Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Summary

Operates heavy equipment and tandem plow trucks to complete tasks within the Public Works department and assigned division.

• Operates heavy equipment including loader, snowplow, excavator, and haul truck.
• Performs general road maintenance, grounds maintenance, and snow removal; loads trucks with soils and aggregates; able to operate various equipment.
• Works with the line crew in digging ditches and trenches, hoisting material, tools, equipment, and any related work with a backhoe, road grater, or front-end loader; performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or repairs to the supervisor; cleans equipment; assists in the installation and maintenance of traffic control devices. Plows snow and salts roads according to departmental policy;
  
  performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards.
• Ability to work around and excavate near utilities including Gas, Electric, Water and Sewer.
• When assigned to Solid Waste assists in compost operations and processing waste; assists in compost and soils operations; manages scrap metal and tire piles; able to complete all housekeeping tasks related to the Solid Waste Center.
• When assigned to Solid Waste, utilizes knowledge of Trimble 3D mapping systems while on equipment.
• Performs general administrative duties including email correspondence, attending, and participating in meetings and training.
• May need to act as a first responder to support in emergency situations.
• Supports the relationship between Pitkin County government and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and County staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and County information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

This position follows a sequence:

• Level I:
  • Up to 1 year of equipment operating experience.
  • 24‑hour HAZWOPER, SWANA waste screening course (completion within one‑year of hire).
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent;
    Associate’s Degree preferred.
  • Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.
• Level II (in addition to Level I):
  • 1‑3 years of experience operating heavy equipment, proficiency in the loader and compactor.
  • Completion of SWANA Manager of Landfill Operations certification course.
  • E‑waste handling training course.
• Level III (in addition to Level II):
  • 3+ years of experience operating heavy equipment. Proficiency in operating excavator, dozer, trommel screen, and grinder.
  • Class B CDL with tanker endorsement.
  • Completion of Trimble GPS operations course.

• Safety policies, procedures, and practices for basic construction industry standards.
• Inventory management methods and practices.
• Personal protective equipment and proper use.
• Equipment troubleshooting methods.
• General maintenance practice and procedures.

• Organizing and prioritizing work to meet deadlines and accomplish tasks.
• Handling multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency and stressful situations.
• Microsoft Office Products and Google Suite.
• Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

• Work is performed throughout Pitkin County and requires exposure to potentially dangerous equipment, inclement weather conditions, and some hazardous substances.
• Work is performed near active traffic.

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

For more information: 2025 Employee Benefits Guide in English. Spanish version available.