Equipment Operator II-III (Rural Blades)

Full Job Description

Equipment Operator II-III – Rural Blades Crew

Do you enjoy running a motor grader and seeing the results of your work every day? Are you someone who takes pride in keeping roads safe and well-maintained? Do you like working on your own but still being part of a strong, reliable team?

If that sounds like you, come join El Paso County’s Public Works, Highway Division as an Equipment Operator II/III - Blades.

In this role, you won’t just operate equipment, you’ll take ownership of your assigned road network. From smoothing gravel roads and maintaining ditches and culverts to responding to snowstorms and emergencies, your work keeps the community moving safely.

You’ll build your skills operating a variety of heavy equipment, work alongside a dedicated team on larger projects like graveling and dust abatement, and take pride in seeing the direct impact of your work across the County.

This role is part of the Equipment Operator – Blades career progression series, offering advancement opportunities based on demonstrated competencies and performance.

Equipment Operator II - Blades

Full Hourly Range: $26.514 - $38.423

Anticipated Hiring Rate: $28.614

Equipment Operator III - Blades

Full Hourly Range: $28.495 - $42.740

Anticipated Hiring Rate: $33.475

This position has an anticipated work schedule of Monday – Thursday, 6:30am – 5:00pm; subject to change.

Operates motor graders in the daily maintenance of County roads under limited supervision; occasionally operates rollers and water trucks. Maintains assigned road network according to County standards. Sets up construction work zones and performs flagging duties. As requested, may install fences, culverts, and pipes. This position is part of the Equipment Operator - Blades career progression series, which includes Equipment Operator I, Equipment Operator II - Blades and Equipment Operator III - Blades. An employee is eligible to advance to the next position within the series when the employee has met the criteria for advancement as notated within the job description and has received a recommendation from the Hiring Authority. 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.

Requirements

Equipment Operator II - Blades:

• Operates motor graders in the daily maintenance and graveling operations of County roads in the assigned area of responsibility.
• Performs routine maintenance and minor repair on graders and equipment, including lubing and greasing as necessary.
• Maintains a clean and safe environment at assigned yard.
• Responds to on-call after-hours emergencies, including snow removal, flood recovery, tornado clean-up, fires or other natural disaster, or safety needs for the motoring public.
• Lifts and carries grader, bulldozer, and loader blades. Installs and removes snowplow and harnesses.
• Performs manual labor using various hand tools; operates and carries various pieces of equipment such as shovels, jackhammers, and drills.
• Installs culverts and fences and digs trenches with assistance.
• Operates other types of road construction equipment and vehicles, including medium to heavy trucks such as water tankers, tandem dump trucks, and patch trucks.
• Operates soil stabilization equipment, rollers, excavators, bulldozers, industrial tractors, and mowers during the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges.
• Operates equipment and vehicles on public roadways in compliance with laws, ordinances, policies, and procedures.
• Provides work zone traffic control, including flagging duties. Ensures safety procedures are followed.
• Completes and maintains daily logs and pay cards regarding activities performed and materials used.
• Performs other duties as required.

Equipment Operator III - Blades:

• Operates motor graders in the daily maintenance and graveling operations of County roads in the assigned area of responsibility.
• Performs routine maintenance and minor repair on graders and equipment including lubing and greasing as necessary.
• Maintains a clean and safe environment at assigned yard.
• Responds to on-call after-hours emergencies, including snow removal, flood recovery, tornado clean-up, fires or other natural disaster or safety needs for the motoring public.
• Lifts and carries grader, bulldozer, and loader blades. Installs and removes snowplow and harnesses.
• Operates other types of road construction equipment and vehicles, including medium to heavy trucks such as water tankers, tandem dump trucks and patch trucks.
• Performs manual labor using various hand tools; operates and carries various pieces of equipment such as shovels, jackhammers, and drills.
• Installs culverts and fences and digs trenches with assistance.
• Operates soil stabilization equipment, rollers, excavators, bulldozers, industrial tractors, and mowers during the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges.
• Operates equipment and vehicles on public roadways in compliance with laws, ordinances, policies, and procedures.
• Provides work zone traffic control, including flagging duties. Ensures safety procedures are followed.
• Completes and maintains daily logs and pay cards regarding activities performed and materials used.
• Performs other duties as required.

Supervision Exercised: This classification does not have supervisory authority and requires no supervision or direction of others.
Supervision Received: Receives intermittent supervision. This classification normally performs the job by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor is expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Equipment Operator II - Blades:

• Must successfully pass the motor grader practical test and have the ability to operate a motor grader.
• Working knowledge of road and bridge construction, maintenance techniques, and procedures required.
• Knowledge of and the ability to interpret the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations for practical working situations.
• Ability to work with limited supervision in assigned area of responsibility.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions and interpret diagrams, blueprints, and specifications.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment. 
• Ability to safely operate and maintain heavy equipment based upon area of assignment. Must observe and follow safety procedures and precautions.
• Ability to communicate and establish effective working relationships with County staff and the public. Ability to provide excellent customer service. 
• Ability to complete Individualized Development Plan (IDP).
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Equipment Operator III - Blades:

• Must successfully pass the motor grader practical test and have the ability to operate a motor grader.
• Working knowledge of road and bridge construction, maintenance techniques and procedures required.
• Knowledge of and the ability to interpret the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations for practical working situations.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain heavy equipment based upon area of assignment. Must observe and follow safety procedures and precautions.
• Ability to communicate and establish effective working relationships with County staff and the public. Ability to provide excellent customer service. 
• Ability to work with limited supervision in assigned area of responsibility.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions and interpret diagrams, blueprints, and specifications.
• Ability to complete Individualized Development Plan (IDP).
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Required Education & Experience
Equipment Operator II - Blades:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• One year of experience in the operation and maintenance of motor graders or other highway equipment.

Equipment Operator III - Blades:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Three years of experience in the operation and maintenance of motor graders.
  

Licenses/Certificates
Equipment Operator II - Blades:

Colorado Class B Commercial Driver’s Permit with Tanker (N) Endorsement and no air brake (L) restriction must be obtained prior to employment.

Must obtain and maintain a valid Colorado Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with tanker (N) endorsement and no air brake (L) restriction within ninety days of employment; CDL training is provided by El Paso County.

Must obtain a Colorado Flagger Certificate within sixty days of employment.

Equipment Operator III - Blades:

• 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 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.

Additional Information

Duties are performed outdoors and requires lifting, bending, and climbing, at times in hazardous situations such as operating construction vehicles in adverse weather and close proximity to moving vehicles and traffic. 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 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 represent only the key areas of responsibilities and minimum qualifications; specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and environmental conditions will vary depending on the needs of the department/office and the particular assignment. Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources Department.