Heavy Equipment Operator (Snow Removal Operations)

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

Type: Non-Exempt

Work Schedule: Part-Time, On-Call

Compensation: $34.06 - $34.06 /hourly

Deadline: August 28, 2026

On-call benefits of a Heavy Equipment Operator (Snow Removal Operations) include:

• 11 paid federal holidays and accrual of paid vacation on a pro-rata basis based on number of hours worked after one year, paid sick leave
• Potential shared earning bonus
• Tuition assistance 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

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 reliable Heavy Equipment Operator to support 24-hour snow removal and runway maintenance at the USAFA. The role includes inspecting and operating equipment such as snowplows, loaders, CDL trucks, and graders across varying terrain. The operator performs equipment checks, reports maintenance needs, and completes minor repairs as required. All work must follow safety regulations and company policies.

Typical duties include but are not limited to:

• Serve as a member of the snow removal team, performing section standby duties under the direction of the Pavements & Equipment (P&E) Manager and P&E Leads.
• Support 24-hour snow removal operations, including snow plowing and clearing to maintain a mission-ready runway surface.
• Conduct base snow inspections and report findings to the P&E Manager and P&E Leads.
• Efficiently operate heavy equipment, including but not limited to snow blowers, dump trucks with snowplows and sand spreaders, magnesium chloride tanker (trailer-mounted), front-end loaders, backhoes, motor graders, skid steers, CDL trucks, and related equipment.
• Operate heavy equipment across various terrain types (e.g., dirt, snow) as required.
• Perform required equipment inspections to ensure all machinery is properly maintained and safe to operate; document and report any deficiencies to the vehicle maintenance facility prior to use.
• Complete minor maintenance tasks and other related duties as assigned.
• Adhere to company policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

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.

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*** 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.

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 email [email protected].

Tessera is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled - Tessera participates in E-Verify