Road & Bridge Apprentice

Garfield County Colorado•Rifle, CO

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Temporary position will not exceed six months. While receiving on-the-job training, operates a variety of specialized light and heavy equipment to facilitate the construction of County roads and bridges. Performs light to heavy physical labor. While receiving on-the-job training in equipment operations. Garfield County will assist with the cost of obtaining a CDL for those apprentices who receive passing District and Field Operator evaluations as deemed by Garfield County Road & Bridge. This is a training position, and the apprentice is expected to pass the District and Field evaluations to transition to an Equipment Operator I position. Successful training program completion is required for continued employment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
One year of general labor experience
A minimum of six months operating light to heavy equipment.
Must be able to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL A or B) with appropriate endorsement within six (6) months of hire.
Licenses must be kept current as a condition of employment.
Must be capable of repeatedly lifting and carrying heavy machinery components or tools, often exceeding 45 pounds, using appropriate equipment or techniques.
Able to repeatedly bend, stoop, and crouch when entering or exiting equipment cabins and while performing maintenance checks.
Able to frequently operate levers, joysticks, and controls with precision while wearing work gloves, even in adverse weather conditions.
Must possess clear vision to safely operate heavy equipment, including awareness of surroundings, gauges, and obstacles.
Able to stand for long periods during operation and to walk safely around construction sites, which may have uneven terrain.
Capable of safely ascending and descending equipment access points or ladders when necessary for maintenance or inspections.
Able to reach controls and equipment components while seated comfortably in the operator's seat.
Possess sufficient hearing and auditory perception to communicate effectively with coworkers and respond to signals or alarms on the job site.
Ability to remain seated for extended periods while operating heavy machinery, ensuring precise control and safety.
Be able to repeatedly manipulate heavy equipment attachments, such as buckets or blades, using hydraulic systems.
Display precise fine motor skills when operating equipment functions, switches, and auxiliary controls.
Proficient in communication, and able to communicate using the English language, including written, verbal, or other communication channels as required by the position.
Knowledge of materials, tools, and methods required to complete basic construction and maintenance activities.
Proficient in equipment operations and knowledgeable about equipment parts and systems sufficient for safe use of equipment.
Required to travel throughout the County.
Pre-employment background check which will include a Criminal Background Check, Employment Verification, and Motor Vehicle Record.
Pre-employment drug and alcohol test.
Required to comply with state, federal and local regulations concerning Drug and Alcohol Testing procedures applicable to holders of Commercial Driver’s License (CDLs) which includes random drug and alcohol testing and a completed, satisfactory previous employer reference.

Nice To Haves

Passing District and Field Operator evaluations as deemed by Garfield County Road & Bridge.
Transition to an Equipment Operator I position.
Successful training program completion is required for continued employment.

Responsibilities

Accepts assignments to operate larger and more complex equipment for on-the-job training, relief or special assignment.
Learns to and may operate 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 manual laborer tasks as required. Uses hand tools to dig ditches, shovel fill or patching materials, load and unload equipment from trucks, carry or move equipment by hand, and clean the shop, yard or work site of trash and/or debris.
Installs and maintains road signs, reflectors, cattle guards, fences and guard rails using post driver, shovel, posthole digger and other hand and mechanical tools.
Mows grass and weeds along roadbeds using a tractor mower or heavy-duty power mower. Operates chainsaw to cut brush or fallen timber for removal from rights-of-way.
Keeps tools, vehicles and equipment clean and in safe operating order, and follows all procedures for safe and efficient operation of tools, vehicles, and equipment.
May operate weed control equipment and machinery.
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.
Other duties as assigned.