What are the responsibilities and job description for the Equipment Operator Junior position at St. Louis County, MN?
Kind of Work
Now hiring for vacancies in Ely, Cook and Kugler.
This position conducts routine semi-skilled work and operation of motorized equipment used in the construction and maintenance of County roadways.
The salary range reflected above is the normal hiring range for 2025 since 2026 rates are pending. The full salary range, including longevity pay, is $23.13 - $32.34 per hour.
In addition to the hourly wage listed above employee's are eligible for:
Please use the following link to view the Teamsters Union Collective Bargaining Agreement.
St. Louis County does not participate in E-Verify. All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States, for St. Louis County, on a full-time basis. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
Distinguishing Features of Work
An employee in this class performs a variety of general labor tasks and serves in an apprenticeship status as an operator of motorized equipment used in the construction, repair and maintenance of County roadways. Duties include the minor repair and maintenance, and safe and efficient operation of equipment. The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.
Work Environment
These work environment factors are general in nature and may vary depending on the specific position being filled. CONSTANT: Lift and carry up to 20 pounds; push/pull - arms up to 32 pounds; push/pull - legs up to 90 pounds; grip strength up to 32 pounds; balance, hand/finger coordination; bend & reach below fingertips; reach (forward/side); reach (backward); sit (with positional changes); stand/walk; vision (near, far, field of vision & color); hearing (close and distant); driving. FREQUENT: Grip strength up to 40 pounds; rotate neck and rotate trunk. OCCASIONAL: Lift and carry up to 75 pounds; push/pull - arms up to 65 pounds; grip strength up to 75 pounds; climb ladders/stairs; kneeling/crawling/squatting; reach (overhead); smell. RARE: Push/pull - arms up to 150 pounds; grip strength up to 160 pounds (both hands).
Lighting: Natural, may work outdoors in darkness.
Flooring: Concrete, blacktop, gravel, uneven terrain (hills, ditches, etc.) Walking surface can be affected by weather.
Temperature: Exposure to all weather conditions. May work entire shift outdoors in all conditions. Temperature can be controlled in vehicle cabs.
Noise Level: Noise levels at above levels.
Ventilation: Exposure to exhaust, tar fumes, paint fumes, etc.
Environment: Works outdoors and indoors independently and with others with frequent interruptions and deadlines requiring concentration, critical decision-making skills, detailed work, multitasking and organizational skills; moderate people/public contact.
NOTE: Frequent use of awkward body mechanics, jerking motions, high degree of vibration while operating equipment.
Selection Process
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Pass/Fail)
Experience with tandem axle dump trucks, front end loaders 2 cubic yards or larger, tracked dozers, wheeled and tracked type excavators and motor graders.
Please attach a copy of the front and back of your driver's license in the attachment section of the online application or email to recruitment@stlouiscountymn.gov, fax to 218-725-5054, or mail to the following address: St. Louis County Human Resources, 100 N 5th Ave W, Room 1, Duluth, MN 55802. You will not be considered for an interview unless we receive a copy of your driver's license as we need to confirm you meet the minimum qualifications.
Rating System
Supplemental Questions will be 100% of the scoring process:
Points will be awarded based on the applicants answers to supplemental questions 10-22.
Experience beyond ten years may be included on the application for purposes of meeting minimum qualifications or informing the hiring authority of your complete employment history.
Please Note: When answering the supplemental questions on the website, the webpage may time out after 30 minutes. It's recommended you draft your answers in a separate document and copy/paste the answers into the application when you're finished writing. Failure to answer and save all of the questions on the "Supplemental Questions" page within 30 minutes may result in the deletion of your answers by the application system.
Tentative Recruitment & Screening Process Schedule
The essential functions for this position are listed under the "ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK" on the specification, available in the Human Resources Department or online at www.stlouiscountymn.gov/jobdescriptions.
Veterans Preference
If you are eligible to apply for Veterans Preference, please attach to your application a copy of document(s) listed for the option that applies to you:
Physical-medical Standards
Qualified applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Applicants selected must meet the physical requirements for the position.
Drug Testing
Applicants selected for appointment must take and pass a drug test.
Background Check
Applicants selected for appointment to a position with St. Louis County are subject to a background investigation.
Employment Eligibility Verification
All new employees must submit documentation verifying identity and employment eligibility within three days of their first day of employment.
Probationary Period
Appointees to the position must successfully complete at least a six-month probationary period prior to being certified for permanent employment.
Non-discrimination
St. Louis County is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer.
Eligible St. Louis County employees earn a competitive salary and benefits package, including:
01
Please type or clearly print your name.
02
The information you provide related to your education, training, and experience is subject to verification. I understand that giving false information, failing to accurately represent myself, or not providing required documentation as listed on the job announcement will result in disqualification.
Are you legally authorized to work in the United States for St. Louis County?
All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States, for St. Louis County. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas, and it does not currently participate in E-Verify. Will you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States?
Which of the following best describes your current status?
Type of driver's license you possess: (Please attach a copy of your driver's license in the resume attachment of the online application, or send the copy to: Human Resources, 100 N. 5th Ave. W, Room 1, Duluth, MN 55802 or email recruitment@stlouiscountymn.gov. Failure to provide a copy of your license will result in rejection of your application.)
I have attached a copy of my driver's license (front and back) to my application Note: By answering "No," we will not be able to accept your application.
Equipment Operator Jr Availability: At which location(s) would you be willing to work? Failure to accept a job offered to you under the conditions you have given will result in removal from the eligible register.
SME Explanation: Questions 10-22 will be reviewed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME). The questions will be scored and used to help determine 100% of your score. For each question please list the organization(s) and/or employers where you gained the experience. All information listed must also be supported in the work experience section of your application. I have read and understand the instructions given above and acknowledge that I understand my score is derived 100% from my answers to supplemental questions 10-22.
Please identify which of the following describes your highest level of paid, full-time experience. (2080 hours = 1 year) (part-time experience must be prorated based on this scale)
For the following questions, you will need to prorate any part-time experience based on 2080 hours per year. For instance, 10 hours per week for 4 years = 1 year full-time equivalent experience.
Indicate the amount of experience you have had operating trucks of 26,000 GVW or more:
List organization(s) with which you were employed while gaining the above experience. Employers listed must also be on the work experience section of your application. If this question is left blank, you will not receive credit for experience operating trucks of 26,000 GVW or more.
13
Indicate the amount of experience you have had operating snowplows (single axle snowplow trucks or larger, and motor graders):
List organization(s) with which you were employed while gaining the above experience. Employers listed must also be on the work experience section of your application. If this question is left blank, you will not receive credit for experience operating snowplows.
15
Indicate the amount of experience you have had operating four wheel drive front end loaders, three cubic yards or larger:
List organization(s) with which you were employed while gaining the above experience. Employers listed must also be on the work experience section of your application. If this question is left blank, you will not receive credit for experience operating front end loaders.
17
Indicate the amount of experience you have had operating tracked dozers:
List organization(s) with which you were employed while gaining the above experience. Employers listed must also be on the work experience section of your application. If this question is left blank, you will not receive credit for experience operating tracked dozers.
19
Indicate the amount of experience you have had operating power motor graders (other than snowplowing):
List organization(s) with which you were employed while gaining the above experience. Employers listed must also be on the work experience section of your application. If this question is left blank, you will not receive credit for experience operating power motor graders (other than snowplowing).
21
Indicate the amount of experience you have had operating tractor backhoes:
List organization(s) with which you were employed while gaining the above experience. Employers listed must also be on the work experience section of your application. If this question is left blank, you will not receive credit for experience operating backhoes.
23
I certify that my responses to the questions above are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
Now hiring for vacancies in Ely, Cook and Kugler.
This position conducts routine semi-skilled work and operation of motorized equipment used in the construction and maintenance of County roadways.
The salary range reflected above is the normal hiring range for 2025 since 2026 rates are pending. The full salary range, including longevity pay, is $23.13 - $32.34 per hour.
In addition to the hourly wage listed above employee's are eligible for:
- A private use allowance of $.25 per hour for actual hours worked.
- Safety shoe allowance of $200 per year, payable in December.
- May receive up to $250 reimbursement towards the purchase of acceptable reimbursable outdoor outerwear annually.
Please use the following link to view the Teamsters Union Collective Bargaining Agreement.
St. Louis County does not participate in E-Verify. All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States, for St. Louis County, on a full-time basis. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
Distinguishing Features of Work
An employee in this class performs a variety of general labor tasks and serves in an apprenticeship status as an operator of motorized equipment used in the construction, repair and maintenance of County roadways. Duties include the minor repair and maintenance, and safe and efficient operation of equipment. The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.
Work Environment
These work environment factors are general in nature and may vary depending on the specific position being filled. CONSTANT: Lift and carry up to 20 pounds; push/pull - arms up to 32 pounds; push/pull - legs up to 90 pounds; grip strength up to 32 pounds; balance, hand/finger coordination; bend & reach below fingertips; reach (forward/side); reach (backward); sit (with positional changes); stand/walk; vision (near, far, field of vision & color); hearing (close and distant); driving. FREQUENT: Grip strength up to 40 pounds; rotate neck and rotate trunk. OCCASIONAL: Lift and carry up to 75 pounds; push/pull - arms up to 65 pounds; grip strength up to 75 pounds; climb ladders/stairs; kneeling/crawling/squatting; reach (overhead); smell. RARE: Push/pull - arms up to 150 pounds; grip strength up to 160 pounds (both hands).
Lighting: Natural, may work outdoors in darkness.
Flooring: Concrete, blacktop, gravel, uneven terrain (hills, ditches, etc.) Walking surface can be affected by weather.
Temperature: Exposure to all weather conditions. May work entire shift outdoors in all conditions. Temperature can be controlled in vehicle cabs.
Noise Level: Noise levels at above levels.
Ventilation: Exposure to exhaust, tar fumes, paint fumes, etc.
Environment: Works outdoors and indoors independently and with others with frequent interruptions and deadlines requiring concentration, critical decision-making skills, detailed work, multitasking and organizational skills; moderate people/public contact.
NOTE: Frequent use of awkward body mechanics, jerking motions, high degree of vibration while operating equipment.
Selection Process
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Pass/Fail)
- Must be eighteen (18) years of age by the first scheduled day of work OR seventeen (17) years of age AND a high school graduate.
- Possession of a Class 'B' Commercial Driver's License without an airbrake restriction and possession of a Class 'A' Commercial Driver's License with a tank vehicle endorsement and without any of the following restrictions by completion of probation: air brake, full air brake, manual transmission or tractor trailer. Failure to obtain the appropriate Class 'A' License by completion of probation will result in termination from the position.
- One (1) year full-time paid verifiable experience operating motorized equipment other than automobiles or light utility vehicles; OR graduation from a program focused on heavy equipment operation.
Experience with tandem axle dump trucks, front end loaders 2 cubic yards or larger, tracked dozers, wheeled and tracked type excavators and motor graders.
Please attach a copy of the front and back of your driver's license in the attachment section of the online application or email to recruitment@stlouiscountymn.gov, fax to 218-725-5054, or mail to the following address: St. Louis County Human Resources, 100 N 5th Ave W, Room 1, Duluth, MN 55802. You will not be considered for an interview unless we receive a copy of your driver's license as we need to confirm you meet the minimum qualifications.
Rating System
Supplemental Questions will be 100% of the scoring process:
Points will be awarded based on the applicants answers to supplemental questions 10-22.
Experience beyond ten years may be included on the application for purposes of meeting minimum qualifications or informing the hiring authority of your complete employment history.
Please Note: When answering the supplemental questions on the website, the webpage may time out after 30 minutes. It's recommended you draft your answers in a separate document and copy/paste the answers into the application when you're finished writing. Failure to answer and save all of the questions on the "Supplemental Questions" page within 30 minutes may result in the deletion of your answers by the application system.
Tentative Recruitment & Screening Process Schedule
- April 6, 2026 - Application screening will begin
- Week of April 27, 2026 - Supplemental question scoring to be completed
- Week of May 11, 2026 - Interview to be conducted
The essential functions for this position are listed under the "ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK" on the specification, available in the Human Resources Department or online at www.stlouiscountymn.gov/jobdescriptions.
Veterans Preference
If you are eligible to apply for Veterans Preference, please attach to your application a copy of document(s) listed for the option that applies to you:
- Veteran: DD214 noting character of service
- Disabled Veteran: DD214 & compensable disability award letter issued within the last 6 months.
- Spouse of Disabled Veteran: DD214 & compensable disability award letter issued within the last 6 months & marriage certificate. (Eligible only if Veteran is unable to qualify because of the disability.)
- Spouse of Deceased Veteran: DD214, Marriage Certificate and Death Certificate.
Physical-medical Standards
Qualified applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Applicants selected must meet the physical requirements for the position.
Drug Testing
Applicants selected for appointment must take and pass a drug test.
Background Check
Applicants selected for appointment to a position with St. Louis County are subject to a background investigation.
Employment Eligibility Verification
All new employees must submit documentation verifying identity and employment eligibility within three days of their first day of employment.
Probationary Period
Appointees to the position must successfully complete at least a six-month probationary period prior to being certified for permanent employment.
Non-discrimination
St. Louis County is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer.
Eligible St. Louis County employees earn a competitive salary and benefits package, including:
- Vacation, Sick and Personal Leave
- Paid Holidays
- Medical Plan
- Dental Plan
- Vision Plan
- Disability Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending & Health Reimbursement Accounts
- Retirement Benefits
- Deferred Compensation
- Training and Advancement Opportunities
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Resource Groups
- Pet Insurance
01
Please type or clearly print your name.
02
The information you provide related to your education, training, and experience is subject to verification. I understand that giving false information, failing to accurately represent myself, or not providing required documentation as listed on the job announcement will result in disqualification.
- Yes
Are you legally authorized to work in the United States for St. Louis County?
- Yes
- No
All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States, for St. Louis County. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas, and it does not currently participate in E-Verify. Will you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States?
- Yes, I will now, or will in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States
- No, I will not now, or in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States
Which of the following best describes your current status?
- I am at least 17 years of age and will be graduating from high school by June 2026
- I will be 18 years of age or older by June 2026
- None of the above
Type of driver's license you possess: (Please attach a copy of your driver's license in the resume attachment of the online application, or send the copy to: Human Resources, 100 N. 5th Ave. W, Room 1, Duluth, MN 55802 or email recruitment@stlouiscountymn.gov. Failure to provide a copy of your license will result in rejection of your application.)
- Class B without an airbrake restriction (required)
- Class A without an airbrake restriction
- Other; None of the above
I have attached a copy of my driver's license (front and back) to my application Note: By answering "No," we will not be able to accept your application.
- Yes
- No
Equipment Operator Jr Availability: At which location(s) would you be willing to work? Failure to accept a job offered to you under the conditions you have given will result in removal from the eligible register.
- Cook
- Ely
- Kugler
SME Explanation: Questions 10-22 will be reviewed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME). The questions will be scored and used to help determine 100% of your score. For each question please list the organization(s) and/or employers where you gained the experience. All information listed must also be supported in the work experience section of your application. I have read and understand the instructions given above and acknowledge that I understand my score is derived 100% from my answers to supplemental questions 10-22.
- Yes
- No
Please identify which of the following describes your highest level of paid, full-time experience. (2080 hours = 1 year) (part-time experience must be prorated based on this scale)
- 3 or more years experience operating motorized equipment other than automobiles or light utility vehicles
- 2 to 3 years experience operating motorized equipment other than automobiles or light utility vehicles
- 1 to 2 years experience operating motorized equipment other than automobiles or light utility vehicles
- less than 1 year experience operating motorized equipment other than automobiles or light utility vehicles
For the following questions, you will need to prorate any part-time experience based on 2080 hours per year. For instance, 10 hours per week for 4 years = 1 year full-time equivalent experience.
Indicate the amount of experience you have had operating trucks of 26,000 GVW or more:
- 3 years of full-time equivalent experience
- 1 years of full-time equivalent experience
- 6-11 months of full-time equivalent experience
- less than 6 months of half-time equivalent experience
- No experience
List organization(s) with which you were employed while gaining the above experience. Employers listed must also be on the work experience section of your application. If this question is left blank, you will not receive credit for experience operating trucks of 26,000 GVW or more.
13
Indicate the amount of experience you have had operating snowplows (single axle snowplow trucks or larger, and motor graders):
- 3 years of full-time equivalent experience
- 12 to 35 months of full-time equivalent experience
- 6 -11 months of full-time equivalent experience
- Less than 6 months of full-time equivalent experience
- No experience
List organization(s) with which you were employed while gaining the above experience. Employers listed must also be on the work experience section of your application. If this question is left blank, you will not receive credit for experience operating snowplows.
15
Indicate the amount of experience you have had operating four wheel drive front end loaders, three cubic yards or larger:
- 3 years of full-time equivalent experience
- 12 to 35 months of full-time equivalent experience
- 6-11 months of full-time equivalent experience
- Less than 6 months of full-time equivalent experience
- No experience
List organization(s) with which you were employed while gaining the above experience. Employers listed must also be on the work experience section of your application. If this question is left blank, you will not receive credit for experience operating front end loaders.
17
Indicate the amount of experience you have had operating tracked dozers:
- 3 years of full-time equivalent experience
- 12 to 35 months of full-time equivalent experience
- 6-11 months of full-time equivalent experience
- Less than 6 months of full-time equivalent experience
- No experience
List organization(s) with which you were employed while gaining the above experience. Employers listed must also be on the work experience section of your application. If this question is left blank, you will not receive credit for experience operating tracked dozers.
19
Indicate the amount of experience you have had operating power motor graders (other than snowplowing):
- 3 years of full-time equivalent experience
- 12 to 35 months of full-time equivalent experience
- 6-11 months of full-time equivalent experience
- Less than 6 months of full-time equivalent experience
- No experience
List organization(s) with which you were employed while gaining the above experience. Employers listed must also be on the work experience section of your application. If this question is left blank, you will not receive credit for experience operating power motor graders (other than snowplowing).
21
Indicate the amount of experience you have had operating tractor backhoes:
- 3 years of full-time equivalent experience
- 12 to 35 months of full-time equivalent experience
- 6-11 months of full-time equivalent experience
- Less than 6 months of full-time equivalent experience
- No experience
List organization(s) with which you were employed while gaining the above experience. Employers listed must also be on the work experience section of your application. If this question is left blank, you will not receive credit for experience operating backhoes.
23
I certify that my responses to the questions above are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
- Yes
- No
- Required Question
Salary : $200