LIGHT EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

Port of Los Angeles; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Los Angeles is seeking candidates for the Light Equipment Operator examinations. The role involves operating light tractors and related equipment, with responsibilities including equipment maintenance and safety compliance.

A valid DMV license is required, with additional license and medical certificate requirements for specific departments. Applicants must document equipment experience and will undergo a two-part exam: a qualifying online multiple-choice test and a weighted performance

Qualifications

• One year of full-time paid experience in the operation of light diesel or gasoline-powered wheel tractors.
• For RAP and Zoo: must have a valid California DMV Class C driver's license at appointment.
• For Public Works - Bureau of Street Services: must have a valid Class B driver's license and a valid DMV medical certificate.
• Applicants must list equipment used and the percentage of time in the Work History section.
• Other eligibility and testing requirements are described in the notice.

Responsibilities

• Operates light wheeled tractors or skiploaders with attached gang mowers, discs, loaders, and other attachments; may operate smaller equipment and perform minor running repairs.
• May operate large rotary and reel mowers and dump trucks; drives trucks as an incidental duty.
• Adheres to safety and maintenance procedures and keeps equipment in good working order.
• Participates in the examination process including online testing and performance assessment.

Job description

ANNUAL SALARY

$54,455 to $79,636

NOTE

Annual salary is at the start of the pay range. The current salary range is subject to change. Please confirm the starting salary with the hiring department before accepting a job offer.

A Light Equipment Operator operates light wheeled tractors or skiploaders with attached gang mowers, discs, loaders, and other various attachments; operates other types of small equipment, including light tracked equipment in some assignments, and makes minor running repairs and adjustments to equipment; may operate large rotary and reel mowers and dump trucks; and drives trucks as an incidental duty. One year of full-time paid experience in the operation of light diesel or gasoline-powered wheel tractors.

PROCESS NOTES

1. Applicants who lack six months or less of the required experience at the time of filing may file for this examination. However, they cannot be appointed until the full experience requirement has been met.
2. The positions of Light Equipment Operator in the Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) and the Los Angeles Zoo require a valid Class C driver’s license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at the time of appointment. The positions of Light Equipment Operator in the Department of Public Works - Bureau of Street Services require a valid Class B driver’s license and valid medical certificate issued and approved by the DMV at the time of appointment. Candidates will not be eligible for appointment to these positions if their DMV record within the last 36 months reflects three or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents, or a conviction of a major moving violation such as DUI.
3. Applicants must list the type of equipment used and the percentage of time in performing the experience as qualifying in the Work History Section of the application. Only the amount of time in operating light diesel or gasoline-powered wheel tractors will be prorated to yield qualifying full-time experience.

Applicants are urged to apply early to ensure you have time to resolve any technical issues you may encounter.

Applications must be received by THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2025.

An additional Filing Period will be added at a later date.

Examination Weights

Multiple-Choice Test - Qualifying

Performance Test - 100%

The examination will consist of a qualifying multiple-choice test and a weighted performance test. The qualifying multiple-choice test will be administered and proctored on-line, and the following competencies may be evaluated: Judgment and Decision Making; Self-Management; Safety Focus; Teamwork; Follow Written Directions; Job Knowledge, including knowledge of: proper maintenance, adjustment, and removal of gang units from tractors and mowers; proper procedures for attaching, securing, and removing an equipment trailer from a light truck and/or equipment to/from a trailer; proper procedure for attaching, using, and adjusting attachments to a Tractor-C; proper and correct maintenance of Tractor-C equipment, such as tractors, mowers, and/or moving parts for front and rear attachments; procedures for performing routine maintenance, adjustments, and/or minor repairs on equipment such as hydrostatic and/or rotary motors; and other necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Additional job analysis information can be obtained by going to https://personnel.lacity.gov/jobs/job-analyses.cfm and clicking on Competencies under Light Equipment Operator.

The multiple-choice test will be proctored and administered on-line during a single session. Candidates invited to participate in the on-line multiple-choice test will be able to take the test from a remote location (i.e., their home) using a computer with a webcam and a reliable internet connection. Candidates will receive an e-mail from the City of Los Angeles outlining the dates and specific steps on how to take the multiple-choice test on-line. It is anticipated that the on-line multiple-choice test will be administered between TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2025 and MONDAY, MAY 5, 2025. Candidates who do not complete and submit the remote proctored multiple-choice test on-line using a computer by the specified date and time will not be considered further in this examination.

FAQs for on-line testing are available at https://personnel.lacity.gov/faqs/employment-testing-process.html. Candidates who do not have the required equipment may have the option to take the multiple-choice test onsite at a City facility.

Passing Score for the Qualifying Multiple- Choice Test

The passing score for the qualifying multiple-choice test will be determined by Personnel Department staff after the qualifying multiple-choice is administered. Consideration will be given to the number of candidates taking the test and the existing and anticipated number of vacancies, such that there are a significant number of eligibles on the list to satisfy current and future vacancies for the next two years.

Therefore, the passing score for the qualifying multiple-choice test may be set at, above, or below 70%.

Candidates must achieve a passing score on the qualifying multiple-choice test in order to be scheduled for the performance test.

The examination score will be based entirely on a demonstration of job knowledge by performance in which you may be required to operate a hydraulic gang mower and a skip loader, or other small equipment. In the weighted performance test portion of the examination, the following competencies may be evaluated: Safety Focus; Job Knowledge, including knowledge of: proper procedures for attaching, using, and adjusting attachments to a Tractor-C; proper and correct maintenance of Tractor-C equipment, such as tractors, mowers, and/or moving parts for front and rear attachments; procedures for performing routine maintenance, adjustments, and/or minor repairs on equipment such as hydrostatic and/or rotary motors; and Equipment Operation, including operation of: a tractor equipped with a rear-attached gang unit, large turn rotary mowers, and/or hydrostatic mowers; a Tractor-C using a variety of rear-attached equipment and front-end attachments; and other necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities.

As part of the performance test, candidates will also be asked a series of job-related questions. The candidates’ answers to these questions will be considered in the raters’ overall evaluation of the candidate’s job qualifications for Light Equipment Operator. Candidates who operate the equipment in an unsafe manner will be disqualified and considered to have failed the entire examination.

Candidates will be notified later by e-mail of the date, time, and location of the performance test, which will be held in Los Angeles.

NOTES

1. This examination is based on a validation study, and as provided by Civil Service Commission Rule 4.20, the multiple-choice test will not be subject to candidate inspection.
2. As a covered entity under the Fair Employment and Housing Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to programs, services, and activities. To request a disability accommodation, please complete the Disability Accommodation Form within 14 calendar days of the submittal of the City application. The Disability Accommodation Form can be obtained at http://per.lacity.org/exams/verify_disability.pdf.
3. Applications are accepted subject to review to ensure that the minimum qualification is met. Candidates may be disqualified at any time if it is determined that they do not possess the minimum qualification stated on this bulletin.
4. Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1994, you may be required to undergo mandatory drug and alcohol testing prior to and during employment in this class.
5. The incumbents of some positions in this class may be required to pass an annual or periodic work fitness evaluation to determine their eligibility for continued employment in this class.
6. You must have received a regular appointment to a City position or be on a reserve list to file on a promotional basis.
7. Seniority credit at the rate of 0.25 of a point for each year of continuous classified City service will be added to the weighted test score of each candidate.
8. A final average score of 70% or higher in the performance test portion of the examination is required to be placed on the eligible list.
9. Your rank on the employment list may change as candidates from other administrations of the examination are merged onto one list.
10. You may take the Light Equipment Operator multiple-choice test only once every 24 months under this bulletin. If you have taken the Light Equipment Operator multiple-choice test during an open filing period in the Personnel Department within the last 24 months under this bulletin, you may not file for this examination at this time.
11. Your name will be removed from the eligible list after 24 months.

THIS EXAMINATION IS TO BE GIVEN ONLY ON AN INTERDEPARTMENTAL PROMOTIONAL BASIS

The City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, creed, color, ancestry, medical condition (cancer), or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

For additional information and FAQs regarding the City's hiring process, please go to: https://per.lacity.org/faqs/employment-testing-process.html