Heavy Equipment Operator (Bakersfield)

This position is responsible for performing various job tasks on hazardous and non-hazardous waste sites. Work may include possible exposure to lead, PCBs, H₂S, arsenic, and various other metals, chemicals, and conditions.

About the role

Heavy equipment operation is a skilled trade involving the operation of excavators (and attachments such as shears, impact hammers, thumbs, etc.), loaders, dozers, backhoes, dump trucks, articulating dump trucks, tractors, motor graders, scrapers, water trucks, and similar equipment to excavate, grade, move earth, or demolish structures. Operators may also repair and maintain equipment in addition to regular duties.

Workdays exceed 8 hours per day, 5 to 6 days per week. The role requires frequent and extended travel to projects across the U.S., with per diem/living allowance and trips home provided. Candidates must reside anywhere in the U.S. and be open to sustained project-based travel.

Responsibilities

• Excavate, move, or grade contaminated or non-contaminated earth.
• Excavate contaminated or non-contaminated sludge material.
• Demolish structures including buildings, aboveground storage tanks, underground pipelines, etc.
• Mix reagents with contaminated soil or hazardous waste.
• Read and understand construction specifications, plans, and operating procedures.
• Cut and fill grades per plan specifications.
• Load materials into trucks for removal from the project site.
• Load and unload trucks for onsite transporting of materials.
• Haul material in trucks to on-site unloading areas.
• Perform daily inspection and maintenance on assigned equipment, including greasing and oiling.
• Move materials, lay pipe, and backfill pipe.
• Load and unload equipment from trailers.
• Lift and set heavy loads.
• Assist with the preparation and review of Job Safety Analyses, observations, and other reports.
• Promote the use of Stop Work Authority.
• Work independently and as part of a team to meet deadlines in a fast-paced, high-quality, and safe environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

Physical Activities: Climbing, lifting, carrying, pulling, pushing, reaching, handling, balancing, walking, stooping, squatting, and operating tools or equipment. Requires use of hands, arms, feet, and legs for handling materials or operating machinery. Includes talking, hearing, near acuity, color distinction, peripheral vision, and hand-eye coordination.

Physical Demands: Sitting for long periods in moving or vibrating machinery, climbing in/out of equipment using ladders/steps, repetitive motion from hand/foot controls, cleaning tracks/undercarriages, lifting 1–25 lbs. regularly (up to 50 lbs. occasionally), and working in loud/noisy environments.

Environmental Conditions: Outdoor construction sites with rugged terrain, dusty/windy atmospheres, confined spaces, and potential airborne exposures to dusts, mists, fumes, or vapors within OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs).

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Hard hat, ear protection (plugs/muffs), eye protection (safety glasses/goggles), safety vest, gloves, steel-toe boots, and respirators (negative/positive pressure) as required by site conditions.

Requirements

• 3–5 years’ experience operating heavy equipment, preferably in environmental remediation projects.
• Ability to safely operate excavators, dozers, loaders, backhoes, and other heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of equipment uses and limitations.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 40-hour HAZWOPER training preferred (OSHA HAZWOPER certification with annual 8-hour refresher required).
• Ability to read construction specifications, plans, and procedures.
• Must pass a background check and physical/drug screen.
• Ability to wear PPE as needed.

Skills

• Operation of rubber-tire or track heavy equipment (backhoes, loaders, dozers, excavators, tractors, articulated dump trucks, motor graders, scrapers, etc.).
• Use of hand tools, power tools, pumps, dewatering systems, pugmills, batch plants, dredges, crushers, and screens.
• Understanding of written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.
• Contribute to a positive, safe, and high-quality work culture.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Sick pay per state law.
• 401k retirement plan.

Pay

$27.00 – $32.00 per hour, plus travel pay and per diem pay.

Schedule

Workdays exceed 8 hours per day, 5 to 6 days per week.