Apprentice Equipment Operator

Douglas County Government (CO); Castle Rock (CO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Douglas County Government (CO) seeks an Equipment Operator Apprentice responsible for operating county vehicles and heavy equipment used in road maintenance, repair, and construction of native, gravel, and paved surfaces. The role includes learning proper equipment handling, completing required training, performing a variety of manual tasks, and ensuring safety and customer service standards.

Eligibility requires a high school diploma or GED and a Colorado driver's license; CDL progression is

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• One year education or experience in highway maintenance or equipment operation preferred.
• Must possess a valid State of Colorado Driver License Class R (preferably Class C) with insurance.
• Must obtain CDL Class B with air brake endorsement within 12 months; Class A for career progression; DOT medical exam and drug/alcohol testing requirements.

Responsibilities

• Operate a range of heavy equipment and vehicles for road maintenance.
• Perform pothole, concrete, and asphalt repair work as assigned.
• Respond to emergencies including blizzards, fires, floods.
• Assist with traffic control and flagging during construction.
• Conduct daily equipment inspections and basic maintenance.
• Provide customer service and coordinate with supervisors.
• Assist with installation and repair of road structures.

Skills

Equipment operation

Customer service

Safety compliance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

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‑job training and attain career progression.

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.

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.

Douglas County offers an excellent comprehensive benefit package including but not limited to: Medical/Dental/Vision.

*Closing date updated