[Seasonal] Equipment Operator

The Western Stock Show Association•Denver, CO

7d•Onsite

About The Position

National Western is hiring a seasonal Equipment Operator to support facility operations, event setup and teardown, grounds maintenance, snow removal, and special events. The role operates heavy equipment and vehicles, performs general maintenance and repair, and helps keep the facility clean, safe, and well maintained. Work is performed independently and with a team to meet event timelines and operational deadlines. During major events, including the National Western Stock Show, the position may lead and direct maintenance crews to prepare buildings and grounds for exhibitors, guests, and event operations. This is a temporary seasonal, hourly position with an anticipated end date of February 1, 2027. Employment may end earlier or be extended based on operational needs. The starting pay is $21.50 per hour, depending on experience. Paid sick time is offered at one hour for every 30 hours worked. The position is on-site and requires scheduling flexibility, including early mornings, late evenings or overnight hours, holidays, and weekends. During the Stock Show (January 9–24, 2027), team members are expected to be on-site every day, typically for up to 12 hours at a time. The work takes place in a multi-purpose indoor and outdoor commercial and agricultural complex, where dusty conditions and animals may be present. Work occurs in all weather conditions, including extreme cold, snow, wind, and rain, on varied surfaces. The role involves prolonged walking and standing and requires navigating the complex in its entirety, with or without reasonable accommodation. Offers are contingent on a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screen. National Western is a drug- and alcohol-free employer with a zero-tolerance drug policy, including marijuana, and an equal opportunity employer that values diversity.

Requirements

Experience operating heavy equipment, including equipment such as forklifts, skid steers, tractors, front-end loaders, and/or dump trucks.
Valid driver’s license.
Clean and current motor vehicle record (MVR).
Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test.
Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions and around animals.
Ability to understand verbal and written directions and work independently and as part of a team.
Safety-minded approach to work.
Fluent English communication skills.
Ability to work a flexible schedule that may include early mornings, late evenings or overnight hours, holidays, and weekends.
Availability to work on-site every day during the Stock Show (January 9–24, 2027), typically for up to 12 hours at a time.
Ability to access and navigate the National Western Complex in its entirety, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Valid CDL license.

Responsibilities

Operate equipment such as forklifts, skid steers, tractors, loaders, and dump trucks in compliance with OSHA regulations and WSSA/NWSS safety policies.
Use equipment for snow removal, moving dumpsters, and other tasks requiring equipment.
Observe and listen to machinery to detect malfunctions.
Perform general maintenance for complex shows, including tasks involving lifting, bending, standing, and walking.
Assist with event and show setup and teardown, which may not always involve operating heavy equipment.
Perform facility maintenance such as stall setup and teardown, cleaning, painting, sweeping, and mopping.
Under Operations Managers’ direction, assist with communicating with and monitoring assigned maintenance workers.
During the National Western Stock Show, potentially lead crews to prepare buildings and grounds for upcoming events or move-ins.
Conduct detailed inspections and remove, repair, or replace parts as needed.
Operate hand, power, and shop tools.
Follow safe work methods and safety regulations.
Work independently and as part of a team while meeting tight deadlines.