Heavy Equipment Operator

About the Role

Operates a crawler or rubber-tired machine mounted with an excavator bucket for excavating ditches, structures, and mass excavations, laying pipe and precast concrete structures, loading trucks, and placing rock riprap. May also be equipped with various hydraulic attachments.

Responsibilities

• Operates heavy equipment of various sizes and weights used in road, site, or highway construction and paving.
• Operates heavy equipment in a safe and effective manner to minimize risk of injury, property damage, or loss of life.
• Performs daily safety and maintenance checks on equipment.
• Cleans heavy equipment as scheduled and/or required.
• Maintains equipment and advises supervisor of any need for maintenance or repairs.
• Maneuvers heavy equipment into loading or unloading positions, following signals from the loading crew.
• Ensures understanding of ground disturbance issues.
• Uses equipment to level roads and/or working areas, ensure proper drainage, and develop proper grade.
• Ensures a safe work environment in compliance with all safety policies and procedures.
• Follows all company policies and OSHA/MSHA regulations for safe working procedures.
• Reports problems to immediate supervisor.
• Signals operators of construction equipment to facilitate alignment, movement, and material handling.
• Follows direction of Foreman regarding daily tasks and project expectations.
• May operate small power tools such as a jackhammer.
• Digs, spreads, and levels construction materials.
• Lifts, carries, and holds materials, tools, and supplies.
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance.
• Stays updated on all applicable laws and regulations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Considerable knowledge of equipment operations and construction/maintenance procedures.
• Working knowledge of grades and blueprints.
• Skill in operating assigned equipment.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees and the public.
• Complies with company policies and procedures.
• Performs job safely with respect to others, property, and individual safety.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience operating excavators in underground utility or pipeline construction.
• Ability to read grades, blueprints, and excavate to specification.
• Strong understanding of excavation safety, trenching, and working around existing underground utilities.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Physical Requirements: This position involves medium to heavy physical work typical of construction field environments. Employees are regularly required to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl on uneven or rough terrain for extended periods. Manual handling of tools, materials, and equipment is routine. Employees must frequently lift, carry, push, or pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds safely and may occasionally lift or move materials up to 100 pounds with assistance or mechanical means. Proper lifting techniques, team lifting, and mechanical aids should be used to prevent strain or injury.

Work Environment: Work is performed primarily outdoors in active construction settings, including field operations and job sites. Employees may be exposed to varying weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, wind, dust), loud noise from heavy equipment, moving mechanical parts, vibrations, airborne particles, and other site-related hazards. All work must comply with Cal/OSHA safety standards, and employees must wear designated personal protective equipment (PPE).