Production Excavator Operator (Quarry)

Take your heavy equipment career to the next level at our Brierfield Quarry location in Alabama! We’re part of Saiia Construction, an industrial heavy civil contractor serving the power generation, mineral and aggregate mining, and pulp and paper markets since 1946. With over 630 pieces of machinery, 500 employees, and projects in 11 states, we deliver large-scale work as a MasTec Clean Energy & Infrastructure company—ranked #1 in Power and a top-20 heavy contractor by Engineering News-Record.

About the role

We’re hiring a skilled Production Excavator Operator for 10-hour day shifts (5:00 AM – 3:00 PM) to run heavy machinery like the CAT 395 and support key earth-moving operations. Bring your 5+ years of experience to a team that values safety and precision—MSHA certification is preferred, but we will provide full training for you to get certified on the job.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators to dig holes, trenches, and remove/transport earth, gravel, sand, ore, rock, and industrial by-products; load materials into stockpiles or transport trucks.
• Start engine and manipulate hand/foot levers to control hydraulic shovel or other attachments; use bucket to excavate to specified dimensions and place material in piles or trucks.
• Operate bulldozers and graders to gouge out, level, and distribute soil, sand, ore, rock, gravel, and industrial by-products; clear trees and rocks in preparation for construction projects.
• Attach clevis or wedge-pin hitches to bulldozer/grader as needed; maneuver equipment and adjust blade/attachments to clear right-of-way.
• Perform successive passes over terrain to achieve designed grade or elevation; estimate depth of cut by feel and engine response.
• Utilize GPS grade technology on applicable machines when required.
• Adhere to all established safety rules, procedures, policies, OSHA, and MSHA regulations.
• Participate in required training and maintain MSHA certification.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED certificate preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of related experience and/or training; 5+ years preferred.
• Knowledge of EPA, OSHA, MSHA, and other state/federal regulations.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating/maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Proficiency with email, smartphones, tablets, or computers for company information management.
• Ability to draft routine reports and correspondence.
• Valid state-issued Driver’s License with a driving record meeting Saiia’s risk management guidelines.
• Must maintain acceptable attendance standards and complete work meticulously and on time.

Physical Requirements

• Lift/Carry 0-10 lbs.: Occasionally
• Lift/Carry 10-50 lbs.: Occasionally
• Reach Above: Occasionally
• Bend/Stoop: Occasionally
• Use Hands for Manipulations: Continuously
• Vision Abilities: Close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Hearing Abilities: Must be able to hear equipment/facility signals, horns, alarms, radio, and phone communications.

Pay

$23 - $30 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Schedule

10-hour day shifts (5:00 AM – 3:00 PM).

Benefits

• Competitive pay with ongoing performance reviews and merit increases.
• 401(k) with company match and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
• Flexible spending accounts (Healthcare & Dependent care).
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (plan choice) covering employee, spouse, domestic partner, and children.
• Diabetes Management, Telehealth Coverage, Prescription Drug Plan, and Pet Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and accidental death & dismemberment coverage.
• Voluntary life insurance, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity coverage.
• Emergency Travel Assistance Program.
• Group legal plan.