The Town of Vail is now hiring a motivated & experienced Heavy Equipment Operator / Irrigation Tech to join the public works department.  Responsibilities include operation of a variety of light, medium, and heavy weight public works vehicles as well as irrigation work in the summers.  While the duties will vary depending on the season,  providing guest service through out the Town of Vail is always a priority.

During the winter season this position focuses on snowplowing and removal for the town.  This requires a regular call in schedule, early mornings and overnight shifts.  In addition, the position may be assigned to any functional area in Public Works as needed on a daily basis including performing street and structure construction or repair.

Duties and Responsibilites:

HEO:

• Must be available for callout, overtime, holidays/shift/schedule changes, and 24 hour emergency response.
• Snow plowing, sanding/deicing, snow hauling, blowing snow, cutting snow-pack.
• Maintain the cleanness of Vail Village, LH Mall, & Bus Routes and stops.
• Traffic control
• Asphalt, concrete, masonry, brick paver’s repairs.
• Holiday decorating/de-decorating
• Obtain heavy equipment certifications.
• Pavement markings, sign maintenance, and fabrication.      
• High water checks and response.
• Perform vehicle maintenance includes tire chains rebuilding, greasing equipment, cutting edges, and all other types of minor repairs.
• Haul materials and equipment with tandem/end dump or  lowboy
• Clean culverts/shoulder grading, ditches, bike path maintenance, and all road                                                                                            
• Mechanical street sweeping.
• Obtain a class (A) Drivers License                                                             
• Assist with Special Events including installation /removal of banners/flags.            
• Tree cutting/removal and operating chipper.

Irrigation:

• Diagnoses, repairs, replaces, and installs irrigation systems and components.  This includes but not limited to:  controllers, wiring and connections, mainlines, control and master valves, spray and rotor heads, as well as drip irrigation.
• Performs detailed inspections and maintenance for irrigation systems.
• Traces/locates, identifies and repairs electrical problems within irrigation system.
• Works with seasonal staff to accomplish goals.
• Job entails constant detail shovel work in a variety of soils without damaging other components.
• Maintain an appropriate inventory on truck of commonly used items.
• Work within confined space vaults and pits. Prior training will be provided.
• Assist with spring system start-up and fall winterization.

All:                                 

• Serve the citizens and guests of the Town of Vail by abiding by all Town of Vail core values.
• Perform job in accordance with all Town of Vail safety practices.
• Follow environmentally-friendly practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

Vail is a guest service oriented and resort destination community. We realize that to set the standard for world-class alpine resorts, our employees make all the difference! That is why we are looking for passionate individuals who strive for excellence in all that they do. Qualified applicants must must be self motivated and have the ability to work individually without direct supervision to accomplish multiple tasks. 

Work Environment and Conditions

• While performing the duties of this job normally is exposed to the outdoors in all weather conditions (including extreme cold temperatures) and all types of equipment noise, traffic, dust, heights, chemicals, fumes, and biohazards.
• The position involves mostly outside work, with occasional inside work with exposure to all types of equipment noise, traffic, dust, chemicals, and fumes.
• Meet division safety training requirements; maintain required health and safety certifications according to safety requirements.

Physical Demands

• The duties of this job include physical activities such as stooping, kneeling, standing, reaching, walking, lifting and/or move (up to 100 pounds), grasping, talking, and hearing/listening, seeing/observing, and repetitive motions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to work in malodorous, nauseating and dangerous work conditions. Must be able to withstand inclement weather such as snow, cold, rain, heat, humidity, sun, etc.
• Must be physically able to use a variety of small tools, operate equipment and or drive vehicles for extended period of time.
• Must be able to walk, climb, and descend for extended distances over various types of terrain.
• Must be able climb ladders and work at different heights.
• Must be able to deal with stressful situations as they arise.

What it Takes to Do the Job

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work a varying schedule, including evenings, emergency response, weekends and holidays, when necessary.
• Knowledge of materials, methods, practices, and equipment used in street maintenance and related activities.
• Knowledge of practical elements as they relate to street maintenance and traffic control.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Basic computer skills, including knowledge of MS Office programs Outlook, Word and Excel; ability to learn other computer skills.
• Ability to work independently without supervision.
• Ability to analyze situations and adopt an effective course of action.
• Knowledge and understanding of safety principles and the ability to follow the safety manual.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with management, fellow employees, contractors, guests, and external customers. 
• Ability to maintain regular and dependable attendance on the job, including attendance and job performance for possibly prolonged periods of time when called out on short notice due to weather conditions, emergencies, and similar situations of public necessity.
• Must be able to pass a federally-mandated drug and alcohol test at any time.
• Must understand and be able to implement the MUTCD for signage throughout town for the replacement, inspection, and repair of all traffic, guide, and construction signage.
• Basic irrigation hydraulics understanding.

 Education, Experience and Certificates

• Graduation from an accredited high school or GED.
• Must be able to acquire and maintain a valid class “A” commercial driver’s license within three months of hire.
• Able to operate a variety of heavy equipment and vehicles.
•  Preferred 1 to 2 years of public works or related construction experience.
• The town may accept any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Flagger certification, Backhoe I certification, Loader II certification, confined space certification, forklift certification.

Are you interested in living and working in Vail, CO?  Vail, which is centrally located in the Rocky Mountains, offers easy access to Denver (100 miles to the east) and is surrounded by the White River National Forest, offering world class outdoor activities in summer and winter (skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, white water).

When asked, most of our employees say that working for the Town of Vail feels like family.  Our values-based culture is nurtured by the employees’ strong desire to foster teamwork, take ownership in Vail’s future and an overall pride for serving their community.  Let’s not forget that our efforts not only benefit the community but also allow us to enjoy the spectacular amenities and culture in the Vail Valley which we call home! To find out more about our community, please visit our website www.vailgov.com and click on Vail Information.

Year-Round Benefits

The Town of Vail offers an excellent benefits and compensation package to our Full-time employees. This includes health and dental coverage, town-funded retirement, 457 pre-tax savings plan, life/survivor insurance, tennis pass, golf pass and other ski pass/wellness benefits.

What’s more, the town offers many other benefits to help employees make Vail their “home” including employee housing options, home buyer/renter assistance programs, day care assistance, education reimbursements, professional development opportunities and much, much more.