Equipment Operator I/II/III

El Paso County, Colorado, USA; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

El Paso County in Colorado Springs is seeking Equipment Operator I-III to maintain, repair, and build infrastructure that keeps our community safe and connected.

This role involves operating a variety of equipment for roadway maintenance, snow removal, and on-call responses; it supports multiple crews including Traffic, Asphalt, Urban Drainage, Rural Drainage, General Maintenance, Reclamation, and Truck String.

Responsibilities

• Operating construction and maintenance vehicles safely and efficiently.
• Performing snow removal and responding to on‑call emergencies such as floods or storm clean‑up.
• Setting up safe, compliant construction work zones to protect the traveling public.
• Loading, unloading, and maintaining equipment and materials.
• Accurately recording tasks performed and materials used.

Job description

VISION

El Paso County will be a trusted regional leader known for excellence in county service delivery.

PURPOSE

We provide essential public services to the Pikes Peak Region in support of our residents, businesses, and communities, enhancing the freedom for all to thrive.

VALUES

Service Focused

• Collaborative
• Accountable
• Trustworthy
• Transparent

Job Summary

Build Your Career. Serve Your Community.

Join Our Team as an Equipment Operator I/II/III

Are you ready to make a real impact in your community while growing a rewarding career? The Department of Public Works, Highway Division, is seeking dedicated individuals to join our team as Equipment Operators. This is your chance to work hands‑on, maintaining, repairing, and building infrastructure that keeps our community safe and connected.

What You’ll Do

As an Equipment Operator, you’ll operate a variety of equipment and tools to perform essential roadway maintenance and repair tasks. Your work will directly support safe travel and strong infrastructure across El Paso County.

Typical responsibilities include

• Operating construction and maintenance vehicles safely and efficiently.
• Performing snow removal and responding to on‑call emergencies such as floods or storm clean‑up.
• Setting up safe, compliant construction work zones to protect the traveling public.
• Loading, unloading, and maintaining equipment and materials.
• Accurately recording tasks performed and materials used.

Explore Your Areas of Impact

Applicants are encouraged to review the following section summaries and identify areas that best align with their skills and interests:

• Roadway Asphalt Section – Preserve and maintain paved surfaces through pothole repairs, crack sealing, patching, and surface maintenance.
• Drainage, Stormwater, and Bridge Maintenance Section – Maintain stormwater systems and small bridge assets through culvert cleaning, ditch reshaping, inlet/outlet care, and minor bridge repairs.
• Traffic Section (Signs, Striping, Traffic Control, Thermo‑Plastic, Lumineers, Flashers) – Install and maintain roadway signs, apply pavement markings, and manage traffic control measures to meet MUTCD standards.
• Truck String (Chipping Program Execution) – Operate equipment for chipping projects that restore skid resistance, waterproof surfaces, and extend pavement life.
• Motorized Road Grader Sections (Graveling Program Execution) – Use graders and support equipment to maintain gravel roads and complete annual graveling programs.
• Gravel Road Reclaimer Crew (Dust Abatement Program) – Reshape and rebuild the road surface using heavy equipment. Applies dust control agents to road surfaces to improve road and air quality.
• General Maintenance Section – Perform debris removal, tree trimming, mowing, and sidewalk clearing to enhance roadway safety and appearance.

Note: All sections participate in snow removal and emergency responses, including rotating on‑call assignments for adverse weather and roadway hazards.

A Career That Grows with You

This is more than a job; it’s a career path. The Equipment Operator series allows you to progress from Level I to II to III as you demonstrate your skills, dedication, and leadership. We are looking to fill intermediate and experienced Equipment operator positions as well as entry‑level positions. If you’re motivated, safety‑conscious, and eager to contribute to a high‑performing team, we’d love to have you on board.

Positions currently available on the following crews: Traffic, Asphalt, Urban Drainage, Rural Drainage, General Maintenance, Reclamation, and Truck String.

Equipment Operator I

Full Salary Range: $20.625-$27.779

Anticipated Hiring Rate: $23.386

Equipment Operator II

Full Salary Range: $22.659 - $31.707

Anticipated Hiring Rate: $26.070

Equipment Operator III

Full Salary Range: $24.375 - $35.284

Anticipated Hiring Rate: $28.614

This position has an anticipated work schedule of Monday – Thursday, 6:30 am – 5:00 pm, and on‑call as needed; subject to change.

Please be advised this position may close without advance notice, should we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications.

Operates a variety of equipment and tools to perform maintenance and repair functions, construction, installations, or other work under direct supervision for an assigned Department of Public Works, Highway Division Operational Team. Performs snow removal operations. This position