Apprentice Equipment Operator

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

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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 Learners 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