Heavy Equipment Operator

skookum; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 101,942,000 - 110,208,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k) retirement plan

Life Insurance

Short-Term Disability Insurance

11 paid holidays

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Professional development

EAP

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

Tessera, at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, seeks a dependable Heavy Equipment Operator to support roadwork, snow removal, and maintenance projects. You will operate loaders, graders, bulldozers, and more across USAFA grounds, performing routine checks and minor repairs as needed.

Ideal candidates have 3–5 years of heavy equipment experience, a relevant certification, and the ability to read basic plans.

Qualifications

• Operates heavy equipment in maintenance and construction tasks.
• Interprets grade and slope stakes and simple plans.
• Maintains equipment and performs basic repairs as needed.

Responsibilities

• Operate loaders, graders, bulldozers, skid steers and snow removal equipment.
• Read and interpret basic plans and stakes.
• Perform daily safety and maintenance checks on equipment.
• Assist with paving, hauling materials and site prep.
• Communicate with customers in a courteous manner.
• Standby readiness within one hour when on call.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety protocols

Teamwork in structured environment

Education

Heavy Equipment Operator Certification

Job description

Heavy Equipment Operator

Location: Colorado Springs, CO (United States Air Force Academy) Type: Non-Exempt Work Schedule: Full Time. On-call work may also be required based on operational needs. Compensation: $35.76 per hour Deadline: October 19, 2026 Benefits: Tessera is proud to offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package to our eligible part-time and full-time employees.

Full-Time benefits of a Heavy Equipment Operator at Tessera include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) retirement plan, Life & Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Health and Welfare Benefit
• Flexible Spending Accounts for both medical and dependent care
• 11 paid federal holidays and paid time off
• Potential shared earning bonus
• Tuition assistance is available after 1 year of employment and potential scholarships for qualified dependents
• Professional development, certifications, and training opportunities
• Verizon wireless discount
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and an engaging wellness program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for full-time employees

Tessera is dedicated to "Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities" by hiring and supporting individuals with disabilities as well as veterans with disabilities. We take pride in our purpose-driven culture, our core values - Inclusion, Partnerships, Integrity - and our commitment to providing a safe and respectful work environment to our employees.

Tessera is seeking a dependable Heavy Equipment Operator to support operations at the United States Air Force Academy. This role operates a variety of heavy equipment, including loaders, graders, bulldozers, skid steers, backhoes, sweepers, and snow removal equipment to support roadway, construction, and maintenance activities. Responsibilities may include interpreting basic plans, performing routine equipment checks, and making minor repairs. Based on operational needs, this position may be stationed at the USAFA to support airfield maintenance and snow removal operations.

Typical duties include but are not limited to:

• Operates various heavy and light equipment in the maintenance and new construction of projects such as preparing/paving/patching streets and parking lots, maintain gravel and other earth surfaced roads and access roads, blading road and ditches, removing and/or installing culverts, crack sealing, clearing weeds etc.
• Read and interpret grade and slope stakes and simple plans.
• Communicate with customers in a courteous and respectful manner.
• Perform snow and ice removal operations across USAFA grounds, ensuring safe and efficient access to mission-critical facilities during inclement weather.
• Support paving operations by hauling materials, staging equipment, and assisting with site prep to ensure smooth and timely project execution across USAFA.
• Perform daily safety and maintenance checks.
• Clean heavy equipment as scheduled and/or required.
• Participate in routine maintenance.
• May grease, adjust and make emergency repairs to equipment.
• Apply all code requirements during installations, repairs and maintenance.
• Ensure all requirements are met as specified by the manufacturer of systems and fixtures.
• Ensure all installations, repairs and maintenance are properly sized, aligned, supported and graded.
• Ensure all installations, repairs and maintenance meet environmental protection requirements.
• Maintain preventive maintenance and repair records.
• Read and understand drawings, work plans and maps.
• Maintain professionalism in both appearance and demeanor.
• Must be able to respond within one hour when on standby.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years operating heavy equipment in construction, maintenance, or military support environments
• Heavy Equipment Operator Certification preferred
• Proficient in operating heavy equipment (e.g., sweepers, plows, loaders, compactors)
• Ability to read grade stakes, slope indicators, and basic construction plans
• Strong understanding of safety protocols and proper PPE usage
• Basic mechanical skills for equipment maintenance and emergency repairs
• Familiarity with preventive maintenance tracking and reporting
• Effective communication and teamwork in a military or structured environment

Physical Requirements:

Employees must have the ability to perform the following physical demands for extended periods of time with or without assistance. The physical demands of this position may be reasonably accommodated for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions on a case-by-case basis.

• May be required to reach, kneel, walk, stand, and use repetitive motion for several hours at a time based on position duties.
• Work may require repetitive motion, reaching, lifting, kneeling, and walking. Standing or sitting for several hours at a time, climbing in and out of a vehicle, and up and down stairs may also be required.
• Must have the perseverance to work effectively under pressure for extended periods of time.

Requirements:

A valid state driver's license is required with the ability to obtain and