Pinal County is hiring: Heavy Equipment Operator or Trainee - Casa Grande in Cas

Overview

Have you considered investing in your community? Pinal County is a community-focused employer that offers public service as a rewarding career with value to employees, including retirement plans, paid sabbaticals every five years, and affordable benefit costs. We are growing and encourage you to explore multiple opportunities with us.

collaborat e with a talented team committed to making Pinal County an outstanding place for residents and staff. This recruitment is for both Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee and Heavy Equipment Operator roles located at the Public Works Yard.

Job Summaries

Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee — PAY GRADE 05; STARTING SALARY: $34,500.00. Perform entry-level work operating specialized trucks and motorized equipment in the Public Works Department under close supervision. This trainee position can transfer into the Heavy Equipment Operator Series. Non-Competitive appointment into the Heavy Equipment Operator is contingent on successful completion of required certifications and training.

Heavy Equipment Operator — PAY GRADE 07; STARTING SALARY: $39,411.00. Perform skilled and semi-skilled work operating specialized trucks and motorized equipment in the Public Works Department under basic supervision.

Responsibilities

• Operate a variety of equipment to maintain county roads, drainage systems, and infrastructure in accordance with safety regulations.
• Operate PWD vehicles, perform routine maintenance, and report mechanical problems beyond authority.
• Perform manual labor tasks (e.g., pothole repair, debris removal, barricade setup); follow safety rules and procedures; maintain daily logs and maintenance records.
• Assist on projects, make appropriate decisions based on experience, and support public safety during emergencies.
• Cross-train in PWD work methods and safety procedures; adhere to workplace values of accountability, commitment, and teamwork.
• Maintain confidentiality of work-related information and customer records.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee – Specific Duties

• Operate equipment to maintain roads, drainage, and infrastructure; work safely and in accordance with procedures.
• Operate light trucks, water trucks, mowers, loaders, and backhoes; perform routine maintenance and report issues.
• Assist with traffic control and emergency response; follow written and verbal instructions.
• Maintain logs and records; promote workplace safety and confidentiality.

Heavy Equipment Operator – Specific Duties

• Operate heavy equipment to maintain roads and infrastructure; haul materials and perform road maintenance tasks.
• Ensure safety compliance, supervise or assist on projects, and maintain equipment.
• Perform manual labor tasks as needed and maintain logs and communications with supervisors.

Qualifications

• Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee: High school diploma or GED or equivalent; valid Arizona driver’s license required within 30 days; must obtain Class A Arizona CDL with tanker endorsements within first 5 months; ability to meet physical demands.
• 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; ability to meet physical demands.
• Preferred Qualifications: CPR/First Aid, OSHA HAZWOPER certification, Flagging certification, and valid CDL permit.

Special Requirements

• Trainees who are rehires with less than one year separation are placed into the Trainee classification until six months; rehires are placed case-by-case.
• Some roles may require evening, night, or weekend work.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The job involves heavy work with substantial physical requirements and outdoor work in varying weather conditions. On-call availability may be required.

Physical Demands: Exerting up to 100+ pounds occasionally and up to 50 pounds frequently; abilities include balancing, climbing, reaching, operating vehicles and heavy equipment, hearing, speaking, and vision.

Work Environment: Outdoors with varying temperatures.

Notice to Applicants

We appreciate your interest in our employment opportunities. We value professionalism and respect. Starting salaries are based on experience, qualifications, and funding; salaries above the first quartile require additional approval. All qualified candidates eligible to 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 record check, a comprehensive background check, and drug testing for safety-sensitive roles. Employment offers are contingent on successful screening. If driving is required, a valid Arizona driver’s license is needed. Reasonable accommodations may be made for applicants with disabilities.

The hiring salary for this position is dependent upon experience, qualifications and position funding; starting salaries above the first quartile require additional approval.

All duties described may not be exhaustive.