Posted: Sep 16, 2026
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Parks Heavy Equipment Operator

Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation - San Jose, ca
Full-time
Salary: $90,600.64 - $109,489.12 Annually
Application Deadline: Oct 15, 2026
Parks and Recreation

Description

 

Under general supervision, to operate a variety of heavy and complex equipment used in the construction, maintenance, and repair of County Parks and Recreation facilities and open space areas.


 

Typical Tasks

 

The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

 

  • Operates a variety of heavy equipment, including but not limited to bulldozers, tractors, graders, heavy trucks, loaders, water trucks, compactors, backhoes, and excavators to construct, enhance, restore, maintain, and repair park facilities and open space areas, including but not limited to firebreaks, trails, roads, park lawns and grounds, various habitats, and culverts over a large geographic area;

 

  • Operates equipment for cleanup and removal of hazards, including but not limited to tree stumps, dead trees, landslides, flood debris, and storm damage;

 

  • Operates heavy transport trucks, dump trucks, and semitrailers to transport equipment and materials to and from job sites;

 

  • Assists in the overhaul and repair of gasoline, diesel, electric, and alternative fuel powered equipment; auxiliary engines, pumps, mowers, hydraulic rams, and other related equipment;

 

  • Assists in the construction and repair of Park facilities, features, and equipment, including fences, gates, signs, and other non-structural work, which may include acetylene, tungsten inert gas (TIG), metal inert gas (MIG), and/or electric welding, and plasma cutting;

 

  • Evaluates project sites, develops materials lists, identifies equipment needs, calculates measurements, estimates costs, reads and interprets technical specifications and plans, and recommends and implements changes for projects requiring the use of heavy equipment;

 

  • Inspects job sites for potential hazards and determines necessary precautions for the safe operation of equipment;

 

  • Performs minor repairs and routine maintenance on heavy equipment;

 

  • Maintains paper and electronic records of work performed and equipment used;

 

  • Operates equipment for park wildland fire prevention practices, including prescribed burns and post-fire cleanup operations;

  • Acts as the Subject Matter Expert, and project authority to park personnel, temporary employees, and volunteers on assigned tasks and projects utilizing heavy and/or sophisticated equipment;
  • May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required*; 

  • Performs other related duties, as required.

 

Employment Standards

 

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities: 

 

Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through training and experience equivalent to a high school diploma; 

 

and

 

Two (2) years of experience operating heavy equipment, which included the transportation of heavy equipment requiring a Class A Commercial Driver’s License. 

 

Special Requirements 

  • Possession of a Class A Commercial Driver’s License with no restrictions, a Tanker Endorsement, and any other licenses or endorsements required to operate the equipment.

 

  • Possession and maintenance of a Forklift Operator’s Certification within six (6) months of appointment. 

 

  • May be required to complete basic wildland fire training. 

 

  • May be required to obtain an American Welding Society (AWS) Welder Certification or equivalent.

 

  • Must successfully complete LiveScan background investigation and maintain clearance throughout the term of employment.

 

  • Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.

 

  • *As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers, including extra help. A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

  

Knowledge of:

  • Methods, capabilities, limitations, and safety practices associated with the operation and transportation of heavy equipment;

 

  • Welding methods, equipment, and materials;

 

  • Common computer systems and applications;

 

  • Principles of effectively leading a work crew.

 

Ability to:

  • Safely and effectively operate and maintain heavy equipment;

 

  • Lead personnel in equipment operation work;

 

  • Make minor repairs and adjustments to equipment;

 

  • Follow oral and written directions in English;

 

  • Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing;

 

  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and other agencies;

 

  • Work collaboratively with those contacted in the course of work on a variety of cross-functional departmental initiatives in order to achieve department goals;

 

  • Utilize specialized departmental computer programs, including maintenance and asset management software and timekeeping programs.

 

Physical Requirements

 

  • Work under adverse environmental conditions, such as uneven terrain, dust, noise, vibration, fumes, odors, poor ventilation, cramped quarters, and inadequate lighting with use of task-appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE);

  • Climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, work overhead, and grasp;

  • Lift and carry materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds;

  • Work outside in variable temperatures and weather conditions;

  • Must conform to departmental uniform standards.