Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment OperatorPlease note that the starting pay rate for this position is $42.02/hr. followed by a pay rate increase to $44.11/hr. Upon completing probation (typically six months).Our Gravel Production Support Services team is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to operate a variety of heavy equipment and trucks in support of water, natural gas, electric, and wastewater construction and maintenance activities, as well as special projects. Some of the equipment that you will have an opportunity to operate safely includes track excavators, wheel loaders, backhoes, skid loaders, and track dozers. You will be required to navigate driveways, alleyways, high-traffic roadways, and operate equipment in various tight overhead environments.The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining heavy equipment used in pipeline construction, installation, maintenance, and repair projects. This position requires the safe and efficient operation of equipment while ensuring compliance with company policies, safety regulations, and project specifications.Key ResponsibilitiesOperate heavy equipment such as excavators, dozers, loaders, backhoes, trenchers, and compaction equipmentExcavate, backfill, grade, and prepare pipeline trenches according to project requirementsAssist with pipeline installation, repair, and maintenance activitiesRead and interpret construction plans, grade stakes, and utility locatesConduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections and perform basic equipment maintenanceEnsure safe operation around underground utilities, existing infrastructure, and other workersCommunicate effectively with supervisors, spotters, and crew membersMaintain accurate records of equipment inspections and maintenance needsAssist with general labor duties as required to support pipeline construction operationsInspect equipment, perform preventative maintenance on equipment, and schedule repairsPerform pre- and post-trip inspections of assigned equipment and document checks on standard DVIR (Driver Vehicle Inspection Report)Coordinating major construction projectsPerforming skilled activities in repairing utility collection, transmission, and distribution systemsAssisting customers with questions and providing information to address their questions and concernsAssisting in project planning and setting up job sitesPlease note that the successful candidate must be available to work overtime and will be subject to callouts outside of regular working hours as needed by the business.Who You Are:Demonstrated experience in the skilled and safe operation and transportation of heavy equipmentPossession of a valid, unrestricted driver's licensePreferred but not required: Possession of a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL); tanker, doubles, and triples endorsements are preferred, or the ability to obtain within six months of hirePhysical Requirements/Working Conditions:Exerts 20-50 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or 10-25 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, workspace restrictions, and intense noises.Our Commitment to Our Employees… Our people are the heart and soul of Colorado Springs Utilities. They keep the lights on, gas flowing, water coming in, and wastewater leaving. We don't just say people are important – we prove it! That's why we are honored to invest in protecting the health and financial security of our employees and their families through our rich benefits program.Time Off to RechargeVacation – Start with 13 days annually, increasing to 24 days with tenurePersonal Leave –3 days per yearPaid Holidays –12 paid holidays per yearSick Leave – 12 days per year for personal or family health needsVacation Buy – Option to purchase up to 40 additional hours annuallyHealth & Wellness – Benefits elected are effective the first of the following monthMedical Plans: Three comprehensive options, including a $0 premium High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibilityZero Health: Access to hundreds of medical services at no costDental & Vision: Two dental plans and one vision planFamily Building-Benefits: Support for fertility, preservation, adoption, and surrogacyWellness Program: A voluntary program that rewards you for prioritizing self-care! If you're enrolled in our medical plan, you and your spouse can earn up to $600 in HRA or HSA contributions by completing healthy activitiesFlexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax contributions for healthcare and dependent care expensesHealth Savings Account (HSA): Available with HDHPFinancial & Retirement SecurityPension Plan: Colorado PERA provides retirement benefits and peace of mindSupplemental Retirement Plans: PERAPlus 401(k), MissionSquare Roth IRA, and 457 plansDisability Coverage: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance availableLife Insurance: Employer-paid coverage with optional supplemental plansLong-Term Care Insurance: Available for purchase to support extended care needsAdditional SupportEmployee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, stress, legal, financial, and work-life balanceTuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually to support continued educationPublic Service Loan Forgiveness: As a qualifying employer, your student loan payments may be eligible for loan forgiveness