Equipment Operator III

Colorado State University; United States; On-site; USD 57,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University is seeking a skilled Facilities Management technician in Fort Collins, CO. The role involves operating a range of heavy equipment from light vehicles to construction machinery to support campus construction and maintenance operations.

Responsibilities include loading, inspection, driving, cleaning, and minor repairs, with a labor component for excavation, snow removal, and safety boundary creation. CDL Class B is required and CSU emphasizes safety and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Three (3) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position.
• Experience operating a variety of heavy equipment and snow plows.
• Knowledge of safe practices around heavy equipment in high-traffic areas.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload equipment from vehicles.
• Inspect equipment before and after use.
• Operate heavy equipment to complete tasks at construction sites.
• Perform minor repairs and cleaning of equipment.
• Assist with maintenance and safety around excavation and utilities.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety practices

Snow removal

Diligence

Tools

Class B CDL

Job description

Job Description This position will close at 11:59 p.m. on October 20, 2026.

The position is located Fort Collins, CO, working in the Facilities Management Department.

This position does not have formal supervisory authority.

This full time, nonexempt position.

Unit Statement Services include engineering, design, renovations, and maintenance of building structures, electrical and mechanical systems, fire protection, HVAC/R, plumbing, keyless access, door operators, custodial services, waste and recycling, landscaping, and paving.

Operations also manages district energy and utility systems, and provides campus support for facility use and access.

Facilities Management | Colorado State University

Position Summary

Operates and maintains a variety of motorized equipment, ranging from light vehicles to heavy construction machinery, to transport materials, equipment, and personnel and support construction and maintenance operations.

Performs equipment loading and unloading, pre- and post-operation inspections, routine cleaning, and minor repairs to ensure safe and efficient performance.

Applies strong spatial awareness, fine motor control, and hazard recognition skills to maneuver multi-ton equipment in confined spaces, maintain load stability on uneven terrain, and avoid site hazards and underground utilities while completing assigned projects safely and effectively.

This position will work with Class B dump trucks, Class A semi trucks, front end loaders, motograders, skid steers, mini excavators.

Additionally, this position requires a labor component which can include: utility excavation, digs, creating safety boundaries for excavation, concrete and asphalt demolition, and snow removal.

Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

• Loading and unloading equipment from vehicles used to transport it
• Inspecting equipment before and after use to ensure it's in good working order
• Driving or controlling heavy equipment to complete tasks at the construction site
• Cleaning equipment after use and disposing of any collected scraps or waste
• Completing minor repair work as needed

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires.)

Pre-employment Physical - extra heavy lifting.

Valid driver's license - within 1 year of hire

Class B CDL required (employer paid).

Essential Services Designation - Required to be on duty to perform essential and/or emergency services of the agency without delay or interruption.

Shift Work - Snow removal and emergency excavation outside normal business hours.

Special events.

Minimum Qualifications

To be considered for this position, candidates must demonstrate in the application materials: Three (3) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position.

Preferred Qualifications

The highly desired candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, abilities, personal characteristics, and experience directly related and critical to this position: Flexibility; be willing to participate in all levels of physical work beyond equipment operation Positive attitude; willing to learn about how heavy equipment is used on campus Experience operating a variety of heavy equipment and snow plows Extensive knowledge and experience using safe practices in heavy equipment use in high-traffic (pedestrian and otherwise) areas Knowledge of heavy equipment practices around utilities including electric, gas, water and sewer Ability to conduct maintenance and minor repair on heavy equipment Related state service experience.

Salary Range

$56,628 - $67,956

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

Review our detailed benefits information here. Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here. For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator. Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Prospective Employees, click here to learn more about CSU's perks and purpose. Current employees will need to apply for jobs in Workday.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

Employment and Appeal Rights

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for the position, you may protest the action by filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the date you receive notice of the elimination. Also, if you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the receipt of notice or knowledge of the action you are challenging. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for more information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at www.colorado.gov/spb. A standard appeal form is available at: www.colorado.gov/spb. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: [phone]. Phone: [phone].

Inspired by its land-grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.