Equipment Operator

The City of Laguna Beach is seeking a skilled and team-oriented individual to join our Public Works and Utilities Department as an Equipment Operator. This position plays an important role in maintaining and improving City infrastructure and public spaces through the safe and efficient operation of heavy equipment. The ideal candidate will have experience operating a variety of equipment and take pride in contributing to high-quality construction, maintenance, and repair work that serves the Laguna Beach community.

Schedule: This position may be assigned to either a 5/40 schedule, a 9/80 schedule, or any other schedule required to meet operational needs.  Work may be performed outside of the normal work schedule, including evening hours and weekends. This position may receive calls for emergency service and may be required to respond during non-scheduled work hours, including evenings, holidays and weekends.  

What You’ll Be Great At

• Safely and skillfully operating heavy equipment such as loaders, backhoes, street sweepers, dozers, beach cleaning machines, and skid steers
• Performing journey-level construction, maintenance, and repair tasks for streets, beaches, and other City infrastructure
• Conducting routine inspections, servicing, and minor repairs on equipment to ensure safe and reliable operation
• Working collaboratively with your team to complete projects efficiently and effectively
• Following safety standards, traffic control practices, and departmental procedures at all times

Apply now to be part of the first review! Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis, with the first review on October 8, 2025.

The normal duties for this position can be found in the job description for Equipment Operator. They are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Any combination demonstrating the ability to effectively and successfully perform the duties of the position is considered qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:

Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Experience:  Three (3) full-time years of experience in the operation and minor maintenance of backhoes and skid-steers, and light and heavy construction equipment.  

License/Certificate Requirements:  A valid California Class A driver’s license with tank vehicle endorsement. Must not have an automatic transmission restriction or an air brake restriction. Candidates possessing a Class B license will be given six months from date of hire to upgrade their commercial license to Class A as noted above.  The incumbent must be able to provide a DMV printout, a current medical card and successfully pass the background check.  A fingerprint check with the State Department of Justice, a pre-placement medical exam and drug test are also required. 

Employees may receive calls for emergency service and may be required to respond during non-scheduled work hours, including evenings, holidays, and weekends.

DOT Compliance

In compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and the City’s policy on random testing for controlled substances and alcohol for commercially licensed drivers, candidates for this position who are commercially licensed are required to pass a drug test prior to placement in the position.  All employees working in this position, who are subject to maintaining a commercial driver’s license for the performance of duties, will be enrolled as participants in the City’s Random Testing Program for Controlled Substances and Alcohol. 

This recruitment will establish an eligibility list that may be used to fill future vacancies in the same or lower classifications.

Application/Selection Process: Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis, with a first review on October 8, 2025. Applications will be screened carefully, and selected applicants will be invited to participate in the Structured Panel Interview and may be required to complete a written exam. The appointing hiring authority will further review the job-related qualifications of those deemed eligible for hire before making selection decisions. The selection process may be modified based on the needs of the City.

Pre-employment Process: Selected candidates must successfully pass a fingerprint check with the State Department of Justice, and a pre-placement physical including a drug test. Education and employment verification and reference check(s) will also be conducted.

Why work for Laguna Beach: Laguna Beach is a beautiful coastal city located in Orange County, California, with a vibrant art scene and cultural events. We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, including City paid health insurance for employees, retirement plans, and paid time off. The City has a strong commitment to its employees, providing opportunities for professional growth and development through training and education programs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Laguna Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require an accommodation.  EEO/ADA.

Salary : $67,080 - $92,220