Lead Equipment Operator (Urban Drainage)

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.

Our core values are: Service Focused, Collaborative, Accountable, Trustworthy, and Transparent.

About the role

El Paso County’s Public Works Department is seeking a Lead Equipment Operator to support our Urban Drainage Crew. This role involves leading crews, operating heavy equipment, and maintaining critical drainage infrastructure to reduce flooding risks and ensure community safety. The position requires leadership, problem-solving, and a commitment to safety in a fast-paced field environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the daily activities of the Urban Drainage crew, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality work.
• Operate excavators, backhoes, loaders, graders, and specialized trucks used in Urban Drainage assignments.
• Inspect, install, clean, and maintain drainage systems, culverts, and ditches to reduce flooding risks.
• Maintain strict adherence to safety practices, conduct regular inspections, and reinforce safe work habits.
• Provide guidance and training to crew members on equipment operation, safety, and job expectations.
• Oversee preventive maintenance and safety checks for all assigned equipment.
• Respond to operational or personnel issues quickly to minimize downtime.
• Oversee crew(s) in maintenance and construction duties, including asphalt, general maintenance, truck string, drainage, traffic, and signs.
• Provide direction and daily task assignments to crew members, ensuring safety procedures are followed.
• Support leadership with performance evaluations and training on equipment and best practices.
• Perform manual labor using various tools, materials, and equipment, including snow removal operations.
• Load and unload equipment and materials; prepare, maintain, and clean job sites.
• Safely operate construction and maintenance vehicles in compliance with laws and policies.
• Maintain accurate records of work performed, materials used, and crew timekeeping.
• Respond to on-call after-hours emergencies, such as snow removal, flood repair, or natural disaster cleanup.
• Perform supervisory duties in the absence of the Highway Supervisor.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in maintenance, repair, construction, or related field.
• Three years of experience operating and maintaining heavy equipment.
• One year of leadership experience in a public works environment, including providing guidance to others.
• Six months of experience using a computer and software programs, including Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of highway, construction, maintenance, and repair techniques and procedures.
• Ability to interpret the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
• Ability to lead, train, and 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.
• Strong communication skills and ability to establish effective working relationships with staff and the public.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and interpret diagrams, blueprints, and specifications.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Licenses & Certificates

• Valid Colorado Class A Commercial Driver’s License with Tanker (N) Endorsement and no air brake (L) restriction.
• For Lead Traffic Equipment Operator: IMSA Sign and Pavement Markings Technician I Certification or equivalent.
• For Lead Traffic Equipment Operator: 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 a conditional post-offer background investigation, motor vehicle check, drug screen, and physical examination.

Work Conditions

• Duties are performed outdoors, requiring lifting, bending, and climbing, often in hazardous conditions.
• Works with potentially dangerous equipment and tools, including fuels, paints, asphalts, herbicides, and pesticides.
• Must 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 and drug/alcohol testing.

Pay

$32.228 hourly.

Schedule

Monday – Thursday, 6:30am – 5:00pm, subject to change and on-call as needed.