Apprentice Equipment Operator

Douglas County, CO; Castle Rock (CO); On-site; USD 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Douglas County is seeking an Apprentice Equipment Operator in Castle Rock, CO. The role involves operating and maintaining county vehicles and heavy equipment for road repair, maintenance, and related construction tasks.

The entry-level position includes training in biochar production workflows and safety procedures, with on-the-job development and career progression opportunities. The role emphasizes strong teamwork and customer service in a county public works setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• One year education or experience in highway maintenance or equipment operation is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate a variety of heavy equipment for road repair and maintenance.
• Perform snow removal and apply deicing materials.
• Assist with traffic control and signage during construction.
• Conduct daily inspections of equipment and vehicles.
• Provide safe, reliable customer service and teamwork.
• Complete required external training at least four hours.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Road maintenance

Safety procedures

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or GED

1 year highway maintenance or equipment operation

Tools

Excavators

Backhoes

Milling machines

Job description

Apprentice Equipment Operator

Employment Type: 0 - Full-time Regular Pay Range: $47,936.00 - 71,904.00 Location: Castle Rock, CO Overtime Exempt: N Elected Office / Department: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

This is work responsible for operating and maintaining County vehicles, heavy equipment, and performing manual labor activities. Incumbent operates a variety of heavy equipment used in the repair, maintenance, and construction of native, gravel, and paved roads as well as the associated structures. Apprentices are taught the proper use, care, and safe handling of the equipment used in connection with their work and the important skills necessary to become a successful Equipment Operator. Apprentices are required to complete training and any prescribed courses related to the trade to complement on-the-job training and attain career progression.

The Biochar Apprentice Equipment Operator supports the production of biochar through the safe operation, maintenance, and monitoring of pyrolysis equipment and related systems. This entry‑level role is designed for individuals interested in renewable energy, carbon sequestration, and sustainable land management, offering hands‑on training in biochar production processes.

Generally, the hiring range is $47,936-$59,920 annually. Qualifications, education and experience as it relates to the position will betaken into consideration when determining hiring salary.

Yourfuture is important to us.

Douglas County offers a comprehensive benefits package — including medical,dental, vision, and retirement plans — plus a wide range of additionalresources to support your health, growth, and overall well-being. View the full Employee Benefits Guide

View the full job description here

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operates equipment including pickups, rollers, water tankers, mowers, sweepers, loaders, backhoes, excavators, snowplows, sanders, motor graders, dozers, scrapers, paving equipment, milling machines, concrete mixers, mud jack pumps, sprayers, and other construction and maintenance equipment.
• Performs a variety of road maintenance tasks involving the operation of the equipment stated above and manual labor tasks, including pothole repair, concrete repair, asphalt overlays, culvert repair and maintenance, bridge repair, shoulder maintenance, ditch maintenance, shoveling, raking, fence construction, tree trimming, etc.
• Responds to emergency situations including, but not limited to blizzards, fires, floods, and other disasters.
• Performs snow and ice removal, which includes the application of anti-icing and deicing materials.
• Assists with placement of traffic control signage and provides traffic flagging during construction activities.
• Performs daily inspection on equipment and vehicles used.
• Provides good customer service. Collaborates with Supervisors to respond to customer service requests. Required to model good customer service and adherence to the code of conduct.
• Helps ensure that all equipment is properly maintained. May perform equipment maintenance/fabrication.
• Performs manual labor using various hand tools or equipment, including shovels, picks, jackhammers, power saws, and other tools.
• Paints and sandblasts structures.
• Installs and repairs guardrail, fencing, snow fence, culverts, and other road structures.
• Establishes and maintains positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
• Required to complete at least one external training session/class. Must be a minimum of four hours.
• Performs miscellaneous minor maintenance work on vehicles and equipment.
• Collects debris along County roads.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

GreenWorks - Biochar:

• Assist in the operation of biochar production units, including kilns, retorts, or pyrolysis reactors
• Monitor temperature, airflow, and feedstock input to ensure efficient and consistent biochar production
• Load and unload biomass materials (e.g., wood chips, agricultural waste)
• Perform routine equipment inspections, cleaning, and basic maintenance
• Follow all safety procedures related to high-heat systems, machinery, and material handling
• Support packaging, storage, and transport of finished biochar products
• Record production data and assist with reporting and quality control
• Maintain a clean and organized worksite
• Work collaboratively with team members and supervisors to improve processes

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• A high school diploma or GED is required.
• One year education or experience in highway maintenance or equipment operation is preferred.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, & REGISTRATIONS

• Must possess a valid State of Colorado Driver License Class R upon hire (preferably a Class C), with complying insurance. Review of motor vehicle record is required at time of hire and periodically throughout employment.
• Must obtain a State of Colorado Commercial Driver License Class B with air brake endorsement within 12 months of hire.
• Incumbent is expected to obtain a Commercial Driver License Class A to achieve career progression in this classification series. Incumbents in this position must meet the Department of Transportation physical exam and drug and alcohol testing requirements.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Closing Date: 9/11/2026 4:59PM MST. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is selected.

The job details outlined in thispostingmay represent amodifiedsummary ofthe fulljob description. For a full copy ofthe job description CLICK HERE toview our job classifications.

In the event of an emergency/disaster in or near the County, all County employees are expected to make every effort to be available to assist the County Manager, Elected/Appointed Officials and Department Directors to ensure the continued operation of any and all necessary County functions. This may mean being available to perform additional duties and hours beyond what is normally required. In the event that an exempt employee does work more than 40 hours a week in support of County operations during an emergency, such employee may receive overtime or other appropriate wage compensation in accordance with existing County policies or at the discretion of the County.