Equipment Operator (Seasonal)

El Paso County (CO); Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

El Paso County is seeking a Seasonal Equipment Operator to help maintain and improve roadways, bridges, and drainage systems. You’ll operate tractors, rollers, and trucks, perform patching, debris removal, and vegetation trimming, and assist with snow removal.

Outdoor work in all weather and on-call duties are required. You will contribute to safer roads for the community, respond to emergencies, and take pride in visible, hands-on work that supports public safety and services.

Qualifications

• Dependable, safety-minded individuals able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Basic equipment operation experience is helpful; willingness to learn is essential.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license; Colorado Flagger Certificate within 60 days of employment.

Responsibilities

• Operate tractors, rollers, and trucks for road maintenance and construction tasks.
• Patch asphalt, clear debris, trim vegetation, and assist with snow removal.
• Respond to weather events and emergencies; work outdoors in varying conditions.
• Perform flagging duties and traffic control as needed.
• Load/unload materials and assist with equipment maintenance.

Skills

Safety procedures

Operate heavy equipment

Teamwork

Basic math

Communication

Dependability

Adaptability

Independent work

Job description

Join a team that keeps El Paso County’s roads safe, clear, and moving. As a Seasonal Equipment Operator, you’ll work hands-on in the field, helping maintain and improve the County’s roadways, bridges, and drainage systems. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys working outdoors, operating a variety of equipment, and seeing the direct results of their hard work in the community.

What You’ll Do

You’ll operate tractors, rollers, and trucks, and use hand tools to perform essential maintenance and construction tasks. From patching asphalt and clearing debris to trimming vegetation and assisting with snow removal, every day offers variety and the chance to make a visible impact. You’ll also help keep roadways safe during weather events and emergencies, a vital part of serving your community.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking dependable, safety-minded individuals who take pride in their work. You should be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, following safety procedures, and working both independently and as part of a team. Basic equipment operation experience is helpful, but a strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to learn are what matters most.

Why Join Us

This is more than just a seasonal job; it’s an opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience, build teamwork skills, and contribute to projects that matter. If you enjoy physical work, take pride in serving your community, and like being outdoors, this could be the perfect fit for you.

Anticipated Hiring Rate: $21.295

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

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

Performs a variety of unskilled road and bridge maintenance and construction duties requiring the use of various equipment and hand tools. Employment is subject to the terms, conditions, and policies detailed in the Personnel Policies Manual (PPM). This position requires regular in-person presence as an essential job function.

• Performs a variety of road and bridge maintenance and construction duties. May work on one or more crews, including asphalt, general maintenance, truck string, drainage, and traffic and signs.
• Operates industrial tractors with mower attachments, various types of compaction rollers, and pickup trucks; performs routine maintenance, including lubing and greasing as necessary.
• Performs manual labor using various hand tools, including shovels, picks, and axes. Lifts and carries jackhammers and connected air hoses. Installs and removes snow plow and harnesses.
• Patches asphalt using crack sealing equipment and performs asphaltic concrete patching on paved roads. Carries asphalt or cement chunks to and from sites and vehicles. Operates self-propelled hand rollers; may assist with traffic striping. Performs flagging duties.
• Removes debris from County rights-of-way; trims trees, shrubbery, and other vegetation.
• Loads and unloads small equipment and material. Carries bags of cement.
• Collects trash from containers.
• Responds to on-call after-hours emergencies, such as snow removal, flood repair, tornado clean-up, or other natural disasters, or safety needs for the motoring public.
• Performs other duties as required.

Supervision Exercised:

This classification does not have supervisory authority and requires no supervision or direction of others.

Supervision Received:

Receives intermittent supervision. This classification normally performs the job by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor is expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Basic knowledge of road and bridge construction, maintenance techniques, and procedures.
• Must observe and follow safety procedures and precautions.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain heavy equipment based upon area of assignment.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to read and interpret the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with County staff and the public. Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to work independently with instruction and in a team environment.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Required Education & Experience

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Licenses/Certificates

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must obtain a Colorado Flagger Certificate within sixty days of employment.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle check, drug screen, and physical examination.

Duties are performed outdoors and require lifting, bending, and climbing, at times in hazardous situations, such as operating construction vehicles in adverse weather and close proximity to moving vehicles and traffic. Works with potentially dangerous equipment and tools; may work with hazardous materials, including fuels, paints, asphalts, herbicides, and pesticides. Must be able to safely lift 40 pounds from the waist to the shoulders, lift 30 pounds from the floor to the head, push 80 pounds, and pull 100 pounds horizontally. Subject to emergency off-hours call-out.

The classification specification above is intended to describe the general nature of work, key responsibilities, and minimum qualifications. Minimum qualifications reflect the baseline experience required for the classification. Departments may establish additional or preferred qualifications to address operational needs, assignment complexity, and specialized functions, provided such qualifications are job-related, consistent with the intent of the classification, and as approved by the Human Resources department. Specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and working conditions may vary based on the department or office's needs and the requirements of the assigned position. Changes to this classification specification may only be made by the Human Resources Department.