Lead Equipment Operator (Asphalt)

El Paso County, Colorado, USA; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 41,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

El Paso County's Public Works Department is seeking a Lead Equipment Operator for the Asphalt Crew. The role focuses on inspecting, repairing, paving, patching, and maintaining asphalt road surfaces to ensure safe and durable transportation infrastructure.

You will lead a crew, supervise projects, and coordinate on-site operations. The position requires hands-on leadership, on-call availability for snow removal and emergency repairs, and a strong background in road construction and maintenance.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in maintenance, repair, construction, or related field.
• Three years of experience operating heavy equipment.
• One year of leadership experience in a public works setting.
• Six months of computer use with common software such as MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Oversees crews in maintenance and construction duties across asphalt, general maintenance, drainage, traffic, and signs.
• Assigns daily tasks and ensures safety procedures are followed.
• Provides training on equipment and maintenance procedures; mentors staff.
• Performs manual labor and snow removal operations as needed.
• Operates construction and maintenance vehicles in accordance with laws and policies.
• Maintains accurate records of work performed, materials used, and daily tickets.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Leadership

Safety procedures

Communication

Road maintenance knowledge

Tools

MS Office

Excel

Outlook

Job description

VISION

El Paso County will be a trusted regional leader known for excellence in county service delivery.

PURPOSE

We provide essential public services to the Pikes Peak Region in support of our residents, businesses, and communities, enhancing the freedom for all to thrive.

VALUES

Service Focused

• Collaborative
• Accountable
• Trustworthy
• Transparent

Job Summary

Are you committed to keeping our community’s roads safe, durable, and well-maintained? Do you take pride in your work and enjoy being part of and leading a dedicated team? Are you experienced in snow removal operations and highly skilled at operating heavy equipment such as patch trucks, pavers, rollers, sweepers, and backhoes? If you have experience in maintaining asphalt roads, operating equipment, and leadership, we have a great opportunity for you with El Paso County’s Public Works Department.

We are seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Lead Equipment Operator to join our Asphalt Crew. The preferred candidate will have a strong background in inspecting, repairing, paving, patching, and maintaining asphalt road surfaces to ensure the safety and longevity of the community’s transportation infrastructure. You will play a key role in addressing roadway repairs and ensuring smooth, high-quality travel conditions for our citizens. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves alongside your team, demonstrating hands‑on leadership and turning challenges into opportunities for growth. You will be able to instruct staff on diverse responsibilities and assume the position of Highway Supervisor as required. A thorough understanding of road construction, asphalt repair techniques, and maintenance processes is pivotal to excelling in this leadership opportunity. As part of our team, you will help maintain roads and engage in impactful community projects.

Anticipated Hiring Rate: $32.228 hourly

This is an in‑person position. This position has an anticipated work schedule of Monday – Thursday 6:30 am – 5:00 pm; subject to change and on‑call as needed.

Please be advised this position may close without advance notice, should we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications.

Serves as the Team Leader for an assigned Department of Public Works, Highway Division Operational team; provides direction, training, and oversight to crew(s). Operates a variety of equipment and tools to perform maintenance and repair functions, construction, installations, or other work; performs snow removal operations. Provides leadership on project site and supervision in the absence of the Supervisor. Employment is subject to the terms, conditions, and policies detailed in the Personnel Policies Manual (PPM). This position requires regular in‑person presence as an essential job function.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Oversees crew(s) in a variety of maintenance and construction duties. Position may be for various crews including asphalt, general maintenance, truck string, drainage, traffic, and signs.
• Provides direction and daily task assignments to crew members. Ensures safety procedures are followed and up‑to‑date information is provided to crew(s). Provides input and support to the leadership regarding applicable performance evaluations.
• Provides training on equipment and best practices for maintenance processes and procedures; guides and mentors employees.
• Performs manual labor using various tools, materials, and equipment. Performs snow removal operations.
• Loads and unloads equipment and materials. Prepares, maintains, and cleans equipment and job sites for various projects.
• Safely operates various types of construction and maintenance vehicles in compliance with laws, ordinances, policies, and procedures.
• Maintains complete and accurate records of all work performed including tasks performed and materials used.
• Provides accurate tracking of crew's usage of materials and provides to the supervisor, including collecting and verifying daily delivery and pick‑up tickets. Verifies accuracy of employee entry in timekeeping, including correct jobs and hours and equipment.
• Responds to on‑call after hours emergencies, such as snow removal, flood repair, tornado clean‑up, or other natural disaster or safety need for the motoring public.
• Performs supervisory duties in absence of the Highway Supervisor.
• Performs other duties as required.

Supervision Exercised: This classification requires functioning as a lead worker performing essentially the same job duties as those directed and includes overseeing work quality, training, instruction, and scheduling work. May include providing input on hiring/disciplinary action and work objectives/ effectiveness, performance evaluations, and realigning work as needed.

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision. This classification typically performs job duties by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Periodic direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor may be expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of highway, construction, maintenance, and repair techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of and ability to interpret the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Must observe, follow, and ensure compliance with safety procedures and precautions.
• Ability to lead and train others; ability to objectively assess the performance of others.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, independently, and in a team environment.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations for practical working situations.
• Ability to communicate and establish effective working relationships with County staff and the public. Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions and interpret diagrams, blueprints, and specifications.
• Ability to complete Individualized Development Plan (IDP) based on area of assignment.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Required Education & Experience

• Three years of experience in maintenance, repair, construction, or related experience.
• Three years of experience in the operation and maintenance of heavy equipment.
• One year of leadership experience in a public works environment, including providing guidance and direction to others.
• Six months of experience using a computer and various software programs, including Microsoft Office.

Preferred Education & Experience

• One year of welding experience with portable arc welder and oxy/acetylene torch.

Licenses/Certificates

• Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Class A Commercial Driver's License with Tanker (N) Endorsement and no air brake (L) restriction.
• Must obtain and maintain necessary certifications and licenses as applicable to position.
• Lead Traffic Equipment Operator:
  • Must possess IMSA Sign and Pavement Markings Technician I Certification or equivalent.
  • Must possess current ATSSA or IMSA Traffic Control Technician Certification or equivalent.
• Must obtain a Colorado Flagger Certificate within sixty days of employment.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle check, drug screen, and physical examination.

Work Conditions

Duties are performed outdoors and requires lifting, bending, and climbing, at times in hazardous situations such as operating construction vehicles in adverse weather. Works with potentially dangerous equipment and tools; may work with hazardous materials, including fuels, paints, asphalts, herbicides, and pesticides. Must be able to safely lift and carry up to 40 pounds from the waist to the shoulders, lift 30 pounds from the floor to the head, push 80 pounds, and pull 100 pounds. horizontally. Subject to emergency off hours call‑out. Subject to drug and alcohol testing.

The classification specification above is intended to describe the general nature of work, key responsibilities, and minimum qualifications. Minimum qualifications reflect the baseline experience required for the classification. Departments may establish additional or preferred qualifications to address operational needs, assignment complexity, and specialized functions, provided such qualifications are job‑related, consistent with the intent of the classification, and as approved by the Human Resources department. Specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and working conditions may vary based on the department or office's needs and the requirements of the assigned position. Changes to this classification specification may only be made by the Human Resources Department.

El Paso County is an E-Verify and Equal Opportunity Employer.

El Paso County adheres to Federal drug screening guidelines and requires a pre-employment drug screen.