Heavy Equipment Operator I - Night Shift

Vestas; Brighton (CO); On-site; USD 35,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Vestas is seeking a skilled Heavy Equipment Operator for our Brighton, CO facility. You will handle heavy machinery, perform lifts up to 9 tons, and ensure safe, efficient transport of nacelles, hubs and blades. The role requires CDL, welding knowledge, and adherence to safety policies.

Night Shift: Monday - Thursday 5:00PM - 4:45AM; wage range $25.50–$30.00 per hour plus $3 shift differential. High school diploma or GED and 3–5 years of related experience preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; on-the-job or related experience preferred.
• Preference for certifications in heavy equipment operations, welding, and CDL.
• Able to operate heavy equipment per laws, policies, and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Operates Class 1-7 equipment, 40+ ton crane, 50+ ton reach stacker, 20+ ton forklift.
• Performs safe lifts up to 9 tons and up to 200’ length in various conditions.
• conducts daily safety inspections and maintains records.
• Performs maintenance and welding/fabrication on transportation frames.
• Prepares nacelles, hubs, and blades for shipping with proper documentation.
• Loads blades on trains and trucks, guides blade transport interfaces.
• Clears snow from walkways and yard; climbs ladders up to 36’.
• Drives company vehicle for errands and material transport.
• Reviews schedules and orders to determine items to move and distribute.
• Maintains shipment manifests and inventory records using devices.

Skills

Heavy Equipment Operations

Welding AWS D1.1

CDL Class-A

Basic Math

3 – 5 years experience

Safety awareness

Education

High school or GED

Job description

Location: Brighton, CO, US

Work experience: Skilled Worker / Semi-Skilled Worker

Type of position: Full-Time

Job Family: Production

Night Shift: Monday - Thursday 5:00PM - 4:45AM

General Purpose:

Executes packaging, shipping and transporting Nacelles, Hubsand other components and supports factory with all Heavy Equipment needs. Operates various Heavy Equipment required to store, distribute materials, tools, equipment, and products within establishments.

Responsibilities:

Operates Heavy equipment including but not limited to all Class 1-7 equipment, 40+ Ton Mobile Gantry Crane, 50+ Ton Reach Stacker/Container Handler, 20+ Ton Forklift, Single/dual axle remote steer Dolly, Tractor w/ 3 point, PTO, Front end Loader, Grader, Compaction Roller, Skid Steer, 12k+ Telescopic Forklift

Operates all heavy equipment in a safe and efficient way according to all relevant legislation, policies and procedures; safely performs standard and non-standard lifts on objects up to 9 tons and up to 200’ in length in all types of lighting and weather conditions.

Performs daily safety inspections on equipment and rigging and maintains inspection records

Performs first line maintenance on equipment, mechanical repairs and modifications to transportation frames, including but not limited to welding and fabrication of replacement components; inspects product prior to shipment for Quality Assurance

Moves Nacelles, Hubs and other components to and from production areas as needed; physically prepares nacelles, hubs and blades for shipping including all documentation, loads blades on trains and truck for shipment, safely with no damage to equipment or product. Directs blade transporters on correct blade transport interface configurations and procedures.

Clears and removes snow from walkway, receiving/shipping yard; climbs up to 36’ ladders regularly throughout shift in all weather conditions

Drives company vehicle for errands and to transport stored items from warehouse to plant or to pick up items from several locations from racks, production floor or receiving.

Reviews production schedule, customer order, work order, shipping order, or requisition to determine items to be moved, gathered, or distributed.

Maintains inspection records, creates shipment manifests; maintains inventory records through use of smart phone/computer

Other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions:

• Able to safely operate all heavy equipment according to all relevant legislation, policies and procedures
• Able to climb 8’ ladder
• Must be able to see and hear alarms, timers and follow verbal instructions
• Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions
• Must be able to wear the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the duration of the task
• Regular and reliable attendance
• Ability to lift 55 lbs
• Ability to exert (push/pull) 100 lbs

Education, Training, and Skills Required:

High school or GED required; on-the-job/other related experience equivalent preferable.

Prefer Certification in any of the following:

• Heavy Equipment Operations
• Welding AWS D 1.1
• CDL Class-A
• 3 – 5 years of experience
• Basic Math
• Able to operate all heavy equipment according to all relevant legislation, policies and procedures; (safely performs standard and non-standard lifts on objects up to 9 tons and up to 200’ in length in all types of lighting and weather conditions)

Salary: $25.50 - $30.00 per hour (+ $3/hr shift differential)

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Required to regularly lift up to 55 lbs. using proper lifting techniques consistently throughout the shift. Required to exert (push/pull) up to 100 lbs. of force occasionally throughout the shift. Required to climb ladders throughout shift using proper fall protection. Works with a 6-person team coordinating movements of Heavy equipment used to transport products to and from storage locations. Rigs and lifts using cranes to place in transport frames/load onto rail/truck transports

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Working outdoors in all weather conditions (company provides all weather gear/uniforms needed), working on rail, trucks, other modes of transport. Work in close proximity to loud equipment/processes in an industrial storage yard.Clears and removes snow from walkway, receiving/shipping yard.

Our commitment to a fair hiring

At Vestas, we evaluate all candidates solely based on their professional experience, education, and relevant skills. To support a fair recruitment process, we kindly ask that you remove any photos, dates of birth or graduation, gender pronouns, marital status, or other personal information not relevant to the role before submitting your CV/resume. Your CV/resume should focus on your professional and educational background, along with the necessary contact details (email and phone number). We train our hiring teams in inclusive evaluation and regularly review process outcomes to ensure fairness.

DEIB Statement

At Vestas, we recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion in driving innovation and success. We strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, particularly those who may hesitate due to their identity or feel they do not meet every criterion. As our CEO states, "Expertise and talent come in many forms, and a diverse workforce enhances our ability to think differently and solve the complex challenges of our industry". Your unique perspective is what will help us powering the solution for a sustainable, green energy future.

About Vestas

Vestas is the energy industry’s global partner on sustainable energy solutions. We are specialised in designing, manufacturing, installing, and servicing wind turbines, both onshore and offshore. Across the globe, we have installed more wind power than anyone else. We consider ourselves pioneers within the industry, as we continuously aim to design new solutions and technologies to create a more sustainable future for all of us. With more than 200 GW of wind power installed worldwide and 40+ years of experience in wind energy, we have an unmatched track record demonstrating our expertise within the field. With 39,000 employees globally, we are a diverse team united by a common goal: to power the solution – today, tomorrow, and far into the future. Vestas promotes a diverse workforce which embraces all social identities and is free of any discrimination. We commit to create and sustain an environment that acknowledges and harvests different experiences, skills, and perspectives. We also aim to give everyone equal access to opportunity. To learn more about our company and life at Vestas, we invite you to visit our website at www.vestas.com and follow us on our social media channels. We also encourage you to join our Talent Universe to receive notifications on new and relevant postings.