What are the responsibilities and job description for the HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR position at Washoe County?
Position Information
Please click here for the Total Compensation Package for this job classification which includes county paid employee health benefits after 30 days of employment, county paid retirement benefits, vacation accruals, etc. The Total Compensation Package outlines the various benefits offered by Washoe County and the annual earnings based on the entry level salary for the job classification.
Under general supervision, performs journey level work in the operation of heavy equipment used in the construction and maintenance of County roads and facilities; and performs related work as required.
This is an Open Competitive/Countywide Promotional recruitment being conducted to fill a current full-time vacancy in the Community Services Department. The list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.
For more information on this position, please see the Job Specification at https://www.washoecounty.gov/humanresources/Careers/jobspecs.php
Minimum Qualifications
Three years of progressively responsible work experience in maintenance and construction work, including at least two years of experience in operating medium equipment; OR one year of experience as a Medium Equipment Operator and certification as a Heavy Equipment Operator by the Washoe County Roads & Stormwater Superintendent; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
License Or Certificate
A valid Class A State of Nevada Commercial Driver's License with tanker endorsement is required at the time of application and must be maintained for continued employment in this classification.
Must obtain NV Flagging and Traffic Control Technician certifications within six months of appointment and must be maintained for continued employment in this classification.
The Ideal Candidate Will
The Washoe County Employees Association (WCEA) Non-Supervisory Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) covers the Heavy Equipment Operator position.
Employees in this classification, as CDL holders, are subject to drug and alcohol testing according to applicable County policies.
Background checks will be conducted on selected applicants through the State of Nevada and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Per the Washoe County Background and Reference Checks Policy, new and rehired employees are required to submit to a fingerprint-based background investigation. Effective October 1, 2026, the $40.00 fee associated with this background investigation will be paid by the employee (if applicable) and deducted automatically from the first paycheck. Employment is contingent upon the results of the background check, although a record of conviction will not necessarily bar an applicant from employment.
Washoe County requires its employees to reside in the state of Nevada or neighboring California communities such as Truckee, South Lake Tahoe or Susanville as of their first day of work.
Washoe County hires all new employees at the minimum rate of the salary range and eligible employees may receive an annual merit increase of 5% until they reach the maximum salary for the classification. Upon promotion, current Washoe County employees are placed at the minimum rate of the salary range for the higher classification of the new position OR a promotional calculation, whichever is greater.
What Happens Next
Questions: Veronica North
VNorth@washoecounty.gov
775-328-2078
Washoe County is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce that creates a sense of belonging for all employees and citizens, there by encouraging persons from all backgrounds and experiences to apply for employment.
Washoe County will recruit, hire, train and promote into all job levels without regard to race, religion or belief, gender, marital status or domestic partnership, familial status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, genetic information (GINA), veteran status, political affiliation, membership in an employee association or union or any other protected class under applicable federal or state law.
Please click here for the Total Compensation Package for this job classification which includes county paid employee health benefits after 30 days of employment, county paid retirement benefits, vacation accruals, etc. The Total Compensation Package outlines the various benefits offered by Washoe County and the annual earnings based on the entry level salary for the job classification.
Under general supervision, performs journey level work in the operation of heavy equipment used in the construction and maintenance of County roads and facilities; and performs related work as required.
This is an Open Competitive/Countywide Promotional recruitment being conducted to fill a current full-time vacancy in the Community Services Department. The list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.
For more information on this position, please see the Job Specification at https://www.washoecounty.gov/humanresources/Careers/jobspecs.php
Minimum Qualifications
Three years of progressively responsible work experience in maintenance and construction work, including at least two years of experience in operating medium equipment; OR one year of experience as a Medium Equipment Operator and certification as a Heavy Equipment Operator by the Washoe County Roads & Stormwater Superintendent; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
License Or Certificate
A valid Class A State of Nevada Commercial Driver's License with tanker endorsement is required at the time of application and must be maintained for continued employment in this classification.
Must obtain NV Flagging and Traffic Control Technician certifications within six months of appointment and must be maintained for continued employment in this classification.
The Ideal Candidate Will
- Have experience with various types of heavy equipment used in a construction environment, preferably in road maintenance.
- Have experience working in inclement weather conditions, including performing snow removal operations.
- Be comfortable working in outdoor elements year-round.
- Have experience using safe work practice in a construction environment.
- Demonstrate commitment to public service and value exceptional customer service.
- Utilize effective communication and interpersonal skills.
The Washoe County Employees Association (WCEA) Non-Supervisory Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) covers the Heavy Equipment Operator position.
Employees in this classification, as CDL holders, are subject to drug and alcohol testing according to applicable County policies.
Background checks will be conducted on selected applicants through the State of Nevada and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Per the Washoe County Background and Reference Checks Policy, new and rehired employees are required to submit to a fingerprint-based background investigation. Effective October 1, 2026, the $40.00 fee associated with this background investigation will be paid by the employee (if applicable) and deducted automatically from the first paycheck. Employment is contingent upon the results of the background check, although a record of conviction will not necessarily bar an applicant from employment.
Washoe County requires its employees to reside in the state of Nevada or neighboring California communities such as Truckee, South Lake Tahoe or Susanville as of their first day of work.
Washoe County hires all new employees at the minimum rate of the salary range and eligible employees may receive an annual merit increase of 5% until they reach the maximum salary for the classification. Upon promotion, current Washoe County employees are placed at the minimum rate of the salary range for the higher classification of the new position OR a promotional calculation, whichever is greater.
What Happens Next
- After your application is screened, you will be notified via the email you provided whether you have met the minimum requirements for the position. Those applicants who do not meet the qualifications have one (1) business day to file an appeal and request a review of their qualifications. Written appeals should be submitted via email to the assigned Human Resources Business Partner using the contact information listed on this job announcement.
- Applicants who meet the minimum requirements for the Heavy Equipment Operator position will be placed on an unranked eligible list. The examination is waived for this recruitment in accordance with the Washoe County Personnel Handbook 5.160.
- Candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be placed on an unranked eligible list for the department to interview upon the close of the recruitment. Once referred, candidates will be contacted by email or telephone.
- Please be advised you can log in to your NeoGov account and select:
- “Applications” to view a list of the recruitments which you have applied for, your submitted application for each recruitment, a copy of the job listing, and your applicant history for each recruitment.
- “Inbox” to view the notices which have been sent to you for each recruitment
- “Account” to update your contact information. Please note to update your phone number on previously submitted applications you must contact careers@washoecounty.gov .
Questions: Veronica North
VNorth@washoecounty.gov
775-328-2078
Washoe County is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce that creates a sense of belonging for all employees and citizens, there by encouraging persons from all backgrounds and experiences to apply for employment.
Washoe County will recruit, hire, train and promote into all job levels without regard to race, religion or belief, gender, marital status or domestic partnership, familial status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, genetic information (GINA), veteran status, political affiliation, membership in an employee association or union or any other protected class under applicable federal or state law.
Salary : $40