Lead Operator - Meeker - Internal Only

BENEFITS:

Health, dental, vision, and life insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid vacation, sick leave and holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Additional voluntary benefits

This is an internal job posting only. We are accepting applications for this position through Monday, June 1, 2026 at 3:00 PM Mountain Time. Must be within a response time of 30 minutes.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Job Title:
Lead Operator

Department:
Road & Bridge Department

Job Code:
241203

Reports To:
District Supervisor

FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt

Effective Date:
January 2, 2023

POSITION SUMMARY:

Operates road maintenance equipment and performs skilled labor in the construction, maintenance and dust control of county roads.  Provides on-site supervision and trains employees on equipment.  Member of Incident Command team during fires. Fill in for District Supervisor, as needed. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:   

The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other non-essential or peripheral duties that may be required.  Rio Blanco County reserves the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of this job at any time.

Supervises assigned personnel on specific projects

Trains operators on all equipment; places properly trained employees on equipment

Operates heavy equipment used in the construction, maintenance and snow removal of county roads and projects

Ensures that all road and bridge projects assigned are completed safely and to the specifications of the job

Provide CDL training to new operators.

Provide input on inventory requirements.

Perform early morning road checks to determine need for snow and ice removal or sanding; develops plowing patterns and systems; and schedules to insure the most economic and efficient snow removal.

Inspect and evaluate roads, bridges and other areas and right-of-ways under County responsibility to determine the need for current and future work projects or to check out and resolve complaint situations.  Recommend future projects, materials, and equipment needs.

Respond to phone calls 24x7, 365 days a year.  Directs on-call crews to repair road hazards and respond to emergencies.

Respond professionally to members of public or contractors, resolving complaints, discussing work needed on roads, answers questions about right-of-ways and permitting requirements.

OTHER DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Ensures all equipment and materials are properly secured on weekends

Uses survey equipment to determine grades, profiles and crowns

Maintains daily records as required

Checks road conditions during off-hours and weekends responding as necessary

Trains crew members on heavy equipment teaching proper methods and techniques for road maintenance and construction

Manages traffic control during maintenance and constructions projects

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

Knowledge of the laws and regulations governing a CDL driver

Considerable knowledge or road Construction and maintenance techniques and procedures

Knowledge of safe work practices and work zone traffic control

Skill in:

Skilled in operation of heavy equipment including a motor grader to accomplish proper grade, profile and crown

Ability to effectively transfer knowledge and train others on heavy equipment

The use of survey equipment

Abilities:

Ability to perform preventative maintenance on equipment

Ability to complete assignments accurately without follow-up

Ability to start projects and is open to new ideas 

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with management, co-workers and the public

Ability to work safely and responsibly

Ability to effectively supervise employees as directed

Education and/or Experience:

Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

High School Diploma or equivalent

Five years related experience or road construction experience 

Supervisory experience preferred

Licenses or Certificates:

Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License

Class A CDL Driver’s License

Flagging Certification

First Aid and CPR certification

MSAH Part 46 Training

Physical Demands:

Sitting, walking or standing for long periods

Must be able to stoop, bend, stretch, twist, reach, kneel, squat and balance repetitively

Handling, seizing, holding, grasping, or otherwise working with hands

Climbing stairs

Unaided lift up to 50 pounds, aided lift over 50 pounds

Climbing ladders

Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily in the field operating equipment, vehicles, or performing manual labor

Exposure to loud noises, vibrations, heights, depths, dirt, oil fumes, dust, mud, grease, and extreme weather conditions

Other:

Frequently required to work nights, weekends, and holidays

This job description is not intended to be an exclusive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Rio Blanco County prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, sex, race, color, national origin, creed, ancestry, religion, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or any other status protected by federal or state law.