CALTRANS EQUIPMENT OPERATOR II

Caltrans; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Caltrans seeks an Equipment Operator II to support highway maintenance in Santa Cruz County. The role focuses on operating and servicing category A & B equipment for at least half the time, with additional non-equipment duties as needed.

Applicants must hold a valid Class A CDL with Tank Vehicle endorsement and will undergo a drug screening. Eligibility is determined by the Caltrans Equipment Operator II Exam; multiple positions are available.

Qualifications

• Valid Class A commercial driver's license with Tank Vehicle endorsement.
• Drug screening required prior to hire.
• Eligibility determined by Caltrans Equipment Operator II Exam.

Responsibilities

• Operate and service highway maintenance, landscape or construction equipment (category A & B) at least 50% of the time.
• May be assigned to perform non-equipment operation duties as part of normal assignments.
• Perform tasks such as paving, shoulder grading, mowing, ditch cleaning, patching, sign/guardrail repairs, traffic control, litter pickup and related duties.

Job description

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.

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-531153

Position #(s): 905-620-6286-918

Working Title: Caltrans Equipment Operator II

Classification: CALTRANS EQUIPMENT OPERATOR II

$4,883.00 - $6,127.00

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: Santa Cruz 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

Under the supervision of a Caltrans Maintenance Supervisor, the Equipment Operator II is responsible for operating and servicing highway maintenance, landscape or construction equipment (identified as category A & B by Caltrans) at least 50% or more of the time. Incumbent may be assigned to perform non-equipment operation duties as part of their normal assignments. Operate Class I and Class II equipment used by the assigned unit. When not operating the specified equipment, accomplish tasks normally performed by the assigned unit. Such tasks may include, but are not limited to: paving, shoulder grading, mowing, ditch cleaning, dig outs, pavement patching, repair or replacement of guide markers, signs, fence, guardrail, clean culverts, traffic control, litter pick up, maintenance of roadside rests, and any other duties that would normally be assigned to a Highway Maintenance Worker or Landscape Maintenance Worker.

PARF# 05-27-0116 / JC-531153

Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Caltrans Equipment Operator II Exam. For those who do not have current eligibility (e.g., transfer, permissive reinstatement, or voluntary demotions) and/or who will be new to state civil services employment, you must be on the state examination list to be eligible for these positions.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) a valid Class A commercial driver’s license, with Tank Vehicle (N) endorsement.
• 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.

Required Application Package Documents

• 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.

Final Filing Date

9/20/2026

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).

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.