Equipment Operator I - Quality of Life

About the Job: The Colorado Springs Public Works division is ready to welcome an Equipment Operator I to the Quality-of-Life Operation Team! As an Equipment Operator I, you will be responsible for operating and maintaining heavy machinery used in the maintenance and litter removal of public rights-of-way, including drainage systems. This role involves clearing debris, trash, and encampments; ensuring the safe and efficient operation of equipment such as backhoes, excavators, and skid loaders; and working with a team to maintain cleanliness across the city's infrastructure

Work Schedule: 6:30AM - 5:00PM. Either Monday - Thursday OR Tuesday - Friday depending on crew assignment after hire.

This position is subject to budget required furloughs to be implemented in the 2026 calendar year.

We're an accredited pay equity employer!

Your starting pay will be within the posted hiring range based on your years of experience and education. See the full potential of growth for this position here: 2026 Salary Schedule

As an Equipment Operator I for the Quality of Life team, you will:

• Operate a single/tandem axle dump truck with plow and sander during snow removal operation
• Transport material and equipment to and from maintenance and construction sites
• Safely use, clean, service, and make minor adjustments and repairs to equipment and tools
• Perform manual labor such as cleaning culverts, mowing, removing debris, and shoveling snow
• Safely operate hand and power tools and construction and maintenance equipment such as mowing machines, front-end loaders, and air hammers
• Assist other divisions within the Public Works departments as business needs permit
• Follow safety guidelines, assess job sites, and perform routine equipment checks to ensure optimal performance
• Remove and properly dispose of litter, debris, rubbish, overgrown vegetation, graffiti, unpermitted signs, and other blighting influences throughout the City, including vacant lots, creek beds and banks, and other areas
• Mow yards, pick up trash, and clean vacated homeless encampments and perform grounds maintenance and clean up
• Secure vacant structures safely using hand and power tools and other equipment/supplies
• Other duties as assigned

Learn more about this job by reviewing the class specification on the City of Colorado Springs Class Specifications page  

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate:
Knowledge of:

• Basic operation and maintenance requirements of power-driven equipment
• Practices, methods, and materials used in general construction

• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices

Ability to:

• Perform a variety of manual tasks for extended periods

We value a diverse range of qualifications and experiences. Our organization views each year of further education as equivalent to each year of relevant work experience, and each year of additional relevant work experience as equivalent to each year of required education.

• High school diploma or GED
  
• One (1) year of full-time, professional experience in related field
• Possess, or obtain upon hire, and maintain a valid, non-probationary driver’s license not subject to restrictions
• Possess, or obtain within one year of hire, and maintain a valid, non-probationary Colorado CDL Class B driver's license which is not subject to restrictions

For current CDL holders to be considered for this position you must register your CDL (COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE) WITH THE FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse at https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov.

Please contact City Recruiting at [email protected] for any questions about this position.

Physical Demands: Exerting 20-50 lbs. occasionally; 10-25 lbs. frequently; or up to 10 lbs. constantly.

Environmental Conditions/Frequency:
Primary Work Environment: Outdoors
Extreme Temperature: Continuously
Wetness and Humidity: Continuously
Respiratory Hazards: Continuously
Noise and Vibrations: Continuously
Physical Hazards: Continuously
Mechanical and/or Electrical Hazards: Continuously
Exposure to Communicable Diseases: Frequently