What are the responsibilities and job description for the Equipment Operator position at City of Arcadia?
ABOUT ARCADIA
Nestled along the rolling foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest, Arcadia is a charming, family-oriented community with a population of just over 57,000. Located only 13 miles east from downtown Los Angeles, regional transportation networks like the Metro Gold Line connect Arcadia as a premier residential, shopping, and entertainment destination in the San Gabriel Valley. Arcadia is known for its top-rated schools, iconic landmarks, and serene neighborhoods. Arcadia is an award-winning community having been twice named as the Best City in California in which to Raise Kids and has been recognized as a business-friendly City in Los Angeles County.
With many exciting new developments underway including the downtown revitalization around the Metro A Line Station, new hotels, affordable housing projects, and a thriving regional shopping mall, joined with the conveniences and amenities of a full-service, mid-size city, Arcadia’s “Community of Homes” provides a quality of life that will go Above & Beyond your expectations.
ABOUT US
The Public Works Department is seeking an experienced Equipment Operator who is technically competent, detail and solution-oriented, with a great attitude. The incumbent assigned to this position will operate a variety of light and heavy duty construction equipment including pick up truck, street sweeper, and many others along with performing maintenance and repair work on streets, sidewalks, and water distribution systems.
If you are up for the challenge and would like to further grow your career with the City of Arcadia, you are highly encouraged to submit a complete, detailed application.
DESIRED QUALITIES
Application Submission Deadline: Application filing period will close at 11:59 PM on Sunday, December 28, 2025
Qualifications Appraisal Interviews (100%) and Practical Exam (Pass/Fail): Thursday, January 15, 2026 (Tentative)
DEFINITION
Under direction, to operate a full range of heavy and light equipment in repairing and maintaining City streets and rights-of-way and water and sewer systems; and to participate in a variety of skilled and semi-skilled maintenance and repair work involved in the maintenance and repair of streets and City-owned utilities, rights-of-way and properties.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
May exercise technical and functional supervision over lower level staff.
EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Operate a variety of light and heavy duty construction equipment including pick up truck, street sweeper, dump truck, sewer cleaning equipment back hoe, crane truck, skip loader, front end loader, heavy and light tapping machines, jack hammer, portable and bench-mounted power tools, concrete saw, pipe locating equipment, leak locating equipment, cement mixer, valve truck, and threading machine taps and dies.
Perform maintenance and repair work on streets, sidewalks, and water distribution system; remove damaged paving; compact, fill, repave, and repair paved surfaces with asphalt, concrete, brick, and interlocking pavers; make periodic inspections and perform maintenance on structures and equipment.
Remove weeds and trim other plant growth, including trees, along streets, sidewalks, and rights-of-way to ensure access, draining, and vehicle sight distance requirements; remove debris from gutters, drop inlets, culverts, and manholes; maintain storm drain system.
Facilitate contact with USA Dig Alert to assure advance notification and safety verification of each job site.
Perform flagging or other traffic control in maintenance projects and in emergency situations.
Install and modify meter boxes and lids.
Install, modify, and repair pumping plant and well piping and appurtenances.
Install, modify, and repair water supply piping, valves, and appurtenances.
Construct, maintain, and repair concrete block, concrete, or wooden structures.
EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Clean and paint buildings, reservoirs, and other structures.
Install, maintain, and repair fences and gates.
OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES
Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Knowledge Of:
JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Methods and techniques of operating diesel and gasoline heavy and light equipment.
Operations, services and activities of a public works maintenance program.
Methods and techniques of public works construction, maintenance, and repair.
Operational characteristics of mechanical equipment and tools used in public works maintenance and water and sewer system maintenance.
Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
Principles and procedures of record keeping.
Safe driving principles and practices.
Skill To:
Operate a variety of vehicular and stationary mechanical equipment in a safe and efficient manner including pick up truck, street sweeper, sewer cleaning equipment, dump truck, back hoe, crane truck, skip loader, heavy and light tapping machines, jack hammer, portable and bench-mounted power tools, concrete saw, pipe locating equipment, leak locating equipment, cement mixer, valve truck, and threading machine taps and dies.
Use and operate the full range of hand tools and power tools, in a safe and efficient manner.
Perform a variety of heavy manual labor for extended periods of time and in unfavorable weather conditions.
Operate a motor vehicle safely.
Ability To:
Make minor repairs and adjustments to equipment.
Perform the full range of skilled and semi-skilled maintenance, construction and repair work.
Work independently in the absence of supervision.
Perform preventive maintenance on mechanical equipment.
Apply good judgment and practical knowledge to resolve unusual or irregular problems in the area of work assigned.
Perform duties in a manner to maximize public safety in the area of work assigned.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Perform stand-by duty as part of a regular rotation.
Experience:
Four years of experience in maintenance and construction work including two years of experience operating heavy equipment.
Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by journey level training in equipment operation.
License Or Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain within one year, a valid Class "A" driver's license.
Possession of, or ability to obtain within one year, an appropriate public works Certificate from a community college or equivalent OR Water Distribution Operator Grade II Certificate issued by the State of California Department of Health Services.
Special Requirements:
Essential duties require the following physical abilities and work environment:
Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, and lift 100 lbs.; exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, confining work space, chemicals, dust, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards; ability to travel to different sites and locations; availability for on call, stand-by, and emergency call.
Application:
A fully completed online application is required to be submitted. Incomplete, late, emailed, faxed and hard copy applications are not accepted. Resumes are not considered in lieu of the required online employment application. All certificates, resumes, cover letters, and other documents requested by the City for the position advertised, must be uploaded with your online application.
The Selection Process:
Those candidates who are determined to be best qualified based upon the information presented on the application materials will be invited to continue in the selection process which may include a qualifying written or performance evaluation and will include an interview weighted 100%. The City reserves the right to limit the number of interviews conducted. Candidates will be notified via e-mail or telephone if they qualify to move to the next step in the selection process. The interview score will determine ranking on the eligibility list and will remain in effect for one year.
Pre-employment background and medical examinations are additional requirements for hire. Failure on any part of the selection process will result in removal from the recruitment process. Please Note: If you have a disability that may require an accommodation in the selection process, please notify Human Resources in writing when you submit your application.
Nestled along the rolling foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest, Arcadia is a charming, family-oriented community with a population of just over 57,000. Located only 13 miles east from downtown Los Angeles, regional transportation networks like the Metro Gold Line connect Arcadia as a premier residential, shopping, and entertainment destination in the San Gabriel Valley. Arcadia is known for its top-rated schools, iconic landmarks, and serene neighborhoods. Arcadia is an award-winning community having been twice named as the Best City in California in which to Raise Kids and has been recognized as a business-friendly City in Los Angeles County.
With many exciting new developments underway including the downtown revitalization around the Metro A Line Station, new hotels, affordable housing projects, and a thriving regional shopping mall, joined with the conveniences and amenities of a full-service, mid-size city, Arcadia’s “Community of Homes” provides a quality of life that will go Above & Beyond your expectations.
ABOUT US
The Public Works Department is seeking an experienced Equipment Operator who is technically competent, detail and solution-oriented, with a great attitude. The incumbent assigned to this position will operate a variety of light and heavy duty construction equipment including pick up truck, street sweeper, and many others along with performing maintenance and repair work on streets, sidewalks, and water distribution systems.
If you are up for the challenge and would like to further grow your career with the City of Arcadia, you are highly encouraged to submit a complete, detailed application.
DESIRED QUALITIES
- Team Player
- Solution-oriented
- Creative and innovated
- Excellent communication skills
- Excellent Time Management Skills
- CalPERS retirement plan
- Three tier monthly benefit allowance of up to:
- $866 Employee only coverage
- $1,440 Employee 1 coverage
- $1,800 Family Coverage
- City paid Vision Plan for employee and family
- City paid Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long-Term Disability
- Expected salary increases of:
- 5% effective 07/01/2026
- Tuition reimbursement/advancement upon the completion of probationary period
Application Submission Deadline: Application filing period will close at 11:59 PM on Sunday, December 28, 2025
Qualifications Appraisal Interviews (100%) and Practical Exam (Pass/Fail): Thursday, January 15, 2026 (Tentative)
DEFINITION
Under direction, to operate a full range of heavy and light equipment in repairing and maintaining City streets and rights-of-way and water and sewer systems; and to participate in a variety of skilled and semi-skilled maintenance and repair work involved in the maintenance and repair of streets and City-owned utilities, rights-of-way and properties.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
May exercise technical and functional supervision over lower level staff.
EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Operate a variety of light and heavy duty construction equipment including pick up truck, street sweeper, dump truck, sewer cleaning equipment back hoe, crane truck, skip loader, front end loader, heavy and light tapping machines, jack hammer, portable and bench-mounted power tools, concrete saw, pipe locating equipment, leak locating equipment, cement mixer, valve truck, and threading machine taps and dies.
Perform maintenance and repair work on streets, sidewalks, and water distribution system; remove damaged paving; compact, fill, repave, and repair paved surfaces with asphalt, concrete, brick, and interlocking pavers; make periodic inspections and perform maintenance on structures and equipment.
Remove weeds and trim other plant growth, including trees, along streets, sidewalks, and rights-of-way to ensure access, draining, and vehicle sight distance requirements; remove debris from gutters, drop inlets, culverts, and manholes; maintain storm drain system.
Facilitate contact with USA Dig Alert to assure advance notification and safety verification of each job site.
Perform flagging or other traffic control in maintenance projects and in emergency situations.
Install and modify meter boxes and lids.
Install, modify, and repair pumping plant and well piping and appurtenances.
Install, modify, and repair water supply piping, valves, and appurtenances.
Construct, maintain, and repair concrete block, concrete, or wooden structures.
EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Clean and paint buildings, reservoirs, and other structures.
Install, maintain, and repair fences and gates.
OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES
Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Knowledge Of:
JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Methods and techniques of operating diesel and gasoline heavy and light equipment.
Operations, services and activities of a public works maintenance program.
Methods and techniques of public works construction, maintenance, and repair.
Operational characteristics of mechanical equipment and tools used in public works maintenance and water and sewer system maintenance.
Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
Principles and procedures of record keeping.
Safe driving principles and practices.
Skill To:
Operate a variety of vehicular and stationary mechanical equipment in a safe and efficient manner including pick up truck, street sweeper, sewer cleaning equipment, dump truck, back hoe, crane truck, skip loader, heavy and light tapping machines, jack hammer, portable and bench-mounted power tools, concrete saw, pipe locating equipment, leak locating equipment, cement mixer, valve truck, and threading machine taps and dies.
Use and operate the full range of hand tools and power tools, in a safe and efficient manner.
Perform a variety of heavy manual labor for extended periods of time and in unfavorable weather conditions.
Operate a motor vehicle safely.
Ability To:
Make minor repairs and adjustments to equipment.
Perform the full range of skilled and semi-skilled maintenance, construction and repair work.
Work independently in the absence of supervision.
Perform preventive maintenance on mechanical equipment.
Apply good judgment and practical knowledge to resolve unusual or irregular problems in the area of work assigned.
Perform duties in a manner to maximize public safety in the area of work assigned.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Perform stand-by duty as part of a regular rotation.
Experience:
Four years of experience in maintenance and construction work including two years of experience operating heavy equipment.
Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by journey level training in equipment operation.
License Or Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain within one year, a valid Class "A" driver's license.
Possession of, or ability to obtain within one year, an appropriate public works Certificate from a community college or equivalent OR Water Distribution Operator Grade II Certificate issued by the State of California Department of Health Services.
Special Requirements:
Essential duties require the following physical abilities and work environment:
Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, and lift 100 lbs.; exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, confining work space, chemicals, dust, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards; ability to travel to different sites and locations; availability for on call, stand-by, and emergency call.
Application:
A fully completed online application is required to be submitted. Incomplete, late, emailed, faxed and hard copy applications are not accepted. Resumes are not considered in lieu of the required online employment application. All certificates, resumes, cover letters, and other documents requested by the City for the position advertised, must be uploaded with your online application.
The Selection Process:
Those candidates who are determined to be best qualified based upon the information presented on the application materials will be invited to continue in the selection process which may include a qualifying written or performance evaluation and will include an interview weighted 100%. The City reserves the right to limit the number of interviews conducted. Candidates will be notified via e-mail or telephone if they qualify to move to the next step in the selection process. The interview score will determine ranking on the eligibility list and will remain in effect for one year.
Pre-employment background and medical examinations are additional requirements for hire. Failure on any part of the selection process will result in removal from the recruitment process. Please Note: If you have a disability that may require an accommodation in the selection process, please notify Human Resources in writing when you submit your application.