Heavy Equipment Operator Road and Bridge

Pitkin County Library

Aspen (CO)

On-site

USD 39,000 - 60,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Bilingual stipend

Job summary

Pitkin County is hiring for a Heavy Equipment Operator in the Road & Bridge department to maintain county roads and rights-of-way. The role covers Level I to III responsibilities, from entry-level tasks to senior operator leadership, with a pathway to lead projects under supervision.

Compensation includes a competitive hourly rate, with a bilingual stipend, and full benefits for a full-time position located at the Aspen area. Applicants must meet CDL and ICS certifications by hire.

Qualifications

Level I: up to 1-year experience operating heavy equipment.
Level II: 1-3 years of heavier equipment experience.
Level III: 3+ years with leadership responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Operates heavy equipment including dump trucks, loaders, snowplows, excavators, haul trucks, graders.
Performs maintenance inspections and safety checks on equipment.
Lead small crews or tasks; coordinate with other departments and utilities.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Communication

Multi-tasking

Education

CDL Class B + Tanker endorsement

ICS 200

ICS 300

Road Scholar 1 (LTP/APWA)

Tools

LTAP Certificates

APWA Certificates

Heavy equipment certs

Job description

Heavy Equipment Operator Road and Bridge

Salary
$28.04 - $49.06 Hourly
Location
AABC-Aspen Airport Business Center, CO
Job Type
Full-time with benefits, hourly
Job Number
202300407
Department
Road & Bridge
Opening Date
09/09/2026
Closing Date
10/9/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
Bilingual Stipend
Yes
Hiring Minimum
$28.04
Hiring Maximum
$43.81
Pay Grade
P103
Hiring Range Description
The hiring range is the starting point of the pay range to the 4th quartile of the pay range. Starting pay will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

Description
Benefits
Early applications are encouraged
Job Postings without Closing Dates: Job postings that do not have a closing date will remain open until filled.
Job Postings with Closing Dates: An application deadline may be extended if the original deadline produced fewer applications than expected. Likewise, a job posting may be closed prior to the listed closing date if the number of applications reach the limit for that position.

Job Summary

Operates a variety of heavy equipment and trucks to maintain Pitkin County Roads and Rights of Way to provide safe and efficient travel in Pitkin County.

Job Responsibilities

Level I – Laborer / Light Equipment Operator

Employees at Level I perform entry-level labor and light equipment operation in the maintenance and repair of county roads, rights-of-way, and related facilities. Work is performed under close supervision and with guidance from senior operators or supervisors.

Performs general road and grounds maintenance, including patching, vegetation control, sign maintenance, and snow removal.
Operates light and basic equipment such as small loaders, pickup-mounted plows, mowers, and compactors.
Assists crews in digging ditches and trenches using hand tools and small power equipment.
Assists with traffic control setup and flagging for work zones.
Performs routine inspection and basic maintenance of assigned tools and equipment; reports defects or needed repairs to supervisor.
Maintains cleanliness and organization of vehicles, equipment, and work areas.
Performs administrative and support tasks including email correspondence, data entry, and participation in meetings and training sessions.
Responds to emergency situations as directed. Acts as a first responder in emergencies and supports public safety operations when needed.
Promotes a positive relationship between Pitkin County government and the public through courteous, cooperative behavior and professional communication.
Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Level II – Heavy Equipment Operator / Maintenance Specialist

Employees at Level II perform skilled work in the operation of heavy equipment and the maintenance of county infrastructure. Work is performed with greater independence and technical ability, often involving complex or specialized equipment.

Operates a variety of heavy equipment including dump trucks, loaders, snowplows, excavators, haul trucks, and road graders.
Performs general and complex road maintenance, grounds maintenance, and snow removal operations.
Loads trucks with soils and aggregates; performs excavation and grading work near utilities such as gas, electric, water, and sewer with precision and safety.
Conducts preventive maintenance inspections and performs adjustments to ensure optimal equipment performance.
May assist in training or mentoring less experienced employees.
May serve as a lead on small crews or specialized tasks under direction from the supervisor.

Level III – Senior Operator / Crew Lead

Employees at Level III perform advanced, skilled work in heavy equipment operation, project coordination, and crew leadership. Work is performed with significant independence and responsibility, requiring sound judgment, technical proficiency, and leadership ability.

Serves as the acting lead or supervisor in the absence of the operations supervisor.
Oversees complex or specialized projects such as large-scale road reconstruction, drainage improvements, or emergency response operations
Coordinates with other departments, contractors, and utility providers to ensure effective scheduling and completion of work.
Provides on-the-job training, coaching, and mentorship to less experienced operators and laborers.
Ensures work is performed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with County policies, standards, and regulations.
Monitors work quality, equipment use, and material needs; provides feedback and reports to supervisors on crew performance and project status.
Assists in preparing work orders, reports, and operational documentation.

Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge And Skills

This position follows a sequence:

Level I:
- Up to 1-year experience operating heavy equipment
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.
- Must obtain Commercial Driver’s License Class B with tanker endorsement within 12 months of hire.
Level II (in addition to Level I):
- 1-3 years of progressively responsible and applicable Heavy Equipment
- Commercial Driver’s License Class B and Tanker endorsement required.
- 3 Equipment-specific Training Certificates of Completion relevant to Pitkin County Road and Bridge (LTAP, APWA, Heavy Equipment Manufacturing Companies)
- ICS 200 Completion Required
Level III (in addition to Level II):
- 3 plus years of progressively responsible and applicable experience.
- Commercial Driver’s License Class A and Tanker endorsement required with no vehicle restrictions.
- ICS 300 Completion Required.
- 3 Equipment-specific Training Certificates of Completion relevant to Pitkin County Road and Bridge (LTAP, APWA, Heavy Equipment Manufacturing Companies).
- Local Technical Program Road Scholar 1 certification, or equivalent, required.

Knowledge Of

Safety policies, procedures, and practices for basic construction industry standards.
Inventory management methods and practices.
Personal protective equipment and proper use.
Equipment troubleshooting methods.
General maintenance practice and procedures.

Skill In

Organizing and prioritizing work to meet deadlines and accomplish tasks.
Handling multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency and stressful situations.
Microsoft Office Products and Google Suite.
Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
Operating tools and equipment safely.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

Work is performed throughout Pitkin County and requires exposure to potentially dangerous equipment, inclement weather conditions, and some hazardous substances.
May be required to work irregular hours, weekends, and holidays depending on weather conditions.
May be required to lift up to 80 lbs.

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Employer Pitkin County