Equipment Operator

Description Serving the Mid-South with excellence for over 50 years, Klaasmeyer Construction Company is looking for our next Equipment Operator to join the Field Operations team. In this position, you will be operating heavy excavation equipment to support telecommunications construction — cutting clean trenches, excavating pits for handholes and manholes, protecting underground utilities, and keeping the crew moving safely and on schedule. Requirements What You’ll Be Doing Operating excavators, mini excavators, trenchers, compact track loaders, skid steers, and attachments to cut clean trenches and excavate pits — often in congested areas near existing utilitiesWorking to grade, line, and specification with consistent accuracy; adapting your approach in real time based on soil conditions and field directionVerifying all utilities are located and marked before digging; reducing depth, hand digging, or stopping entirely in tolerance zones — immediately reporting any unmarked utility strikes to the ForemanPerforming or assisting with potholing and hand digging to expose and confirm utility locations prior to excavating closeConducting thorough pre-op inspections each shift — fluids, hydraulics, tracks, and attachments — and reporting mechanical issues promptlySetting up and maintaining traffic control per MUTCD requirements when working in or near roadwaysAccurately logging daily production footage, equipment hours, and any notable site conditions or utility conflicts What We Need From You High school diploma or GED requiredMinimum 2–4 years of verifiable heavy equipment operation experience, with demonstrated excavator proficiency for open-cut workExperience operating mini excavators in confined or congested areas strongly preferredWorking knowledge of underground utility protection, 811/one-call requirements, and tolerance zone excavation procedures requiredValid driver's license required; CDL preferred or willingness to obtainTraffic Control (Flagger) certification required or must be obtained within 30 days of hireOSHA 10 preferred or willingness to obtain; OSHA 30 a plusFirst Aid / CPR certification preferredAbility to read construction drawings, utility locate sheets, and grade stakesWilling to work outdoors in all weather conditions; local and regional travel required, out-of-state assignments possibleStrong work ethic, situational awareness, and ability to take direction in a fast-paced field environment The Physical Reality Operating heavy equipment in construction is physically demanding work — and the environment changes every day. Some days you're in a yard doing routine maintenance. Other days you're on a congested city street with utilities everywhere, or setting up traffic control on a state highway. This role requires full physical capability and constant situational awareness. Regular operation of excavators, mini excavators, compact track loaders, and trenching equipmentFrequent climbing onto and off of equipment using three-point contact per safe operating proceduresContinuous standing and walking on project sites and yard environmentsLifting and carrying tools, conduit, and equipment up to 50 lbs.; occasionally more with assistPeriodic hand digging in utility tolerance zones; outdoor work in all weather conditions — heat, cold, rain, mud, and windRegular exposure to elevated noise levels and whole-body vibration from equipment operation; PPE required This is a safety-sensitive position subject to pre-employment and ongoing drug and alcohol testing per company policy. Benefits Klaasmeyer Construction Company, Inc. is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family. Coverage for applicable benefits begins on the first day of the month following 30 days of employment. Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans available at extremely low cost to employees.24/7 Telemedicine program available to all employees and their immediate family members at NO COSTCompany-paid Basic Life InsuranceCompany-paid Spousal and Children’s Life Insurance benefitCompany-paid Short-Term AND Long-Term Disability coverage401(k) Retirement Plan with company match and profit sharing11 paid company holidays plus 1 floating birthday holiday per yearPaid Time Off (PTO) accrued based on years of serviceNo Cost Employee Assistance ProgramComplimentary gym membership