East Bay Regional Park District is hiring: Heavy Equipment Operator in San Ramon

Overview

THE OPPORTUNITY:

The Park District is recruiting for a Heavy Equipment Operator with the Small Trails Crew located at Las Trampas. The Small Trails Crew is a specialized unit within the Park Maintenance Group responsible for safely maintaining and improving over 300 miles of narrow natural surface trails across 130,000 acres in two East Bay Counties, as well as repairing or replacing bridges, puncheons, retaining walls, culverts and other trail structures.

The hiring pools established from this recruitment will be used to fill current vacancies and additional vacancies that may occur during the one-year life of the hiring pools.

Tentative Date of Onsite Examinations:

• Performance Exam: Week of November 10, 2025
• Oral Panel Interview: Week of November 17, 2025
• Selection Interview: First week of December 1, 2025

ABOUT US:

The East Bay Regional Park District is a system of parklands in Alameda and Contra Costa counties to the east of San Francisco. The system comprises 73 parks spanning 126,809 acres; 1,250 miles of trails; and 55 miles of shoreline. We manage and preserve natural and cultural resources for all to enjoy and protect. The regional parks are ideal for healthful recreation and environmental education. Learn about our Mission and Vision, History, and our contributions to the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

OUR MISSION:

EBRPD preserves a rich heritage of natural and cultural resources and provides open space, parks, trails, safe and healthful recreation and environmental education. An environmental ethic guides the District in all of its activities.

OUR VALUES:

• Respect – We honor the land we steward, each other, and the park visitors we serve.
• Resilience – We creatively adapt to change. We address challenges with empathy, perspective, and determination.
• Relationships – Our greatest strength lies in the trust, accountability, and teamwork we cultivate with our colleagues, partners, and the public we serve.
• Responsiveness – We communicate openly, honestly, and reliably.
• Transparency – We hold the public's trust through meaningful stakeholder engagement and access to timely and reliable information on decisions and performance.

WHY WORK FOREBRPD?

• Work with a purpose for a better world today and for future generations through preserving open space, public outdoor access, and conservation of the natural world in the East Bay across 33 cities in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
• A community of colleagues who are passionate about public service and the East Bay Regional Park District, the communities it serves, and its mission.
• Excellent benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending, and CalPERS pension benefits. Details regarding additional benefits are available by following the posted links.
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development.
• Free on-site parking.
• Free parking permit for EBRPD parks (for up to 2 privately owned vehicles).
• Employee discounts for certain EBRPD park amenities (reservations, daily fishing permit, public boat launch).

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

The East Bay Regional Parks needs your expertise in operating trail maintenance equipment year-round. If you are safety- and environmentally conscious and seeking a rewarding work environment with high-quality work, this is your opportunity to operate a variety of equipment in some of the most beautiful areas of Alameda and Contra Costa County. Be a valued member of our Small Trails crew, a diverse, fun, and proactive team that supports the Park District’s Maintenance and Skilled Trades Group and builds projects that keep East Bay Parks safe and sustainable.

IDEAL CANDIDATE:

• Journey-level heavy equipment operator with experience in trail dozers, skid steers, mini-excavators, skip loaders, motor graders, compactors, and paving equipment.
• Ability to safely perform maintenance on low-volume rural roads and narrow trails, paved trails and staging areas, and construct new trail structures.
• Self-motivated, resourceful, and prideful in their work.
• Enjoy working outdoors in a team setting to maintain a safe space for all to enjoy.

• Operates a variety of heavy equipment, including dump trucks, excavators, transports, and a wide range of dozers, backhoes, and paving equipment.
• Constructs, removes, maintains and repairs asphalt surfaces on roads, driveways, and parking lots.
• Installs and repairs erosion control devices, water and sewer lines, holding and septic tanks.
• Transports equipment to parks for projects; maintains and inspects equipment for safety.
• Installs culverts, fords, swales, and storm drains.
• Cuts and moves fill material.
• Organizes, maintains, and schedules equipment, materials, and trucking.
• Acts as a lead person on projects.
• Constructs and maintains District fire trails and single-track trails.
• Dredges ponds, streams, and silt basins.
• Maintains District beaches and repairs slides; conducts training courses on tractors and Class A driving, once license is obtained.
• Provides lead direction to junior crewmembers; performs administrative tasks including entering and retrieving data and keeping records; and performs related duties as assigned.

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education: Equivalent to completion of twelfth grade,

Experience: Three years of experience as a full journey-level heavy equipment operator, including operation of equipment such as bulldozers, backhoes, heavy-duty transport equipment, etc.

Substitutions: Completion of a recognized formal apprenticeship in heavy equipment operation may be substituted for the required experience.

License or Certificate: Possession of a valid Class C California Driver’s License is a condition of initial and continued employment in this classification.

Desired Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Trail Design and Construction: Understanding of natural surface trail principles, including proper drainage, insloping/outsloping, grade reversals, and creating a sustainable trail tread.

• Heavy Equipment Operation: In-depth knowledge of safely and effectively operating various types of mechanized equipment and attachments.
• Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Routine maintenance tasks and field diagnostics.
• Transportation and Hauling: Loading, securing, and transporting heavy equipment with safety regulations.
• Site Safety and Risk Assessment: Knowledge of job site safety, hazard mitigation, and PPE.

Ability to:

• Operate Precisely in Confined Spaces: Maneuver heavy equipment on narrow trails without environmental damage.

• Work on Steep and Challenging Terrain: Safe operation on grades and cross-slopes over 15-18%.
• Perform Physical Labor: Manual tasks in outdoor environments.
• Communicate and Work as a Team: Clear communication and teamwork.
• Problem-Solve in the Field: Independent assessment and decision-making in varying conditions.

• Establish and maintain positive relationships with staff and the public, focusing on quality service.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

The following describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job or be learned quickly to perform duties.

Knowledge of: equipment handling, safe excavation, DOT regulations, and operation of a broad variety of heavy equipment, plus basic office software.

Ability to: safely excavate for tanks, select efficient machines, plan non-engineered projects, read grade stakes and blueprints, operate office equipment, communicate effectively, and maintain positive working relationships.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Must pass a Level 1 Background Check. Possession of a valid Class A Driver’s License with tank endorsement is required or must be obtained within six months. Failure to obtain may result in removal. Must wear a Park District Uniform. Depending on location, ability to use a respirator and compliance with CAL/OSHA respirator regulations may apply.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

UNION AFFILIATION: AFSCME East Bay Regional Parks Employees, Local 2428. Wages, hours, and other terms are described in the MOU. The probationary period is nine (9) months.

Internal Promotions: Placement at the first step (Step A) unless a 5% increase would not be met, in which case placement at a higher step.

Application materials: Online EB Riverside Park District application and completed supplemental questions. Apply before closing time; allow time to submit if new user. If previously applied, update profile. Use GovernmentJobs; contact NeoGov Help Desk for issues.

Notification: All applicants will be notified of status by email within two to three weeks after closing. Sign in to view updates.

Selection Process: Applications reviewed for minimum qualifications; testing or interviews may be conducted. Proof of identity and work authorization will be required per federal law.

Special Testing Arrangements: For disability or medical condition accommodations, contact Human Resources at least five business days before the test.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The East Bay Regional Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value a diverse workforce and encourage all qualified applicants to apply.