At least 3 years of experience operating heavy civil equipment.
Skill in excavation, shoring, and rough and finish grading.
Proficiency with construction equipment and safety protocols.
Ability to work independently or with a crew.
Ability to read and understand blueprints, drawings, or oral instructions to plan work.
Ability to assist with materials takeoffs.
Must have basic tools.
Must have a clean driving record and a valid driver's license.
Reliable transportation is required.
Must pass a background check and drug screening before starting employment.
Must be able to climb stairs and ladders, use construction personnel hoists, and negotiate work areas under construction.
Must have close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Must be able to lift, bend, carry, and climb.
Must work on-site at construction sites and tolerate moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, outdoor weather conditions, and risk of electrical shock.
Responsibilities
Conduct daily equipment inspections and report maintenance needs.
Operate equipment for trenching, excavation, and grading operations.
Perform work safely and in compliance with building codes and project specifications.
Follow safety procedures and project protocols to maintain a safe, clean, and organized job site.
Work with the site superintendent and crew to complete work to specifications.
Communicate and collaborate with the crew and take direction from supervisors, foremen, and members of other trades.
Desired Qualifications
OSHA 10/30 certification is preferred but not required.
Heavy Equipment Operator
Edwards Construction Group · Arroyo Grande, United States · Full-time · Posted 2026-07-10
Workplace: on_site
Department: Self-Perform
Description
About Us:
Edwards Construction Group is a leading commercial contractor specializing in K-12, Higher Education, Civic, and Private Commercial projects across California. We take a hands-on, people-first approach—prioritizing innovation, safety, and mentorship within a collaborative culture where every voice is valued.
About the role:
We're seeking a skilled and experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to support site prep and earthwork on a range of commercial construction projects. You'll operate heavy equipment safely and efficiently while working closely with the crew to ensure quality and productivity on-site.
Job Duties:
Conduct daily equipment inspections and report maintenance needs
Operate equipment necessary for trenching operations, excavation operations, and grading operations
Read and have the understanding of blueprints, drawings, or oral instructions to plan work
Ensure work is performed safely and in compliance with building codes and project specifications
Follow all safety procedures and project protocols to maintain a safe, clean, and organized job site
Work closely with the site superintendent and crew to complete work to specifications
Able to assist with materials takeoffs
Communicate and collaborate effectively with the crew and take direction from supervisors, foremen, and members of other trades
Requirements
Qualifications & Strengths:
3+ years of experience operating heavy civil equipment
Skilled in excavation, shoring, and both rough and finish grading
Proficient with construction equipment and safety protocols
Strong communication, work ethic, and attention to detail
Able to work independently or with a crew
OSHA 10/30 (preferred but not required)
Must have own basic tools
Clean DMV record and a valid driver's license
Reliable transportation required
Physical Requirements:
Performance of the required duties will require the following:
Due to the nature of our work and as part of our commitment to safety and integrity, ALL final candidates are required and must successfully pass a background check and drug screening before starting employment.
Reliable transportation
Physical ability to climb permanent and temporary stairs, passenger use of construction personnel hoists, ability to climb ladders and negotiate work areas under construction.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
This job requires lifting, bending, carrying, and climbing.
The employee regularly works on-site at the construction work site where the employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts; high precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; outside weather conditions and risk of electrical shock.
This is a general statement of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. It does not exclude other duties as assigned.
Benefits
Edwards Construction Group, Inc. offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
Medical, dental, & vision
Fringe Benefits
Continuing education bonus program
Opportunities for career growth.
We pay prevailing wage on applicable public works jobs - Public works follow California prevailing wage (DIR), federal work jobs follow Davis-Bacon, and private work is competitively compensated.
ECG is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business needs.