Heavy Equipment Trainee or Operator​/SanTan

Overview

What’s your purpose?

Pinal County is a beautiful place that needs passionate people who want to help others and make a difference in their lives. Public service is a rewarding career choice with strong purpose and value, including retirement plans, paid sabbaticals every five years, and affordable benefits. Apply today to learn why Pinal County is more than just a job.

We are currently recruiting for Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee and Heavy Equipment Operator positions located at the Public Works Yard.

• An employer that values each employee and provides work-life balance
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Paid holidays and floating holiday
• Sabbaticals at 5, 10, and 15 years of service
• Comprehensive wellness program and onsite health services
• Retirement plans with employer contributions
• Multiple medical plans and dental/vision plans
• Tuition reimbursement, flexible spending accounts, and voluntary benefits
• Alternative work schedules, telehealth, EEO and safety commitments

Additional details: video tips for applying, and general application instructions are provided.

Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee — Pay Grade 05, Starting Salary: $34,500. Perform entry-level work operating specialized trucks and motorized equipment under supervision. This is a trainee position that can transfer to the Heavy Equipment Operator Series. Non-competitive appointment into the HEO is contingent on successful certifications and training.

Heavy Equipment Operator — Pay Grade 07, Starting Salary: $39,411. Perform skilled and semi-skilled operation of specialized trucks and equipment under basic supervision.

• Operate a variety of equipment to maintain roads, drainage systems, and infrastructure, following safety regulations
• Operate PWD vehicles, light trucks, water trucks, mowers, loaders, backhoes
• Perform manual labor tasks, repair potholes, clear debris, and move barricades
• Assist on projects, maintain daily logs and maintenance records
• Conduct routine maintenance and report issues beyond authority
• Follow safety rules, report hazards, and participate in safety training
• Support public safety during emergencies and traffic control as needed
• Adhere to workplace values of accountability, commitment, and teamwork
• Maintain confidentiality of work-related information
• Perform other related duties as required

• Operate heavy equipment to maintain roads and infrastructure
• Work independently with various vehicles and equipment
• Repair and maintain roads, haul materials, and manage job-site equipment
• Oversee safety, follow regulations, and report hazards
• Perform manual labor, maintenance, and follow instructions
• Uphold accountability and teamwork values; maintain confidentiality
• Perform other related duties as required

Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee

• High school diploma or GED or equivalent
• Valid Arizona Driver’s License within 30 days of hire
• Must obtain Class A CDL with tanker endorsements within first 5 months

Heavy Equipment Operator

• Three years of construction/maintenance equipment experience OR one year as a Pinal County Operator (Trainee)
• Must obtain Class A CDL with tanker endorsements within first 5 months
• Equivalent combination of training/education/experience acceptable

• One year of related experience
• CPR/First Aid Certified
• Valid CDL Permit
• OSHA HAZWOPER certification;
  First Aid/CPR/AED on hire
• Work Zone & Traffic Control (Flagger) certification on hire

• Trainees must obtain Class A CDL Learner’s Permit within 90 days
• Rehires and classification considerations described per policy

The job involves very heavy work with frequent exertion, lifting, balancing, climbing, and repetitive motions. May be on-call.

Work is performed outside in varying weather conditions.

We value professionalism and respect. Offers depend on experience, qualifications, and funding. Starting salaries above the first quartile require additional approval.

Qualified candidates who can work in the United States are welcome to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available. Pinal County does not participate in STEM OPT.

Pre-employment screening includes Motor Vehicle Report, background check, and drug testing for safety-sensitive roles. Driving requires a valid Arizona driver’s license. Reasonable accommodations may be made for applicants with disabilities.