Heavy Equipment Operator Road and Bridge

• Performs general road and grounds maintenance, including patching, vegetation control, sign maintenance, and snow removal.
• Operates light and basic equipment such as small loaders, pickup-mounted plows, mowers, and compactors.
• Assists crews in digging ditches and trenches using hand tools and small power equipment.
• Assists with traffic control setup and flagging for work zones.
• Performs routine inspection and basic maintenance of assigned tools and equipment; reports defects or needed repairs to supervisor.
• Maintains cleanliness and organization of vehicles, equipment, and work areas.
• Performs administrative and support tasks including email correspondence, data entry, and participation in meetings and training sessions.
• Responds to emergency situations as directed. Acts as a first responder in emergencies and supports public safety operations when needed.
• Promotes a positive relationship between Pitkin County government and the public through courteous, cooperative behavior and professional communication.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

• Operates a variety of heavy equipment including dump trucks, loaders, snowplows, excavators, haul trucks, and road graders.
• Performs general and complex road maintenance, grounds maintenance, and snow removal operations.
• Loads trucks with soils and aggregates; performs excavation and grading work near utilities such as gas, electric, water, and sewer with precision and safety.
• Conducts preventive maintenance inspections and performs adjustments to ensure optimal equipment performance.
• May assist in training or mentoring less experienced employees.
• May serve as a lead on small crews or specialized tasks under direction from the supervisor.

• Serves as the acting lead or supervisor in the absence of the operations supervisor.
• Oversees complex or specialized projects such as large-scale road reconstruction, drainage improvements, or emergency response operations
• Coordinates with other departments, contractors, and utility providers to ensure effective scheduling and completion of work.
• Provides on-the-job training, coaching, and mentorship to less experienced operators and laborers.
• Ensures work is performed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with County policies, standards, and regulations.
• Monitors work quality, equipment use, and material needs; provides feedback and reports to supervisors on crew performance and project status.
• Assists in preparing work orders, reports, and operational documentation.

This position follows a sequence:

• Level I: 
  • Up to 1-year experience operating heavy equipment
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.
  • Must obtain Commercial Driver’s License Class B with tanker endorsement within 12 months of hire.
• Level II (in addition to Level I): 
  • 1-3 years of progressively responsible and applicable Heavy Equipment 
  • Commercial Driver’s License Class B and Tanker endorsement required.
  • 3 Equipment-specific Training Certificates of Completion relevant to Pitkin County Road and Bridge (LTAP, APWA, Heavy Equipment Manufacturing Companies) 
  • ICS 200 Completion Required
•  Level III (in addition to Level II): 
  • 3 plus years of progressively responsible and applicable experience. 
  • Commercial Driver’s License Class A and Tanker endorsement required with no vehicle restrictions.
  • ICS 300 Completion Required.
  • 3 Equipment-specific Training Certificates of Completion relevant to Pitkin County Road and Bridge  (LTAP, APWA, Heavy Equipment Manufacturing Companies).
  • Local Technical Program Road Scholar 1 certification, or equivalent, required.

Knowledge Of:

• 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.

Skill In:

• 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.

• Operating tools and equipment safely.

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

• May be required to work irregular hours, weekends, and holidays depending on weather conditions. 

• May be required to lift up to 80 lbs.

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.