Lead Equipment Operator (Asphalt)

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

About the role

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. This position involves hands-on leadership, instructing staff on diverse responsibilities, and assuming 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.

Anticipated Hiring Rate: $32.228 hourly. This is an in-person position with an anticipated work schedule of Monday – Thursday 6:30am – 5:00pm, subject to change and on-call as needed.

Responsibilities

• Oversees crew(s) in a variety of maintenance and construction duties, 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 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, including 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 reports to the supervisor, including collecting and verifying daily delivery and pick-up tickets.
• Verifies accuracy of employee entry in timekeeping, including correct jobs, 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

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.

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. Performance reviewed periodically.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• For Lead Traffic Equipment Operator: Must possess IMSA Sign and Pavement Markings Technician I Certification or equivalent, ATSSA or IMSA Traffic Control Technician Certification or equivalent, and obtain a Colorado Flagger Certificate within sixty days of employment.
• Must pass conditional post-offer background investigation, motor vehicle check, drug screen, and physical examination.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Skills

• 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.

Work Conditions

• Duties are performed outdoors and require 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.