Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator

Location: Colorado Springs, CO (United States Air Force Acacemy)

Type: Non-Exempt

Work Schedule: Full Time, Day Shift

Compensation: $34.06 - $34.06 /hourly

Deadline: December 31, 2025

Benefits: Tessera is proud to offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package to our eligible part-time and full-time employees.

Full-Time benefits of a Heavy Equipment Operator at Tessera include:

• 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, accrual of 22 paid days of vacation at the start of employment, paid sick leave
• 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), and an engaging wellness program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for full-time employees

Tessera is dedicated to "Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities" by hiring and supporting individuals with disabilities as well as veterans with disabilities. We take pride in our purpose-driven culture, our core values - Inclusion, Partnerships, Integrity - and our commitment to providing a safe and respectful work environment to our employees.

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.

Typical duties include but are not limited to:

• Operate various heavy equipment to excavate, transport, and clear materials like dirt, gravel, snow, and debris.
• Support daily base operations including sweeping, snow removal, waste collection, vegetation control, and cargo movement.
• Perform road maintenance, culvert work, and drainage clearing.
• Read grade stakes, work plans, and basic construction drawings.
• Conduct safety checks, routine maintenance, and minor equipment repairs.
• Maintain equipment cleanliness and readiness per manufacturer standards.
• Follow environmental codes and document maintenance activities.
• Assist with utility locates and coordinate with engineering teams.
• Maintain professionalism and comply with safety and PPE requirements.

Qualifications:

• 3-5 years operating heavy equipment in construction, maintenance, or military support environments
• Heavy Equipment Operator Certification preferred
• 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

Physical Requirements:

Employees must have the ability to perform the following physical demands for extended periods of time with or without assistance. The physical demands of this position may be reasonably accommodated for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions on a case-by-case basis.

• May be required to reach, kneel, walk, stand, and use repetitive motion for several hours at a time based on position duties.
• Work may require repetitive motion, reaching, lifting, kneeling, and walking. Standing or sitting for several hours at a time, climbing in and out of a vehicle, and up and down stairs may also be required.
• Must have the perseverance to work effectively under pressure for extended periods of time.

Requirements:

• 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. Please visit this website for more information: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.
• 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.

Union Affiliation:

This position is represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 113, and the United Association (UA), Local 58.

To Apply: Visit our website at www.tessera.org to complete an application.

Current Employees: need to log into their Workday to apply through the Jobs Hub. Please reach out to your Recruiter if you need assistance.

Tessera is a national non-profit, government contractor that is dedicated to "Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities" through hiring and supporting individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. We take pride in our mission-focused culture, our Core Values, Diversity, Partnership, Commitment, Integrity, and Quality, and our dedication to providing a safe and respectful work environment to our employees.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Tessera is here to help you with the recruitment process.

If you require an accommodation or support, please contact us at

(360) 475-0756 ext. 349, or emailrecruiting@tessera.org.