Note: Provided below is a job class description and minimum qualification. To view this information for other State of Colorado positions, please visit the job classifications and minimum qualifications page.
Class Description
Valid as of: July 1, 2018
This class series uses three levels in the Labor, Trades, and Crafts Occupational Group and describes work that involves the operation of motorized equipment to transport people, materials, equipment, packages, etc. The size of the equipment ranges from vans, pickups, and automobiles to medium-sized, two-axle trucks to large, specialized heavy construction equipment. All of the classes in this series are at the full-operating level, but the size or type of equipment operated on a predominant, regular and ongoing basis determines the appropriate level. Most positions above the Equipment Operator I level require special licensure and/or certification.
EQUIPMENT OPERATOR I D7B1XX
Concept of Class
This class describes the first full-operating level in the equipment operator series. It describes work operating two- axle vans, automobiles, trucks, and equipment to pick up and deliver goods, materials, and or passengers. This work typically requires a basic driver’s license.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making
The decisions regularly made are at the defined level, as described here. Within limits prescribed by the operation, choices involve selecting alternatives that affect the manner and speed with which tasks are carried out. These choices do not affect the standards or results of the operation itself because there is typically only one correct way to carry out the operation. Positions, for example, separate and load materials to be picked up or delivered. These alternatives include independent choice of such things as priority and personal preference for organizing and processing the work, proper tools or equipment, speed, and appropriate steps in the operation to apply. By nature, the data needed to make decisions can be numerous but are clear and understandable so logic is needed to apply the prescribed alternative. Positions can be taught what to do to carry out assignments and any deviation in the manner in which the work is performed does not change the end result of the operation.
Complexity
The nature of, and need for, analysis and judgment is prescribed, as described here. Positions apply established, standard guidelines which cover work situations and alternatives. Action taken is based on learned, specific guidelines that permit little deviation or change as the task is repeated. Any alternatives to choose from are clearly right or wrong at each step. For example, positions adhere to traffic codes, as well as safety rules and regulations, to assure safe delivery of goods and materials.
Line/Staff Authority
The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor. The individual contributor may explain work processes and train others. The individual contributor may serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system or as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team. This level may include positions performing supervisory elements that do not fully meet the criteria for the next level in this factor.
EQUIPMENT OPERATOR II D7B2XX
Concept of Class
This class describes the second, full-operating level in the equipment operator series. It describes work operating buses, medium-sized trucks and equipment, typically with no more than two axles, to pick up and deliver goods, materials, or passengers. The work also includes monitoring the mechanical condition and cleanliness of the equipment, inspecting and maintaining fluid and air pressure levels, and keeping associated records and reports. This level typically requires special licensure or certification to operate the equipment. This class is differs from the Equipment Operator I class in concept, on Complexity, and the licensure or certification requirements.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making
The decisions regularly made are at the defined level, as described here. Within limits prescribed by the operation, choices involve selecting alternatives that affect the manner and speed with which tasks are carried out. These choices do not affect the standards or results of the operation itself because there is typically only one correct way to carry out the operation. Positions, for example, separate and load materials to be picked up or delivered. These alternatives include independent choice of such things as priority and personal preference for organizing and processing the work, proper tools or equipment, speed, and appropriate steps in the operation to apply. By nature, the data needed to make decisions can be numerous but are clear and understandable so logic is needed to apply the prescribed alternative. Positions can be taught what to do to carry out assignments and any deviation in the manner in which the work is performed does not change the end result of the operation.
Complexity
The nature of, and need for, analysis and judgment is patterned, as described here. Positions study operating information to determine what it means and how it fits together in order to get practical solutions in the form of completed work assignments. Guidelines in the form of operating instructions and driving regulations exist for most situations. Judgment is needed in locating and selecting the most appropriate of these guidelines which may change for varying circumstances as the task is repeated. This selection and interpretation of guidelines involves choosing from alternatives where all are correct but one is better than another depending on the given circumstances of the situation.
Line/Staff Authority
The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor. The individual contributor may explain work processes and train others. The individual contributor may serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system or as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team. This level may include positions performing supervisory elements that do not fully meet the criteria for the next level in this factor.
EQUIPMENT OPERATOR III D7B3XX
Concept of Class
This class describes the third, full-operating level in the equipment operator series. It describes work operating large buses, trucks, or other equipment, typically having at least three axles, to pick up and deliver goods and materials. Positions may monitor work schedules and train new employees. Special licensure or certification is usually required to operate the equipment. Some positions in this class may have leadwork responsibility over equipment operators. This class differs from the Equipment Operator II class in concept, on Decision Making and possibly Line/Staff Authority.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making
The decisions regularly made are at the operational level, as described here. Within limits set by the specific process, choices involve deciding what operation is required to carry out the process. This includes determining how the operation will be completed. By nature, data needed to make decisions are numerous and variable so reasoning is needed to develop the practical course of action within the established process. Choices are within a range of specified, acceptable standards, alternatives, and technical practices.
Complexity
The nature of, and need for, analysis and judgment is patterned, as described here. Positions study operating information to determine what it means and how it fits together in order to get practical solutions in the form of completed deliveries. Guidelines in the form of trip and operating instructions exist for most situations. Judgment is needed in locating and selecting the most appropriate of these guidelines which may change for varying circumstances as the task is repeated. This selection and interpretation of guidelines involves choosing from alternatives where all are correct but one is better than another depending on the given circumstances of the situation.
Line/Staff Authority
The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor or a work leader. The individual contributor may explain work processes and train others. The individual contributor may serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system or as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team. This level may include positions performing supervisory elements that do not fully meet the criteria for the next level in this factor.
OR
The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as a work leader. The work leader is partially accountable for the work product of two or more full-time equivalent positions, including timeliness, correctness, and soundness. At least one of the subordinate positions must be in the same series or at a comparable conceptual level. Typical elements of direct control over other positions by a work leader include assigning tasks, monitoring progress and work flow, checking the product, scheduling work, and establishing work standards. The work leader provides input into supervisory decisions made at higher levels, including signing leave requests and approving work hours. This level may include positions performing supervisory elements that do not fully meet the criteria for the next level in this factor.
EQUIPMENT OPERATOR IV D7B4XX
Concept of Class
This class describes the threeth, full-operating level in the equipment operator series. It describes work operating heavy construction or moving equipment to build, excavate, or maintain roads, parking lots, parks, etc., or to deliver and pick up goods, materials, or equipment related to this work. The purpose of the specific assignment is to operate equipment such as a dragline, dozer (D6 or comparable model and larger), front-end loader (5 yards and larger), a lowboy, tractor-trailer unit, track hoe (3/4 yard bucket), truck-mounted excavator, road grader, asphalt paving machine, and a hot asphalt plant. Positions in this class always require special licensure or certification to operate such equipment. This class differs from the Equipment Operator III by the type and size of equipment operated.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making
The decisions regularly made are at the operational level, as described here. Within limits set by the specific process, choices involve deciding what operation is required to carry out the process. This includes determining how the operation will be completed. By nature, data needed to make decisions are numerous and variable so reasoning is needed to develop the practical course of action within the established process. Choices are within a range of specified, acceptable standards, alternatives, and technical practices.
Complexity
The nature of, and need for, analysis and judgment is patterned, as described here. Positions, for example, study the lay of the land and evaluate the existing conditions before deciding how best to accomplish the goal of building a park or a parking lot. Guidelines in the form of technical plans and drawings may exist for some situations. Judgment is needed in locating and selecting the most appropriate of these guidelines which may change for varying circumstances as the task is repeated. This selection and interpretation of guidelines involves choosing from alternatives where all are correct but one is better than another depending on the given circumstances of the situation.
Line/Staff Authority
The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor. The individual contributor may explain work processes and train others. The individual contributor may serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system or as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team. This level may include positions performing supervisory elements that do not fully meet the criteria for the next level in this factor.
Entrance Requirements
Minimum entry requirements and general competencies for classes in this series are contained in the State of Colorado Department of Personnel website. For purposes of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the essential functions of specific positions are identified in the position description questionnaires and job analyses.
History of Changes Made to Class Description
The following is a summary of changes made to this class description.
- Effective July 1, 2018
Update the Class Code of D7B1TX to D7B1XX per administrative updates.
- June 30, 2015
Updated and removed the purpose of contact.
- Effective July 1, 2000
Bus Driver (D1B1-2) abolished as part of the LTC consolidation study. Draft published 3/31/1999, proposed 5/24/1999, and final published 7/1/1999.
- Effective July 1, 1999
LTC consolidation study consolidated Vehicle Driver (D1P1), Bus Driver (D1B1-2), and Equipment Operator (D1D1) series consolidated. Draft published 3/31/1999 and proposed 5/24/1999.
- Effective September 1, 1993
Job Evaluation System Revision project. Published proposed 5/24/1993.
- Revised December 1, 1986
Changed class code on Vehicle Driver (A4550X).
- Revised December 1, 1986
Changed class code and entrance requirements on Equipment Operator I (A4552X), Equipment Operator II (A4554X), and Heavy Equipment Operator (A4560X).
- Created January 1, 1975
Equipment Operator I (A4552X), Equipment Operator II (A4554X), Heavy Equipment Operator (A4560X), and Vehicle Driver (A4550X).
Summary of Factor Ratings
| Class Level | Decision Making | Complexity | Line/Staff Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment Operator I | Defined | Prescribed | Individual Contributor |
| Equipment Operator II | Defined | Patterned | Individual Contributor |
| Equipment Operator III | Operational | Patterned | Individual Contributor or Work Leader |
| Equipment Operator IV | Operational | Patterned | Individual Contributor |
Minimum Qualifications
Valid as of: November 9, 2023
This document includes the following levels:
| Class Title | Class Code |
|---|---|
| Equipment Operator I | D7B1XX |
| Equipment Operator II | D7B2XX |
| Equipment Operator III | D7B3XX |
| Equipment Operator IV | D7B4XX |
EQUIPMENT OPERATOR I (D7B1XX)
Experience Only:
None.
EQUIPMENT OPERATOR II (D7B2XX)
Experience Only:
Two (2) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position
EQUIPMENT OPERATOR III (D7B3XX)
Experience Only:
Three (3) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position.
EQUIPMENT OPERATOR IV (D7B4XX)
Experience Only:
Four (4) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position.
History of Changes Made to Minimum Qualification
The following is a summary of changes made to this minimum qualification.
- November 3, 2023 (Whole Document)
- New format (updating to adhere to accessibility standards)
- Updated minimum qualifications to align with the Skills-based Hiring initiative
- Jul. 1, 2018 (D7B1TX changed to D7B1XX)
Review and correction of the classification codes to align with the 2018-19 pay plan and compensation grades approved by the CHRO.
- Oct. 19, 2017 (D7B2XX, D7B3XX, D7B4XX)
Standardized language regarding education and experience requirements.
- Jun. 20, 2017 (D7B1TX, D7B2XX, D7B3XX, D7B4XX)
Removed CDL language and DL language from the MQ; add to condition of employment.
- Jun. 1, 2017 (Whole Document)
- Part of the 2017 MQ Project
- New format