Equipment Operator I/II/III

Build Your Career. Serve Your Community.

Join Our Team as an Equipment Operator I/II/III

Are you ready to make a real impact in your community while growing a rewarding career? The Department of Public Works, Highway Division, is seeking dedicated individuals to join our team as Equipment Operators. This is your chance to work hands‑on, maintaining, repairing, and building infrastructure that keeps our community safe and connected.

What You’ll Do

As an Equipment Operator, you’ll operate a variety of equipment and tools to perform essential roadway maintenance and repair tasks. Your work will directly support safe travel and strong infrastructure across El Paso County.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Operating construction and maintenance vehicles safely and efficiently.
• Performing snow removal and responding to on‑call emergencies such as floods or storm clean‑up.
• Setting up safe, compliant construction work zones to protect the traveling public.
• Loading, unloading, and maintaining equipment and materials.
• Accurately recording tasks performed and materials used.

Explore Your Areas of Impact

Applicants are encouraged to review the following section summaries and identify areas that best align with their skills and interests:

• Roadway Asphalt Section Preserve and maintain paved surfaces through pothole repairs, crack sealing, patching, and surface maintenance.
• Drainage, Stormwater, and Bridge Maintenance Section Maintain stormwater systems and small bridge assets through culvert cleaning, ditch reshaping, inlet/outlet care, and minor bridge repairs.

• Traffic Section (Signs, Striping, Traffic Control, Thermo‑Plastic, Lumineers, Flashers) – Install and maintain roadway signs, apply pavement markings, and manage traffic control measures to meet MUTCD standards.

• Truck String (Chipping Program Execution) – Operate equipment for chipping projects that restore skid resistance, waterproof surfaces, and extend pavement life.
• Motorized Road Grader Sections (Graveling Program Execution) – Use graders and support equipment to maintain gravel roads and complete annual graveling programs.

• Gravel Road Reclaimer Crew (Dust Abatement Program) – Reshape and rebuild the road surface using heavy equipment. Applies dust control agents to road surfaces to improve road and air quality.

• General Maintenance Section – Perform debris removal, tree trimming, mowing, and sidewalk clearing to enhance roadway safety and appearance.

Note: All sections participate in snow removal and emergency responses, including rotating on‑call assignments for adverse weather and roadway hazards.

A Career That Grows with You

This is more than a job; it’s a career path. The Equipment Operator series allows you to progress from Level I to II to III as you demonstrate your skills, dedication, and leadership. We are looking to fill intermediate and experienced Equipment operator positions as well as entry‑level positions. If you’re motivated, safety‑conscious, and eager to contribute to a high‑performing team, we’d love to have you on board.

Positions currently available on the following crews: Traffic, Asphalt, Urban Drainage, Rural Drainage, General Maintenance, Reclamation, and Truck String.

Equipment Operator I

Full Salary Range: $20.625-$27.779

Anticipated Hiring Rate: $23.386

Equipment Operator II

Full Salary Range: $22.659 - $31.707

Anticipated Hiring Rate: $26.070

Equipment Operator III

Full Salary Range: $24.375 - $35.284

Anticipated Hiring Rate: $28.614

This position has an anticipated work schedule of Monday - Thursday, 6:30 am - 5:00 pm, and on‑call as needed; subject to change.

Operates a variety of equipment and tools to perform maintenance and repair functions, construction, installations, or other work under direct supervision for an assigned Department of Public Works, Highway Division Operational Team. Performs snow removal operations. This position is part of the Equipment Operator career progression series, which includes Equipment Operator I, Equipment Operator II, and Equipment Operator III. An employee is eligible to advance to the next position within the series when the employee has met the criteria for advancement as notated within the job description and has received a recommendation from the Hiring Authority. Employment is subject to the terms, conditions, and policies detailed in the Personnel Policies Manual (PPM). This position requires regular in‑person presence as an essential job function.

• Performs a variety of maintenance, repair, and construction duties under direct supervision. Work may be for various crews, including asphalt, general maintenance, truck string, drainage, reclamation/stabilization, blades, signals, and traffic and signs.
• Performs manual labor using various tools, materials, and equipment. Performs snow removal operations.
• Loads and unloads equipment and materials.
• Prepares, maintains, and cleans equipment and job sites for various projects.
• Safely operates various types of construction and maintenance vehicles in compliance with laws, ordinances, policies, and procedures.
• Maintains complete and accurate records of all work performed, including tasks performed and materials used.
• Sets up and maintains compliant construction work zones.
• Provides work zone traffic control, including flagging duties. Ensures safety procedures are followed.
• Responds to on‑call after‑hours emergencies, such as snow removal, flood repair, tornado clean‑up, or other natural disaster or safety needs for the motoring public.
• Performs other duties as required.

Equipment Operator III

• Trains staff in various duties as assigned.
• Performs as the Team Lead in their absence.

Supervision Exercised: This classification does not have supervisory authority and requires no supervision or direction of others.

Supervision Received: Receives intermittent supervision. This classification normally performs the job by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor is expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Basic knowledge of highway, construction, maintenance, and repair techniques and procedures preferred.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain heavy equipment based upon area of assignment. Must observe and follow safety procedures and precautions.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to work independently with instruction and in a team environment.
• Must communicate and work effectively with County staff and the public. Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to read and interpret the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
• Ability to complete Individualized Development Plan (IDP) based on area of assignment.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Equipment Operator II

• Working knowledge of highway, construction, maintenance, and repair techniques and procedures.

Equipment Operator III

• Knowledge of highway, construction, maintenance, and repair techniques and procedures.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, independently, and in a team environment. Ability to mentor and train employees.

Required Education & Experience

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Equipment Operator II

• One year of experience in maintenance, repair, construction, or related experience.
• One year of experience in the operation and maintenance of heavy equipment.

Equipment Operator III

• Three years of experience in maintenance, repair, construction, or related experience.
• Three years of experience in the operation and maintenance of heavy equipment.

Licenses/Certificates

• Colorado Class B Commercial Driver’s Permit with Tanker (N) Endorsement and no air brake (L) restriction must be obtained prior to employment. Must obtain and maintain a valid Colorado Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with tanker (N) endorsement and no air brake (L) restriction within ninety days of employment; CDL training is provided by El Paso County.
• Must obtain a Colorado Flagger Certificate within sixty days of employment.
• Must obtain and maintain necessary certifications and licenses as applicable to position.

Equipment Operator II

• Must possess and maintain a valid Class A or B Commercial Driver's License with Tanker (N) Endorsement and no air brake (L) restriction.

Equipment Operator III

• Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Class A Commercial Driver's License with Tanker (N) Endorsement and no air brake (L) restriction.

Pre‑Employment Requirements

• Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle check, drug screen, and physical examination.

Duties are performed outdoors and requires lifting, bending, and climbing, at times in hazardous situations, such as operating construction vehicles in adverse weather and close proximity to moving vehicles and traffic. Works with potentially dangerous equipment and tools; may work with hazardous materials, including fuels, paints, asphalts, herbicides, and pesticides. Must be able to safely lift 40 pounds from the waist to the shoulders, lift 30 pounds from the floor to the head, push 80 pounds, and pull 100 pounds horizontally. Subject to emergency off‑hours call‑out. Subject to drug and alcohol testing.

The classification specification above is intended to describe the general nature of work, key responsibilities, and minimum qualifications. Minimum qualifications reflect the baseline experience required for the classification. Departments may establish additional or preferred qualifications to address operational needs, assignment complexity, and specialized functions, provided such qualifications are job‑related, consistent with the intent of the classification, and as approved by the Human Resources department. Specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and working conditions may vary based on the department or office's needs and the requirements of the assigned position. Changes to this classification specification may only be made by the Human Resources Department.