Seasonal Heavy Equipment Operator I

Seasonal Heavy Equipment Operator I Streets

Town of Vail | Public Works Department

Join the Town of Vail's Public Works team as a Seasonal Heavy Equipment Operator I and help keep our mountain community safe and accessible throughout the winter season! In this hands-on position, you'll play an essential role in snow removal operations, operating heavy equipment, maintaining roadways, and ensuring streets, pedestrian areas, and public spaces remain safe for residents and visitors. From plowing snow during winter storms to sanding, deicing, and maintaining critical infrastructure, your work will directly support the community during Vail's busiest season. We're looking for a dependable, safety-conscious individual who enjoys working outdoors, takes pride in their work, and thrives in a team-oriented environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of heavy equipment operation, including snowplows, front-end loaders, motor graders, backhoes, and trucks with trailers.
• Understanding of snow removal operations, including plowing, sanding, deicing, snow hauling, snow blowing, and cutting snowpack.
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment and commercial vehicles in winter weather and challenging mountain conditions.
• Knowledge of street maintenance practices, traffic control procedures, and roadway safety standards.
• Mechanical aptitude, including the ability to conduct equipment inspections, identify maintenance needs, and perform minor repairs.
• Ability to safely transport materials and equipment using dump trucks and trailers.
• Understanding of workplace safety procedures and the ability to identify and respond to potential hazards.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, with a commitment to providing excellent public service.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and respond effectively to changing weather conditions and emergencies.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to learn equipment-related systems and technology.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work outdoors in extreme cold, snow, ice, and other challenging weather conditions.
• Flexibility to work varying shifts, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and emergency callouts during snow events.

Education, Experience, and Certificates

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Three years of experience in public works, construction, heavy equipment operation, or a related field preferred.
• Experience operating snowplows, loaders, dump trucks, or other heavy equipment preferred.
• Must obtain and maintain a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within three months of hire.
• Heavy equipment certification and relevant equipment operator training.
• Certifications in flagging, backhoe operation, loader operation, motor grader operation, confined space entry, and forklift operation.
• Must meet applicable federal drug and alcohol testing requirements.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

The Town of Vail is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants.

Pay Range

$27.39 - $41.08

Benefits

Full-time positions are eligible for the Town of Vail's comprehensive benefits program, which includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer-paid life and disability insurance; access to flexible spending accounts; wellness and employee assistance programs; paid leave and holiday benefits; and participation in the Town's retirement programs, including a employer funded 401(a) pension plan, along with optional deferred compensation plans. 2026 Benefit Guide.