Heavy Equipment Operator

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating heavy construction equipment to support civil earthwork operations on construction projects. This position plays a critical role in excavation, grading, embankment construction, material movement, site preparation, and compaction activities while maintaining production, quality, and safety standards.

The Heavy Equipment Operator works under the direction of the Civil Foreman and Civil  Superintendent and is responsible for performing assigned work safely, efficiently, and according to project requirements. This position requires travel to project sites and a commitment to maintaining compliance with all company safety policies and OSHA regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

Equipment Operation

• Operate heavy construction equipment in support of civil earthwork activities.
• Perform excavation, grading, embankment construction, material movement, site preparation, and compaction operations in accordance with approved grades, elevations, and project specifications.
• Operate one or more of the following equipment:
  • Bulldozers
  • Front-End Loaders
  • Scrapers
  • Off-Road Dump Trucks
  • Roller Compactors
  • Skid Steers
  • Backhoes
  • Excavators
• Utilize GPS machine control systems to achieve required grades and elevations.
• Follow grade stakes, survey controls, and project plans to perform assigned work.
• Monitor equipment performance and report maintenance or repair needs.
• Conduct pre-shift and post-shift equipment inspections.
• Maintain equipment in a clean and serviceable condition.

Safety Responsibilities

• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and expectations.
• Comply with all OSHA regulations and project-specific safety requirements.
• Participate in daily safety meetings and job hazard analyses.
• Conduct required equipment inspections and report unsafe conditions immediately.
• Stop work and notify supervision when unsafe conditions exist.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Report incidents, near misses, and safety concerns promptly.

Documentation and Reporting

• Complete equipment inspection reports and required project documentation.
• Communicate equipment issues, production challenges, and safety concerns to project leadership.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience operating heavy construction equipment in civil earthwork applications.
• Experience utilizing GPS machine control systems for grading and earthwork operations.
• Proven ability to perform grading, excavation, compaction, and material movement activities safely and efficiently.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to walk uneven terrain and active construction sites.
• Ability to climb into and out of heavy equipment repeatedly throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, and climb for extended periods.
• Ability to work overtime and occasional weekends as project demands require.