Heavy Equipment Operator

Skookum•Colorado Springs, CO

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Tessera is dedicated to "Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities" by hiring and supporting individuals with disabilities as well as veterans with disabilities. They take pride in their purpose-driven culture, core values - Inclusion, Partnerships, Integrity - and commitment to providing a safe and respectful work environment. Tessera is seeking a dependable and skilled Heavy Equipment Operator to support essential operations at the U.S. Air Force Academy. This hands-on role involves operating machinery such as sweepers, loaders, plows, and refuse trucks to maintain runways, roads, and base infrastructure. If you take pride in precision, safety, and teamwork, we encourage you to apply.

Requirements

3–5 years' operating heavy equipment in construction, maintenance, or military support environments
Proficient in operating heavy equipment (e.g., sweepers, plows, loaders, compactors)
Ability to read grade stakes, slope indicators, and basic construction plans
Strong understanding of safety protocols and proper PPE usage
Basic mechanical skills for equipment maintenance and emergency repairs
Familiarity with preventive maintenance tracking and reporting
Effective communication and teamwork in a military or structured environment
A valid state driver’s license is required with the ability to obtain and maintain coverage by Tessera’s insurance.
CDL Class B required.
Access to a federal military installation requires a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. passport or military ID, in accordance with the REAL ID Act.
Must be able to obtain and maintain applicable security clearances and installation access.
A background check and E-Verify will be conducted for this position.

Nice To Haves

Heavy Equipment Operator Certification preferred

Responsibilities

Operates various heavy and light equipment in the maintenance and new construction of projects such as preparing/paving/patching streets and parking lots, maintain gravel and other earth surfaced roads and access roads, blading road and ditches, removing and/or installing culverts, crack sealing, clearing weeds etc.
Read and interpret grade and slope stakes and simple plans.
Communicate with customers in a courteous and respectful manner.
Perform snow and ice removal operations across USAFA grounds, ensuring safe and efficient access to mission-critical facilities during inclement weather.
Support paving operations by hauling materials, staging equipment, and assisting with site prep to ensure smooth and timely project execution across USAFA.
Perform daily safety and maintenance checks.
Clean heavy equipment as scheduled and/or required.
Participate in routine maintenance.
May grease, adjust and make emergency repairs to equipment.
Apply all code requirements during installations, repairs and maintenance.
Ensure all requirements are met as specified by the manufacturer of systems and fixtures.
Ensure all installations, repairs and maintenance are properly sized, aligned, supported and graded.
Ensure all installations, repairs and maintenance meet environmental protection requirements.
Maintain preventive maintenance and repair records.
Read and understand drawings, work plans and maps.
Maintain professionalism in both appearance and demeanor.
Must be able to respond within one hour when on standby.

Benefits

Medical
Dental
Vision
401(k) retirement plan
Life & Short-Term Disability Insurance
$8.78/hr Health and Welfare Benefit
Flexible Spending Accounts for both medical and dependent care
11 paid federal holidays and paid time off
Potential shared earning bonus
Tuition assistance is available after 1 year of employment and potential scholarships for qualified dependents
Professional development, certifications, and training opportunities
Verizon wireless discount
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Engaging wellness program
Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for full-time employees