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Pitkin County

Pitkin County is hiring: Heavy Equipment Operator in Aspen

Pitkin County, Aspen, CO, United States, 81612


Salary : $51,272.00 - $89,731.20 Annually

Location : AABC-Aspen Airport Business Center, CO

Job Type: Full-time with benefits, hourly

Job Number: 202300230

Department: Road & Bridge

Opening Date: 12/11/2024

Closing Date: 1/17/2025 11:59 PM Mountain

Hiring Minimum: $24.65

Hiring Maximum: $38.52

Hiring Range Description: The hiring range is the starting point of the pay range to the 4th quartile of the pay range. Starting pay will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

** Early applications are encouraged**

*Job Postings without Closing Dates:
Job postings that do not have a closing date will remain open until filled.

*Job Postings with Closing Dates:
An application deadline may be extended if the original deadline produced fewer applications than expected. Likewise, a job posting may be closed prior to the listed closing date if the number of applications reach the limit for that position.

Job Summary

Operates a variety of heavy equipment and trucks to maintain Pitkin County Roads and Rights of Way to provide safe and efficient travel in Pitkin County.
Job Responsibilities

Level I and II
  • Operates heavy equipment to include, loader, snowplow, excavator, and haul truck.
  • Performs general road maintenance, grounds maintenance, and snow removal; loads trucks with soils and aggregates; is able to operate various equipment. Ability to work around and excavate near utilities including Gas, Electric, Water, and Sewer.
  • Works with the crew in digging ditches and trenches with hand tools, hoisting material, tools, equipment, and any related work with a backhoe, road grader, or front-end loader; performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or repairs to the supervisor; cleans equipment; assists in the installation and maintenance of traffic control devices.
  • Plows snow and salts roads according to departmental policy; performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards.
  • Performs general administrative duties, computer work including email correspondence, asset management tracking, attending, and participating in meetings and training.
  • May need to act as first responder to support in emergencies.
  • Supports the relationship between Pitkin County government and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and County staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and County information; performs other duties as required or assigned.
Level III
  • May serve as lead/supervisor in the absence of operations supervisor or manager
Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills

This position follows a sequence:
  • Level I:
    • Up to 1-year experience operating heavy equipment
    • High school diploma or GED equivalent
    • Must possess a valid Colorado Driver's License and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.
  • Level II (in addition to Level I):
    • 1-3 years of progressively responsible and applicable Heavy Equipment
    • Commercial Driver's License Class B and Tanker endorsement required.
    • 3 Equipment-specific Training Certificates of Completion relevant to Pitkin County Road and Bridge (LTAP, APWA, Heavy Equipment Manufacturing Companies)
    • ICS 200 Completion Required
  • Level III (in addition to Level II):
    • 3 plus years of progressively responsible and applicable experience
    • Commercial Driver's License Class A and Tanker endorsement required with no vehicle restrictions
    • ICS 300 Completion Required
    • 3 Equipment-specific Training Certificates of Completion relevant to Pitkin County Road and Bridge (LTAP, APWA, Heavy Equipment Manufacturing Companies)
    • Local Technical Program Road Scholar 1 certification required.

  • Knowledge Of:
    • Safety policies, procedures, and practices for basic construction industry standards.
    • Inventory management methods and practices.
    • Personal protective equipment and proper use.
    • Equipment troubleshooting methods.
    • General maintenance practice and procedures.
    Skill In:
    • Organizing and prioritizing work to meet deadlines and accomplish tasks.
    • Handling multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency and stressful situations.
    • Microsoft Office Products and Google Suite.
    • Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
    • Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
    • Operating tools and equipment safely.
    Physical Demands and Working Environment
    • Work is performed throughout Pitkin County and requires exposure to potentially dangerous equipment, inclement weather conditions, and some hazardous substances.
    • May be required to work irregular hours, weekends, and holidays depending on weather conditions.
    • May be required to lift up to 80 lbs.


    The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

    For more information, click for our 2025 Employee Benefits Guide.