Job Description

Apprentice Equipment Operator

Employment Type: 0 - Full-time Regular
Pay Range: $47,936.00 - 71,904.00
Location: Castle Rock, CO
Overtime Exempt: N
Elected Office / Department: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

This is work responsible for operating and maintaining County vehicles, heavy equipment, and performing manual labor activities. Incumbent operates a variety of heavy equipment used in the repair, maintenance, and construction of native, gravel, and paved roads as well as the associated structures. Apprentices are taught the proper use, care, and safe handling of the equipment used in connection with their work and the important skills necessary to become a successful Equipment Operator. Apprentices are required to complete training and any prescribed courses related to the trade to complement on-the-job training and attain career progression.

The Biochar Apprentice Equipment Operator supports the production of biochar through the safe operation, maintenance, and monitoring of pyrolysis equipment and related systems. This entry-level role is designed for individuals interested in renewable energy, carbon sequestration, and sustainable land management, offering hands-on training in biochar production processes.

Generally, the hiring range is $47,936-$59,920 annually.
Qualifications, education and experience as it relates to the position will be
taken into consideration when determining hiring salary.

Your
future is important to us.
Douglas County offers a comprehensive benefits package — including medical,
dental, vision, and retirement plans — plus a wide range of additional
resources to support your health, growth, and overall well-being. View the full Employee Benefits Guide

View the full job description here

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (The following examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive.)

Dependent on the type and class of License, the incumbent may be able to utilize a variety of equipment to accomplish the following tasks. Under provisions of a Commercial Learner’s Permit, incumbents in training may operate some equipment off-road with close supervision to obtain mastery of equipment operation.

• Operates equipment including pickups, rollers, water tankers, mowers, sweepers, loaders, backhoes, excavators, snowplows, sanders, motor graders, dozers, scrapers, paving equipment, milling machines, concrete mixers, mud jack pumps, sprayers, and other construction and maintenance equipment.
• Performs a variety of road maintenance tasks involving the operation of the equipment stated above and manual labor tasks, including pothole repair, concrete repair, asphalt overlays, culvert repair and maintenance, bridge repair, shoulder maintenance, ditch maintenance, shoveling, raking, fence construction, tree trimming, etc.
• Responds to emergency situations including, but not limited to blizzards, fires, floods, and other disasters.
• Performs snow and ice removal, which includes the application of anti-icing and deicing materials.
• Assists with placement of traffic control signage and provides traffic flagging during construction activities.
• Performs daily inspection on equipment and vehicles used.
• Provides good customer service. Collaborates with Supervisors to respond to customer service requests. Required to model good customer service and adherence to the code of conduct.
• Helps ensure that all equipment is properly maintained. May perform equipment maintenance/fabrication.
• Performs manual labor using various hand tools or equipment, including shovels, picks, jackhammers, power saws, and other tools.
• Paints and sandblasts structures.
• Installs and repairs guardrail, fencing, snow fence, culverts, and other road structures.
• Establishes and maintains positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
• Required to complete at least one external training session/class. Must be a minimum of four hours.
• Performs miscellaneous minor maintenance work on vehicles and equipment.
• Collects debris along County roads.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

GreenWorks - Biochar:

• Assist in the operation of biochar production units, including kilns, retorts, or pyrolysis reactors
• Monitor temperature, airflow, and feedstock input to ensure efficient and consistent biochar production
• Load and unload biomass materials (e.g., wood chips, agricultural waste)
• Perform routine equipment inspections, cleaning, and basic maintenance
• Follow all safety procedures related to high-heat systems, machinery, and material handling
• Support packaging, storage, and transport of finished biochar products
• Record production data and assist with reporting and quality control
• Maintain a clean and organized worksite
• Work collaboratively with team members and supervisors to improve processes

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• A high school diploma or GED is required.
• One year education or experience in highway maintenance or equipment operation is preferred.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, & REGISTRATIONS

• Must possess a valid State of Colorado Driver License Class R upon hire (preferably a Class C), with complying insurance. Review of motor vehicle record is required at time of hire and periodically throughout employment.
  
• Must obtain a State of Colorado Commercial Driver License Class B with air brake endorsement within 12 months of hire.
• Incumbent is expected to obtain a Commercial Driver License Class A to achieve career progression in this classification series. Incumbents in this position must meet the Department of Transportation physical exam and drug and alcohol testing requirements.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Closing Date: 9/11/2026 4:59PM MST. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is selected.

The job details outlined in this posting may represent a
modified summary of the full job description. For a full copy of
the job description CLICK HERE to
view our job classifications.

In the event of an emergency/disaster in or near the County, all County employees are expected to make every effort to be available to assist the County Manager, Elected/Appointed Officials and Department Directors to ensure the continued operation of any and all necessary County functions. This may mean being available to perform additional duties and hours beyond what is normally required. In the event that an exempt employee does work more than 40 hours a week in support of County operations during an emergency, such employee may receive overtime or other appropriate wage compensation in accordance with existing County policies or at the discretion of the County.