Heavy Equipment Operator

Skookum Aerospace Manufacturing; United States; On-site; USD 63,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k) retirement plan

Life & Short-Term Disability Insurance

Tuition assistance

Professional development

Verizon wireless discount

EAP

Job summary

Tessera is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator for the Colorado Springs area (USAFA). This full-time, on-site role involves operating heavy and light equipment for maintenance and new construction, including paving, grading, and snow removal.

Qualifications include CDL Class B, a valid state driver’s license, and the ability to obtain security clearances; REAL ID-compliant credentials or a U.S. passport are required for access to federal installations.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years operating heavy equipment in construction, maintenance, or military settings.
• Heavy Equipment Operator Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy/light equipment for maintenance and new construction projects.
• Read grade and slope stakes and plans.
• Perform safety checks and routine maintenance.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Operate heavy equipment (sweepers, plo

Tools

CDL Class B

REAL ID-compliant/license for federal access

Driver's license

Job description

Job Summary

Heavy Equipment Operator – Colorado Springs, CO (United States Air Force Academy) – Non‑Exempt – Full Time. On‑call work may also be required based on operational needs. Compensation: $35.76 per hour. Deadline: October19,2026.

Benefits

• 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

Responsibilities

• Operate 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: reach, kneel, walk, stand, and use repetitive motion for several hours at a time; repeated motion, lifting, kneeling, and walking; standing or sitting for several hours; 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. 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.

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.

Equal Opportunity & EEO

Tessera is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled.

Tessera participates in E‑Verify.

Company Context

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 purpose‑driven culture, our core values - Inclusion, Partnerships, Integrity - and our commitment 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 (360) 475‑0756 ext.349, or email [e-mail].

As a trusted provider in facility management, manufacturing, and vehicle maintenance, we focus on investing in our people to deliver exceptional results for our customers. Our customers rely on Tessera to consistently provide high‑quality products and services, enabling them to achieve their goals. We fulfil our purpose when our customers meet theirs. At Tessera, we prioritise leadership development and are dedicated to specialised recruitment, career advancement, and job training. As a national leader in Disability and Veteran recruitment, hiring, and retention, Tessera continues to empower individuals and drive success across industries.

Working here is more than just a job; it’s a meaningful career that enables you to make a positive impact every day. We currently support over 1,700 employees across 13 states and Washington, D.C., and continue to expand nationwide.