Backhoe Operator (Utilities)

About the role

The Heavy Equipment Operator will operate one or more types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders, to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard-surface pavement. May repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.

Responsibilities

• Operates heavy equipment of various sizes and weights used in site or highway construction.
• Follows company and OSHA safety procedures.
• Briefs project Foreman, Superintendent, General Superintendent, or Safety Director on problems.
• Performs routine inspection and preventative maintenance on assigned equipment and reports defects or needed repairs.
• Aids in training entry-level employees to perform maintenance and repair duties.
• Identifies any underground and overhead utilities before excavating.
• Reviews trenching requirements with the Superintendent and ensures required protection is available.
• Keeps project foreman, superintendent, or general superintendent informed of all known actions.
• Assists with other projects or duties as assigned by management.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent, six to twelve months of operating construction equipment experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Considerable knowledge of heavy equipment operating principles.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment under varying working conditions.
• Working knowledge of hazards and safety precautions standard to heavy equipment operations.
• OSHA 10, First Aid/CPR, and the ability to follow applicable safety precautions, as well as view and understand Veit's safety training video, are required.
• Ability to read and comprehend grade stakes and/or site plans.
• Good communication skills, both oral and written, when working with all levels of management and employees, external vendors, and other business associates.
• Ability to understand, follow, and transmit written and oral instructions.
• Ability to work with and apply mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to meet attendance schedule with dependability and consistency as required by management and/or project requirements.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Union affiliation or willingness to join the union is required.
• Must be able to work 8 to 12-hour workdays, Monday through Friday, with occasional weekends.
• Must be flexible regarding work hours, including evenings and weekends.

Skills

• Physical ability to perform manual work requiring periods of extensive physical exertion and potential exposure to adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Often required to sit, stand, walk, bend knees, stretch arms, stoop, kneel, talk and hear.
• Exposure to variable weather conditions including rain, snow, wind, cold and heat.
• Exposure to variable terrain.

Benefits

• Benefits offered to Union Craft Workers include 401k, Employee Assistance Program, and Prevailing Wage roles may have varying hourly rates and benefits based on Collective Bargaining Agreements and/or local governing authority.

Pay

The hourly rate may vary depending on geographic location, applicant skills, and prior relevant experience.

Schedule

Work 8 to 12-hour workdays, Monday through Friday, with occasional weekends.