Lead Equipment Operator (Urban Drainage)

El Paso County•El Paso, CO

4d•Onsite

About The Position

El Paso County's Public Works Department is looking for a Lead Equipment Operator to support our Urban Drainage Crew. This role involves leading and coordinating daily activities of the Urban Drainage crew, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality work. The position requires operating heavy equipment such as excavators, backhoes, loaders, graders, and specialized trucks. Responsibilities include inspecting, installing, cleaning, and maintaining drainage systems, culverts, and ditches to reduce flooding risks and ensure infrastructure performance. The role also emphasizes strict adherence to safety practices, training and mentoring crew members, overseeing equipment maintenance, and effectively solving operational or personnel issues. This position serves as the Team Leader for an assigned Department of Public Works, Highway Division Operational team, providing direction, training, and oversight to crew(s). It involves operating a variety of equipment and tools for maintenance, repair, construction, and installations, as well as performing snow removal operations. The Lead Equipment Operator provides leadership on project sites and supervision in the absence of the Supervisor. Employment is subject to the terms, conditions, and policies detailed in the Personnel Policies Manual (PPM). This position requires regular in-person presence as an essential job function.

Requirements

Three years of experience in maintenance, repair, construction, or related experience.
Three years of experience in the operation and maintenance of heavy equipment.
One year of leadership experience in a public works environment, including providing guidance and direction to others.
Six months of experience using a computer and various software programs, including Microsoft Office.
Knowledge of highway, construction, maintenance, and repair techniques and procedures.
Knowledge of and ability to interpret the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Must observe, follow, and ensure compliance with safety procedures and precautions.
Ability to lead and train others; ability to objectively assess the performance of others.
Ability to work with minimal supervision, independently, and in a team environment.
Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations for practical working situations.
Ability to communicate and establish effective working relationships with County staff and the public.
Ability to provide excellent customer service.
Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions and interpret diagrams, blueprints, and specifications.
Ability to complete Individualized Development Plan (IDP) based on area of assignment.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Class A Commercial Driver's License with Tanker (N) Endorsement and no air brake (L) restriction.
Must obtain and maintain necessary certifications and licenses as applicable to position.
Must obtain a Colorado Flagger Certificate within sixty days of employment.
Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle check, drug screen, and physical examination.

Nice To Haves

One year of welding experience with portable arc welder and oxy/acetylene torch.
Must possess IMSA Sign and Pavement Markings Technician I Certification or equivalent.
Must possess current ATSSA or IMSA Traffic Control Technician Certification or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Lead and support the daily activities of the Urban Drainage crew, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality work.
Operate excavators, backhoes, loaders, graders, and specialized trucks used throughout Urban Drainage assignments.
Inspect, install, clean, and maintain drainage systems, culverts, and ditches to reduce flooding risks and keep infrastructure performing as intended.
Maintain strict adherence to safety practices, conduct regular inspections, and reinforce safe work habits across all crew activities.
Provide guidance and training to crew members on equipment operation, safety, and job expectations to support professional growth.
Oversee preventive maintenance and safety checks for all assigned equipment to ensure readiness and reliability.
Respond to operational or personnel issues quickly and effectively to keep work moving and minimize downtime.
Oversees crew(s) in a variety of maintenance and construction duties.
Provides direction and daily task assignments to crew members.
Ensures safety procedures are followed and up-to-date information is provided to crew(s).
Provides input and support to the leadership regarding applicable performance evaluations.
Performs manual labor using various tools, materials, and equipment.
Performs snow removal operations.
Loads and unloads equipment and materials.
Prepares, maintains, and cleans equipment and job sites for various projects.
Safely operates various types of construction and maintenance vehicles in compliance with laws, ordinances, policies, and procedures.
Maintains complete and accurate records of all work performed including tasks performed and materials used.
Provides accurate tracking of crew's usage of materials and provides to the supervisor, including collecting and verifying daily delivery and pick-up tickets.
Verifies accuracy of employee entry in timekeeping, including correct jobs and hours and equipment.
Responds to on-call after hours emergencies, such as snow removal, flood repair, tornado clean-up, or other natural disaster or safety need for the motoring public.
Performs supervisory duties in absence of the Highway Supervisor.
Performs other duties as required.