Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator

Please 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 Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment such as excavators, dozers, loaders, backhoes, trenchers, and compaction equipment
• Excavate, backfill, grade, and prepare pipeline trenches according to project requirements
• Assist with pipeline installation, repair, and maintenance activities
• Read and interpret construction plans, grade stakes, and utility locates
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections and perform basic equipment maintenance
• Ensure safe operation around underground utilities, existing infrastructure, and other workers
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, spotters, and crew members
• Maintain accurate records of equipment inspections and maintenance needs
• Assist with general labor duties as required to support pipeline construction operations
• Inspect equipment, perform preventative maintenance on equipment, and schedule repairs
• Perform pre- and post-trip inspections of assigned equipment and document checks on standard DVIR (Driver Vehicle Inspection Report)
• Coordinating major construction projects
• Performing skilled activities in repairing utility collection, transmission, and distribution systems
• Assisting customers with questions and providing information to address their questions and concerns
• Assisting in project planning and setting up job sites

Please 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 equipment
• Possession of a valid, unrestricted driver's license
• Preferred 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 hire

Physical 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 Recharge

• Vacation Start with 13 days annually, increasing to 24 days with tenure
• Personal Leave 3 days per year
• Paid Holidays 12 paid holidays per year
• Sick Leave 12 days per year for personal or family health needs
• Vacation Buy Option to purchase up to 40 additional hours annually

Health & Wellness Benefits elected are effective the first of the following month

• Medical Plans: Three comprehensive options, including a $0 premium High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility
• Zero Health: Access to hundreds of medical services at no cost
• Dental & Vision: Two dental plans and one vision plan
• Family Building-Benefits: Support for fertility, preservation, adoption, and surrogacy
• Wellness 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 activities
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax contributions for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with HDHP

Financial & Retirement Security

• Pension Plan: Colorado PERA provides retirement benefits and peace of mind
• Supplemental Retirement Plans: PERAPlus 401(k), MissionSquare Roth IRA, and 457 plans
• Disability Coverage: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance available
• Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage with optional supplemental plans
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Available for purchase to support extended care needs

Additional Support

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, stress, legal, financial, and work-life balance
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually to support continued education
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a qualifying employer, your student loan payments may be eligible for loan forgiveness