Heavy Equipment Operator

About the role

Tessera is seeking a dependable and skilled Heavy Equipment Operator to support essential operations at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Responsibilities

• Operates various heavy and light equipment in the maintenance and new construction of projects such as preparing/paving/patching streets and parking lots, maintaining 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 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)
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Life & Short-Term Disability Insurance
• 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

Pay

$34.06 - $34.06 /hourly

Schedule

Full Time. On-call work may also be required based on operational needs.