Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Rifle, CO (NOW HIRING)

**Must currently hold a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Application closing date: 9/4/2026 This position is available in either the Rifle or the Glenwood Springs location. Hiring pay range: Equipment Operator I: $25.83 - $31.64 Equipment Operator II: $29.57 - $36.23 Full pay range: Equipment Operator I: $25.83 - $37.45 Equipment Operator II: $29.57 - $42.88 SUPERVISION: Non-Supervisory GENERAL PURPOSE OF JOB: Operates a variety of specialized light and heavy equipment to facilitate the construction and maintenance of all facets of County roads and bridges and other rights-of-way within the County and performs light to heavy physical labor. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS : Equipment Operator I: Works under close supervision

Performs entry-level to intermediate, standard level of work, and is the first in a series of three levels of equipment operators. Equipment Operator II: Works independently under minimal supervision and performs full-performance, more complex operations with both heavy and light equipment, and is the second in a series. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: (These duties are illustrative of typical essential responsibilities of the job, and may vary according to assignment) Equipment Operator I: Operates heavy and light equipment which include tampers, mowers, truck, backhoe, and loader.

Operates a variety of work-related tools. Responsible for keeping vehicles and equipment clean, and inspects vehicles for damage, loose parts, tires, and other items that are required for safe operations. Assists in preventative maintenance of equipment.

Keeps trip logs and records, and pre-trip inspection forms, including the posting of equipment hours, fuel, oil, etc. Performs manual labor related to construction, maintenance, and other duties when not operating equipment. Performs snow removal duties, including other winter maintenance on roadways to ensure roadways remain open.

Safely operates equipment and vehicles, observes safety precautions, and wears appropriate safety equipment. Equipment Operator II (In addition to the essential job functions of an Equipment Operator I) Grades dirt and/or gravel roads. Builds or reshapes roadside shoulders.

Operate tandem-axle trucks and/or graders during snowplowing and ice-removal operations. Operate backhoe or track hoe to dig culverts, lay pipe and to clean ditches and cattle guards. May operate bulldozer to "rough in" roads and push fill material; operates bulldozer and tire/track front-end loaders/backhoes to build dumps and crusher sites, clear rights-of-way and build roads.

Operate loader to load trucks from gravel pile, cleans bar ditches and removes rock, mudslides, or flood debris from the roads. Drive tandem-axle dump trucks with gravel or hot mix to road maintenance and construction sites. Load, transport and unload heavy equipment with tractor-trailer.

Operates tandem-axle trucks and/or graders during snowplowing and ice-removal operations. Other duties as assigned. CORE COMPETENCIES : (Representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities expected of the position) Equipment Operator I Public Service: A commitment to the mission of providing exceptional services to the citizens of Garfield County.

It is who we are, and what we do. Customer Service: A commitment to providing exceptional service to all customers (internal & external), which includes being helpful, professional, courteous, and taking the time to understand customer's needs. Stewardship & Innovation: Is a good steward of public resources and looks for ways to be innovative and improve efficiencies.

Teamwork: Able to work together with a diverse group of people towards a shared goal, while considering the needs of others. Business Technology: Ability to utilize the technology required of the position and demonstrates a willingness to learn new technologies as required to assist the County in providing exceptional services, innovation, and work efficiencies. Communication: Proficient in communication, and able to communicate using the English language, including written, verbal, or other communication channels as required by the position.

Road Maintenance and Basic Construction: knowledge of materials, tools, and methods required to complete basic construction and maintenance activities. Equipment Operations: Proficient in equipment operations and knowledgeable about equipment parts and systems sufficient for safe use of equipment. Equipment Operator II (In addition to the core competencies of an Equipment Operator I) Advanced Road Maintenance & Construction: Able to work from construction specifications or blueprints, identify and correct problems on the job.

BENEFITS: Medical, Vision, Dental Disability & Life Insurance Retirement Plan Paid Vacation & Sick Time Employee Wellness Programs Employee Gyms To view the complete benefits information, please visit https://www.garfieldcountyco.gov/human-resources/benefits-brochure/ .