Excavator Operator / Laborer — Punch Out Crew

About the role

Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors, Inc. is a privately owned, employee-owned (ESOP) civil contracting firm based in Jacksonville, FL, specializing in public works, water resources (including water and wastewater treatment plants), and site development. We are seeking an entry-level Excavator Operator / Laborer to join our Punch Out Crew supporting heavy civil construction projects in Jacksonville and surrounding areas. This is not a seat-only operator position — you will operate equipment when needed while also working alongside the crew performing hands-on labor, cleanup, grading, restoration, and other punch-out activities.

What You'll Do

Equipment Operation

• Operate excavators and other construction equipment as assigned to support punch-out and project completion activities
• Perform light excavation, grading, backfilling, cleanup, and restoration work
• Safely operate equipment around utilities, structures, workers, and other equipment
• Perform daily equipment inspections and report maintenance or safety concerns
• Follow spotter direction and established safe operating procedures

Punch-Out & Labor Support

• Work alongside the crew performing general construction labor when equipment operation is not required
• Assist with grading, backfilling, cleanup, site restoration, and completion of remaining project work
• Use hand and power tools safely to complete assigned tasks
• Assist with loading, unloading, moving, and organizing materials and tools
• Help maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas
• Perform other heavy civil construction and punch-out duties as assigned

Safety & Teamwork

• Follow Petticoat-Schmitt and OSHA safety requirements at all times
• Identify and communicate jobsite hazards or unsafe conditions
• Work effectively with Foremen, operators, laborers, and other field personnel
• Take direction, ask questions, and continue developing equipment operating and heavy civil construction skills

What We're Looking For

Experience & Skills

• Some previous experience operating an excavator or similar heavy construction equipment required
• This is an entry-level operator opportunity; extensive operating experience is not required
• Willingness and ability to perform general construction labor in addition to operating equipment
• Basic understanding of safe heavy equipment operation
• Ability to follow instructions and work effectively as part of a crew
• Dependable attendance and punctuality
• Strong work ethic and willingness to learn
• Heavy civil, underground utility, site development, or roadway construction experience preferred but not required
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record preferred

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Ability to safely enter and exit excavators and other construction equipment
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, reach, push, and pull throughout the workday
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Ability to safely navigate uneven terrain and active construction sites
• Ability to work around moving heavy equipment and construction operations
• Ability to wear all required personal protective equipment

Why Petticoat-Schmitt?

We Live Our Values (A.C.T.)

• Accountability – Safety first. Plan the work. Execute with ownership.
• Character – Integrity, respect, trustworthiness, humility.
• Team – Shared goals, servant leadership, determination, and results.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay based on experience
• Earned Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 6 Paid Holidays
• Annual Profit Sharing – Participate in company-wide profit sharing once annual goals are achieved
• Monthly Safety Bonus – Earned when the company goes recordable-incident free
• Comprehensive Health Coverage Options, including a 100% company-paid High Deductible Health Plan (employee-only coverage)
• Dental, vision, short/long-term disability, and accident coverage
• Up to $50,000 employer-paid life insurance
• 401(k) with 100% company match on the first 4%
• Ongoing training and opportunities to develop your heavy equipment operating skills

Schedule

• Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Hours may vary or extend based on project needs
• Overtime and occasional weekend work may be required

Location & Travel

• Location: Jacksonville, FL and surrounding areas
• Travel: Occasional travel as needed to support project requirements

What We Expect

• Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen
• Consistent attendance, punctuality, and dependable communication
• Professional appearance and conduct
• Willingness to perform both equipment operation and hands-on construction work as assigned
• Commitment to safe equipment operation and jobsite practices
• Commitment to living Petticoat-Schmitt's values of Accountability, Character, and Teamwork

About Petticoat-Schmitt

Headquartered in Jacksonville, FL since 2007, Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors, Inc. is a privately owned, employee-owned (ESOP) civil contracting firm. We specialize in public works, water resources (including water and wastewater treatment plants), and site development, with expertise in underground utilities, roadway construction, and related civil infrastructure. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.