Equipment Operator I - Drainage Operations

City of Colorado Springs; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Colorado Springs is seeking an Equipment Operator I for the Drainage Operations team. You will operate and maintain heavy machinery used in drainage installation, maintenance, and repair, including backhoes, excavators, and trenchers. Work is team-based to manage water flow, prevent flooding, and keep infrastructure in good order.

Typical schedule is 6:30 AM–5:00 PM with crew-based rotation. CDL Class B license required within one year of hire; high school diploma or GED preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience operating power-driven construction equipment.
• Ability to perform manual tasks for extended periods.
• Valid driver's license (non-probationary).

Responsibilities

• Operate a dump truck with plow and sander during snow removal.
• Transport material and equipment to and from sites.
• Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on equipment and tools.
• Clean culverts, mow, remove debris, and shovel snow.
• Safely operate hand and power tools and heavy machinery.
• Assist other divisions within Public Works as needed.
• Follow safety guidelines and perform routine equipment checks.

Skills

Equipment operation

Safety practices

Manual labor

Education

High school diploma or GED

CDL Class B license (within 1 year)

Job description

Equipment Operator I - Drainage Operations

About the Job

The Colorado Springs Public Works division is ready to welcome an Equipment Operator to the Drainage Operation Teams! As an Equipment Operator, you will be responsible for operating and maintaining heavy machinery used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of drainage systems. This role involves clearing and excavating land for proper drainage, ensuring safe and efficient operation of equipment such as backhoes, excavators, and trenchers, and working with a team to manage water flow, prevent flooding, and maintain infrastructure.

Anticipated Work Schedule

6:30AM - 5:00PM. Either Monday - Thursday or Tuesday - Friday depending on crew assignment after hire.

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Your starting pay will be within the posted hiring range based on your years of experience and education. As an employee with the City of Colorado Springs, there is room to grow! Click here to view the 2026 Salary Schedule | City of Colorado Springs

As an Equipment Operator I, you will:

• Operate a single/tandem axle dump truck with plow and sander during snow removal operation
• Transport material and equipment to and from maintenance and construction sites
• Safely use, clean, service, and make minor adjustments and repairs to equipment and tools
• Perform manual labor such as cleaning culverts, mowing, removing debris, and shoveling snow
• Safely operate hand and power tools and construction and maintenance equipment such as mowing machines, front-end loaders, and air hammers
• Perform grounds maintenance and clean up
• Assist other divisions within the Public Works departments as business needs permit
• Follow safety guidelines, assess job sites, and perform routine equipment checks to ensure optimal performance
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Learn more about this job by reviewing the class specification on the City of Colorado Springs Class Specifications page

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate

• The basic operation and maintenance requirements of power-driven equipment
• Practices, methods, and materials used in general construction
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices

• Ability to perform a variety of manual tasks for extended periods

• High school diploma or GED
• One year of professional, full-time experience in general construction, manual labor or a related field
• Possess and maintain a valid, non-probationary driver's license not subject to restrictions
• Possess, or obtain within one year of hire, and maintain a valid, non-probationary Colorado CDL Class B driver's license which is not subject to restrictions

TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION YOU MUST REGISTER YOUR CDL (COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE) WITH THE FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse at https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov

We value a diverse range of qualifications and experiences.

Our organization views each year of further education as equivalent to each year of relevant work experience, and each year of additional relevant work experience as equivalent to each year of required education.

Please contact [e-mail] f or any questions about this position.

Physical Demands

The position requires the ability to pull, reach, bend, climb, kneel, sit, stand, and walk for extended periods, lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally and 25 pounds frequently, and use fingers, hands, and legs; distinguish colors, and safely operate assigned vehicle and equipment.

Environmental Conditions/ Frequency

• Primary Work Environment - Outdoors around moving vehicles and heavy machinery
• Extreme Temperature - Daily
• Wetness and Humidity - Daily
• Respiratory Hazards - Daily exposure to toxic chemicals, dust, fumes, odors, and gases
• Noise and Vibrations - Daily
• Physical Hazards - Motorized equipment and heavy traffic daily
• Mechanical and/or Electrical Hazards - Continuous exposure
• Exposure to Communicable Diseases - Frequently