Light Automotive Equipment Operator (2 Positions)

Salary and Benefits

PLEASE NOTE: The starting salary placement depends on qualifications and experience and is anticipated to be in the range of $3,596.00 per month to $4,384.00 per month (Step 1 - Step 11).

Cal State East Bay offers a broad range of benefits that includes medical, dental, vision, retirement (CalPERS), 401k, 457, 403(b), dependent and health care reimbursement accounts, life insurance, vacation and sick, 14 paid holidays, one personal holiday and tuition fee waiver.

For more information on the benefits program, please visit our benefits website. The CSU Total Compensation Calculator demonstrates the significance of our benefits package.

Classification

Light Automotive Equipment Operator

About Cal State East Bay

Cal State East Bay's beautiful main campus is located in the Hayward hills with panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay shoreline. Situated above the city of Hayward, the campus offers an ideal setting for teaching and learning and yet easy access to the many cities along the bay. The University has a satellite campus in Concord, a professional development center in Oakland and a significant presence online. Founded in 1957, Cal State East Bay is one of 23 universities of the California State University system (CSU). Cal State East Bay is recognized as a regionally engaged and globally oriented university with a strong commitment to academic innovation, student success, engaged and service learning, diversity, and sustainability.

About the Position

Please Note: Review of applications will begin on April 20, 2026.

The Light Automotive Equipment Operator primarily performs skilled operation of light automotive vehicles and equipment in support of campus grounds and maintenance operations. The incumbent operates equipment and vehicles typical of this classification, including light-duty (two-axle) trucks, riding mowers, small wheel-type tractors with attachments, sweepers, utility vehicles, and small loaders within standard capacity limits.

The position’s primary function is the safe and efficient operation of light automotive and grounds maintenance equipment, with responsibility for performing routine servicing and minor maintenance such as safety inspections, fluid checks, and basic adjustments to ensure proper working conditions. The incumbent reports equipment malfunctions and coordinates needed repairs.

In support of equipment operation, the incumbent performs a range of grounds maintenance tasks, including mowing, trimming, edging, planting, watering, and debris removal, as well as assisting with campus beautification and seasonal projects. Manual labor duties are performed in connection with equipment use, including loading and unloading materials.

Work is performed in accordance with established safety practices, campus procedures, and applicable California Vehicle Code requirements. Equipment operated and duties performed are consistent with light automotive equipment as defined within the Equipment Operation Series and do not typically involve the operation of heavy construction equipment or vehicles exceeding the scope of this classification.

Responsibilities

Light Equipment and Vehicle Operation

• Operates a variety of light automotive vehicles and grounds maintenance equipment in support of campus operations, including light-duty (two-axle) trucks, riding lawn mowers, small wheel-type tractors, sweepers, utility vehicles and other lightweight automotive equipment.
• Utilizes small loaders and similar equipment with standard-capacity buckets (generally one cubic yard or less) to perform routine materials handling tasks such as moving soil, mulch, debris, and other landscaping materials.
• Performs equipment operation in accordance with established safety practices, campus procedures, and applicable California Vehicle Code requirements.
• Ensures equipment use remains within the scope of light automotive equipment as defined by the Equipment Operation Series, avoiding operation of heavy construction equipment or vehicles exceeding classification specifications.

Landscaping and Grounds Support

• Mowing, trimming, edging, and turf care.
• Landscaping support such as planting, watering, and debris removal.
• Assisting with seasonal campus beautification activities.

Maintenance and Safety

• Conducts routine servicing and basic maintenance of equipment used.
• Checking fluid levels, tire pressure, and safety features.
• Notifying supervisors of equipment issues or needed repairs.
• Follows safety protocols and CSU/California Vehicle Code standards for equipment and vehicle operation.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the rules of safe driving and the provisions of the State of California Vehicle Code pertaining to operation of vehicles described in the appropriate classification.
• Knowledge of State of California General Industrial Safety orders related to the assigned tasks of the classification, particularly those related to vehicle and equipment operation, construction methods and practices, and the lifting and moving of heavy loads.

Abilities

• Ability to operate assigned equipment safely.
• Recognize safety hazards and follow practices and laws to ensure safety.
• Follow manuals and guidelines pertaining to operation of State vehicles.
• Load and unload vehicles correctly and safely.
• Follow oral and written instruction.
• Read and write at a level appropriate to the duties of the position.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with other people.
• Service and make routine repairs of equipment operated.
• Perform manual labor as required by the duties of the position.

Experience

• Equivalent to one year of paid or regularly assigned driving experience in a job involving operating a delivery vehicle, truck, tractor, bus, or automotive maintenance equipment.

License

• Possess appropriate license for each vehicle operated and may be required by the State of California Vehicle Code to carry appropriate certification while driving. Drivers of State-owned vehicles must maintain a good driving record, which will be checked periodically with the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Preferred Skills and Knowledge

• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively while operating equipment and completing assigned grounds duties.
• Experience working independently and as part of a team in a facilities, grounds, or maintenance environment.
• Experience working in a campus, institutional, or public setting with an understanding of maintaining a clean, safe, and visually appealing environment.
• Demonstrated experience providing courteous, service-oriented interactions with a diverse campus community, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors, while performing operational duties.