Heavy Equipment Operator

About the role

S.E.T., Inc. is a growing heavy civil contractor specializing in highway, bridge, and infrastructure construction across Ohio and surrounding states. As a $100M+ contractor, we focus on disciplined growth, operational excellence, and strong internal systems to support long‑term expansion. We are hiring experienced Heavy Equipment Operators to run production equipment on active roadway, bridge, and mass excavation jobs throughout Ohio and western Pennsylvania.

Responsibilities

• Equipment you may be assigned: Excavators (mass excavation, utility trenching, structure excavation, GPS/machine control), Dozers (rough and fine grade, 3D machine control), Motor graders, loaders, backhoes, rubber‑tire excavators, rollers/compactors, off‑road/articulated haul trucks, scrapers, pavers, milling machines, screeds, cranes (rough terrain, hydraulic truck, boom truck, crawler – NCCCO required), skid steers, telehandlers, forklifts, drill rigs, and concrete pumps (if applicable).
• Daily duties:
  • Operate assigned equipment safely and productively in tight work zones adjacent to live traffic.
  • Grade from stakes, cut sheets, string line, laser, and GPS/3‑D machine‑control systems (Trimble, Topcon, Leica, or equivalent).
  • Read and interpret plans, cross‑sections, and cut/fill information.
  • Excavate and backfill around live utilities, sloping and benching to trench‑safety requirements, and support pipe crews.
  • Load, spread, and compact stone base and structural fill to specified lift thickness and density.
  • Perform daily pre‑shift inspections, greasing, fueling, and routine maintenance; report defects immediately.
  • Communicate with spotters, ground crew, and truck drivers using proper hand signals and radio protocol.
  • Maintain spoil piles, haul roads, and equipment staging areas.
  • Follow all safety policies, JSAs, lockout/tagout, and swing‑radius requirements.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years operating heavy equipment on heavy highway or civil projects.
• Demonstrated ability to grade to tolerance and produce finished work with minimal rework.
• Strong understanding of trench safety, utility clearance, and work‑zone hazards.
• Mechanical aptitude and genuine care for the equipment you run.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Willingness to travel and work out‑of‑town, including occasional out‑of‑state assignments.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with GPS/machine‑control technology.
• CDL Class A (strong plus).

Certifications

• OSHA 10‑Hour or 30‑Hour Construction.
• NCCCO certification (required for crane assignments).
• MSHA Part 46/48 for aggregate or plant work.
• Rigging and signal‑person qualification.
• Confined‑space, competent‑person/trench‑safety certification.
• First Aid / CPR.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Climb on and off equipment repeatedly; sit and operate controls for extended periods.
• Lift, carry, push, or pull 50–75 lb for maintenance and rigging tasks.
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions and on uneven ground.
• Overtime, weekend, night‑shift, and out‑of‑town work may be required depending on the project.
• Pre‑employment and random drug and alcohol testing per company, DOT, and CBA policy.

Union Status

This is a union position covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE). Applicants not currently members in good standing must be willing and able to join the Union, maintain membership, and pay applicable dues and fees as a condition of continued employment. S.E.T., Inc. will assist qualified candidates through the referral, registration, and onboarding process with the local union.

Compensation & Benefits

• Union‑scale wages per the applicable CBA, by equipment classification.
• Full fringe benefit package: health and welfare, pension, annuity, and training funds.
• Overtime, travel pay, and per diem on out‑of‑town assignments.
• Steady work with a contractor that keeps good operators busy.