Heavy Equipment Operator

Tessera; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 96,432,000 - 108,830,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and Dental Vision

401(k) retirement

Life & Short-Term Disability

Tuition assistance

Professional development

EAP

PSLF eligibility

Wellness program

Verizon discount

Job summary

Tessera is seeking a dependable Heavy Equipment Operator to support operations at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. You will operate loaders, graders, bulldozers, skid steers, backhoes, and snow removal equipment to support roadways and maintenance.

Responsibilities include reading simple plans, performing routine checks and minor repairs, and maintaining safety and environmental standards. You may be stationed at USAFA and 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)
• Ability to read grade stakes, slope indicators, and basic construction plans.

Responsibilities

• Operates heavy and light equipment for road, street, and lot maintenance and new construction.
• Read and interpret grade and slope stakes and simple plans.
• Perform snow and ice removal operations to ensure access to mission-critical facilities.
• Maintain daily safety and maintenance checks and keep maintenance records.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Reading grade stakes and plans

Safety protocols

Equipment maintenance basics

Teamwork in military environment

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 maintain coverage by Tessera's insurance.
• CDL Class B required.
• Access to a federal military installation requires a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. passport or military ID, in accordance with the REAL ID Act. Please visit this website for more information: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id
• Must be able to obtain and maintain applicable security clearances and installation access. A background check and E-Verify will be conducted for this position.

Union Affiliation: This position is represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union, Local 113

Tessera is a national non-profit, government contractor that is dedicated to "Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities" through hiring and supporting individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. We take pride in our mission-focused culture, our Core Values, Diversity, Partnership, Commitment, Integrity, and Quality, and our dedication to providing a safe and respectful work environment to our employees.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Tessera is here to help you with the recruitment process.

If you require an accommodation or support, please contact us at

[phone] ext. 349, or email [e-mail].

Tessera is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled - Tessera participates in E-Verify