Road Equipment Operator I (Open and Promotional) (20752017)

The Department of Public Works is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Road Equipment Operator I.

The Road Equipment Operator performs construction and maintenance of roadways, creeks, bridges, channels, associated landscape areas, storm drains, and sewers using bulldozers, large loaders, rollers, and mowers. Road Equipment Operators also operate medium and light duty equipment and heavy-duty trucks used to transport equipment and materials. Additionally, Road Equipment Operators make minor adjustments and emergency repairs to equipment and perform road maintenance work involving manual labor as needed.

 

Examples Of Duties

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

• Operate heavy road maintenance and construction equipment, including graders, bulldozers, large loaders, backhoes, hydraulic excavators, rollers and mowers.
• Operate medium and light duty equipment and all types of trucks used to transport equipment and materials.
• Service and make minor adjustments and emergency repairs to equipment.
• Prepare records and reports.
• Perform general road maintenance worker duties as necessary.
• Direct the work of a crew in the absence of the Road Equipment Supervisor as necessary.
• Assist in training subordinate personnel in equipment operation.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Licensure/Certification: 

• Possession and maintenance of a valid California-issued Class A Commercial Driver License with tank vehicle endorsement.

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

Road Equipment Operator I: Two years of experience in road maintenance and construction work.  Satisfactory completion of the Department-sponsored training program in the operation of rollers, loaders, bulldozers, etc. or one year of experience in the operation of rollers, loaders, bulldozers, etc.

Knowledge of:  

• Provisions of the California Vehicle Code applying to the operation of vehicles.
• Safety practices in the operation of heavy construction equipment.
• Road maintenance and construction operations, materials and procedures.
• Operation of and preventive maintenance for trucks and road maintenance equipment.

Skill/Ability to: 

• Operate a wide variety of complex road construction and maintenance equipment and light and medium duty trucks including graders, bulldozers, loaders, backhoes, excavators, rollers and mowers.
• Make minor adjustments and emergency repairs to equipment.
• Perform road maintenance duties which require strength, agility and endurance.
• Instruct and train personnel in road maintenance tasks.
• Work courteously and effectively with the public and with co-workers.
• Follow oral and/or written instructions.
• Climb, bend, stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Lift and carry equipment (50 lbs. min.) and supplies (50 lbs. min.) used in construction and maintenance work.
• Meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol testing requirements and standards for holder of a commercial driver’s license.

Application/Examination

Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply.  Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees 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 will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: Pass/Fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a Performance Exam (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not 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. 

In addition, a copy of the Class A Commercial driver license must be attached to the application.
 
IMPORTANT:  Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the “Apply” button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted in addition to the standard County employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.
 
Tentative Recruitment Schedule
Application Deadline: Monday, July 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST
Application Screening: Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Performance Exams: Wednesday, July 29, 2026
 

About the 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.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, 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.