Long Haul Heavy Equipment Operator

Star Construction is looking for an experienced, safety-driven Heavy Equipment Operator to join our Underground Utility Construction team based out of our Tennessee locations (Chattanooga, Knoxville, Nashville). This position is ideal for a motivated professional who takes pride in operating equipment efficiently, working safely, and delivering high-quality work on schedule. Overnight travel throughout the region is required for the majority of this role.

About the role

You’ll play a key role in installing underground utility systems while supporting the crew from project start to completion. Our crews travel and work outdoors in varying weather conditions. If you enjoy working with a dedicated crew, operating modern equipment, and building critical underground utility infrastructure, we’d like to talk with you.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate excavators, backhoes, trenchers, plows, loaders, and other heavy equipment.
• Excavate and install underground utility infrastructure while protecting existing utilities.
• Read and work from utility locates, job plans, and supervisor instructions.
• Perform trenching, grading, backfilling, and restoration of disturbed areas.
• Load, unload, and transport equipment and materials.
• Operate CDL-required company vehicles and haul equipment to and from job sites.
• Perform daily inspections and basic preventative maintenance on equipment.
• Maintain clean, organized equipment, trucks, trailers, and job sites.
• Work closely with ground crews using established hand signals and communication protocols.
• Assist with traffic control, jobsite setup, and cleanup.
• Travel with the crew to project locations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States for this company.
• High School Diploma, GED equivalent, or a combination of relevant work experience.
• Minimum 2 years of heavy equipment operating experience, preferably in underground utility construction.
• Experience operating excavators, backhoes, trenchers, plows, loaders, and similar construction equipment.
• Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to operate and safely transport equipment and materials.
• Working knowledge of underground utility construction, trenching, grading, restoration, and excavation safety.
• Knowledge of OSHA trench safety standards and utility locating practices.
• Ability to perform daily equipment inspections, preventative maintenance, and basic service on equipment.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a traveling construction crew.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions while maintaining productivity and quality standards.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, dependable attendance, and on-time performance.
• Ability to travel overnight for the majority of the work schedule.

Physical Abilities & Exposures

• Routinely: work alone in remote locations with arms above shoulder level, operate vehicle and heavy machinery, squeeze, fine hand motions, bend, stoop, stand, walk, climb stairs and lift greater than 55 pounds.
• Occasionally: work in confined spaces, use ladder, keyboard and mouse.

Pay

The wage range for this role is $27.00 - $35.00 per hour.

Benefits

• Weekly paychecks
• Paid Time Off, Parental Leave, and Holidays
• Insurance (including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, disability, life insurance)
• 401(k) with company match
• Stock Purchase Plan
• Education Reimbursement
• Legal Insurance
• Discounts on gym memberships, pet insurance, and much more