities, irrigation systems, culverts, and other park infrastructure.

The position is responsible for operating heavy equipment to remove hazards and respond to storm-related emergencies, including the removal of tree stumps, dead or hazardous trees, landslides, flood debris, and other storm damage. The incumbent also operates heavy transport vehicles, dump trucks, and semitrailers to transport equipment, materials, and supplies to various park locations.

Additional responsibilities include using specialized attachments and equipment to maintain park lawns, meadows, rights-of-way, and other landscaped areas; performing routine inspections, minor repairs, and preventative maintenance on assigned equipment; maintaining records of work completed, equipment usage, and maintenance activities; and performing other related duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate is a skilled and safety-conscious heavy equipment operator with experience operating a variety of construction and maintenance equipment in outdoor environments. They possess a strong working knowledge of heavy equipment operation, road construction and maintenance practices, and preventative equipment maintenance. The successful candidate demonstrates sound judgment, works independently with minimal supervision, and is committed to maintaining safe and efficient operations in a park setting.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience operating a variety of heavy construction and maintenance equipment, including tractors, loaders, dump trucks, and other specialized equipment used in park, road, or public works maintenance.
• Be proficient in operating heavy equipment in rugged, uneven, and environmentally sensitive terrain.
• Possess knowledge of road construction, grading, excavation, and maintenance techniques.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to workplace safety and safe equipment operation practices.
• Have the ability to perform routine inspections and minor maintenance and repairs on assigned equipment.
• Be able to accurately estimate project material needs and coordinate trucking services and rental equipment to support field operations.
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a team while managing multiple assignments and priorities.
• Follow written and verbal instructions and communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate records related to equipment usage, maintenance, and project activities.
• Be flexible and responsive in addressing emergencies, storm damage, and other urgent maintenance needs throughout the County park system.

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

• Operate tractors, heavy trucks, loaders and other types of heavy equipment to construct and maintain park facilities, including roads and trails, over a large geographic area.
• Operate equipment for clean-up and removal of hazards including tree stumps, dead trees, land slides, flood debris and other storm damage.
• Operate a variety of specialized equipment to prepare ditches and excavations for the installation and repair of utilities, sprinkler systems and road culverts.
• Operate heavy transport trucks, dump trucks and semitrailers to transport equipment and materials.
• Operate heavy equipment with attachments to maintain park lawns, meadows, grounds and right of ways.
• Perform minor repairs and routine maintenance on heavy equipment.
• Maintain records of work performed and equipment used.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Departmental Status : An applicant must be a current County of San Mateo employee of the Parks Department, with at least 1040 hours (equivalent to six months) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra help/ limited term position prior to the final filing date may apply.

Knowledge of:

• Operation and use of heavy construction and maintenance equipment including tractors, trucks and loaders.
• Mechanical maintenance and repair of construction equipment.
• Road construction and maintenance practices and techniques.
• Safety practices in the operation of heavy equipment.
• Provisions of the California Vehicle Code pertaining to the operation of trucks and other heavy equipment.

Skill/Ability to:

• Operate a variety of heavy equipment in rugged terrain.
• Make minor repairs to heavy equipment.
• Follow written and oral instructions.
• Work independently without direct supervision.
• Estimate materials and line up trucking and needed rental equipment for projects.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

Experience: Two years of experience operating heavy construction and maintenance equipment.

Licensure/Certification:

• Must obtain class A California driver license or equivalent within 6 months of appointment.

Application/Examination
Departmental Promotional Only. Only current County of San Mateo employees in the Parks Department with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra help/limited term position prior to the final filing date may apply. A supplemental application form must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click on the " Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org to apply. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

The examination will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based heavily on the candidate's responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%) which may include a pre-interview written exercise and/or performance exercise(s). Depending on the number of applicants an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or a screening committee may select those applicants whose education and/or experience appear to best meet the needs of the position or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group candidates by level of qualification. Because of this process, not all applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Application Deadline: Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST
Application Screening: Friday, July 10, 2026
Combined Panel Interviews: Wednesday, July 15, 2026

San Mateo County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

As an employer, the County of San Mateo is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.


The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.




Talent Acquisition Analyst: Arlene Cahill

Salary:

$9,034.13 - $10,769.20 Monthly