Equipment Operator Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Equipment operator positions in construction, manufacturing, and logistics frequently qualify for H-1B visa and other work visa sponsorship when they require specialized technical knowledge or advanced certifications. Companies sponsoring equipment operators typically seek candidates with degrees in mechanical engineering, industrial technology, or equivalent experience operating complex machinery like cranes, excavators, or automated manufacturing systems.
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Job Posting: Caltrans Equipment Operator II
Department of Transportation
JC-527138
Caltrans Equipment Operator II
$4,883.00 - $6,127.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 8/13/2026
Job Description and Duties
Under the general direction of a Caltrans Bridge Maintenance Supervisor, the incumbent is expected to respond to urgent bridge repair and highway incidents during normal working hours, at nights and weekends during all weather conditions. Must possess the ability to work above ground and from scaffolds, make use of ladders and access bridge structures more than 500 feet above the water. Employee must be comfortable working around water from Caltrans work boats and pier caps.
PARF # 04-27-0023 JC-527138
Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Caltrans Equipment Operator II exam. For those who do not have current eligibility (e.g., transfer, permissive reinstatement, or voluntary demotions) and/or who will be new to state civil services employment, you must be on the state examination list to be eligible for these positions. To apply for the exam, please click here and search by typing in the classification title.
Please take this 1-minute Caltrans Recruitment survey to tell us how you found out about this job.
Apply today to join our team! We especially encourage applicants to check out our Caltrans Career Compass tool! The Caltrans Career Compass is a tool to assist and help candidates understand and succeed in applying to Caltrans positions.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Position located at 200 Burma Rd, Oakland, Alameda County
Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Extreme weather condition (hot and cold)
- High wind conditions
- Work around moving equipment
- Work around fast moving traffic
- Work inside bridge structures
- Work in areas of Limited Space
- Work around lead based paint
- Work on and from a work boat out on the bay
- Work around biohazards waste
- Loud Noises
Position Details
Job Code #: JC-527138
Position #(s): 904-670-6286-XXX
Working Title: Caltrans Equipment Operator II
Classification: CALTRANS EQUIPMENT OPERATOR II
$4,883.00 - $6,127.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions: Multiple
Work Location: Alameda County
Telework: In Office
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
Caltrans Mission: Improving lives and communities through transportation.
Caltrans Vision: A thriving and connected California.
The Caltrans workforce is made up of diverse and unique individuals who contribute to our organizational success.
Department Website: www.dot.ca.gov
Director’s EEO Policy: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/equal-employment-opportunity
Director’s EEO Policy Statement: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/equal-employment-opportunity
Special Requirements
- The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
- The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired.
- The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
- The position(s) require(s) a valid Class A commercial driver’s license, with Tank Vehicle (N) endorsement.
This position is subject to the Post & Bid process. Applications from a certification list, transfer, change-in-class, reinstatement, re-employment, and/or training and development assignment will be accepted for this position but may not be considered unless the Post & Bid process does not result in a hire.
Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are basing your eligibility on education, you must include your unofficial transcript(s)/diploma for verification. Unofficial, original, or official sealed transcripts will be accepted and may be required upon appointment. Applicants with foreign transcripts/degrees must provide a transcript/degree U.S. equivalency report evaluation that indicates the number of units and degree to which the foreign coursework is equivalent. Please visit either of the following two websites for a list of evaluation agencies: https://www.naces.org/members or https://aice-eval.org. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 8/13/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Transportation
N/A
Attn: Caltrans DHR Contact
Certification Services MS-90
P O Box 168036
Sacramento, CA 95816-8036
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Transportation
Drop-Off Address
Caltrans DHR Contact
Classification and Hiring Unit - ECOS
1727 30th Street, MS 90
Sacramento, CA 95816
Closed on weekends and State holidays.
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Benefits
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Human Resources Contact:
Jasmin Sarai
(510) 376-8115
jasmin.sarai@dot.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Bobby Lewis
(510) 239-9522
bobby.lewis@dot.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Caltrans EEO Office
(844) 368-3367
Ask.eeo@dot.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Important Application Instructions:
The State application (STD. 678) is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. For mailed or hand delivered applications to be considered for this position, the Job Control number (JC-527138), PARF# 04-27-0023 and title of the position (Caltrans Equipment Operator II) must be included on the STD. 678 form. Electronic applications through your CalCareers account are highly recommended and encouraged. Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications based on possession of EDUCATION, LICENSE, OR CERTIFICATE must include a copy of your DEGREE/TRANSCRIPTS, LICENSE, or CERTIFICATE, along with your State application (STD. 678), to be considered for this position.
NOTE: Do not submit the “Equal Employment Opportunity” questionnaire (page 5) with your completed State application (STD. 678). This page is for examination use only. Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number, birth date, driver’s license number, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. The job application packet checklist is not required to apply for this position. Failure to follow these instructions may result in your application not being considered for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Equipment Operator Jobs
Target specialized equipment roles
Focus on positions requiring advanced certifications like crane operation, CNC programming, or automated systems management rather than general equipment operation roles.
Emphasize technical degree connections
Highlight how your mechanical engineering, industrial technology, or related degree directly applies to operating complex machinery and troubleshooting technical systems.
Research manufacturing and construction sponsors
Large construction firms, manufacturing plants, and logistics companies with complex operations are most likely to sponsor equipment operators for specialized positions.
Document specialized training credentials
Compile certifications for specific equipment types, safety training, and technical courses that demonstrate your qualifications exceed basic operational knowledge requirements.
Apply to roles requiring system integration
Seek positions involving computerized equipment, automated systems, or roles where operators must integrate multiple complex machines rather than single-equipment operation.
Consider industrial engineering pathways
Equipment operator roles in process optimization, efficiency analysis, or equipment design consultation may qualify more easily for professional visa categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do equipment operator jobs qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Equipment operator positions can qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship when they require specialized technical knowledge and a bachelor's degree. Roles involving complex machinery operation, system programming, or equipment design typically meet specialty occupation requirements, while basic equipment operation may not qualify.
What degree do I need for equipment operator visa sponsorship?
Most sponsored equipment operator positions require degrees in mechanical engineering, industrial technology, construction management, or related technical fields. The degree must directly relate to the specialized equipment operation, maintenance, or system integration aspects of the role.
Which industries sponsor equipment operators most often?
Large-scale construction companies, manufacturing plants, mining operations, and logistics centers with automated systems sponsor equipment operators most frequently. These industries need operators for specialized machinery that requires technical expertise beyond basic equipment operation skills.
Can equipment operators get sponsored without engineering degrees?
Yes, but it's challenging. The role must demonstrate specialty occupation requirements through equivalent experience, advanced certifications, or specialized technical training. Three years of progressive experience can substitute for one year of education under USCIS guidelines.
How to find Equipment Operator jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Equipment Operator jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international workers with sponsoring employers. Focus on construction companies, mining operations, and infrastructure firms that frequently hire equipment operators on H-2B visa or EB-3 visas. These industries often face labor shortages and are more willing to sponsor qualified operators with heavy machinery experience.
What makes an equipment operator role sponsor-worthy?
Sponsor-worthy equipment operator positions involve complex machinery requiring technical analysis, system integration, programming capabilities, or specialized safety protocols. Roles combining operation with maintenance planning, efficiency optimization, or training responsibilities strengthen sponsorship cases significantly.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Equipment Operator jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.