Heavy Equipment Cons. Specialist

Heavy Equipment Construction Specialist

The Heavy Equipment Construction Specialist is responsible for safely operating, inspecting, and supporting heavy construction equipment used in farm construction, site preparation, road maintenance, earthmoving, grading, ditching, land clearing, material handling, and related field operations. This role may operate equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, loaders, graders, backhoes, compactors, dump trucks, and other machinery as assigned. The position also supports general construction and fieldwork activities, participates in trainings and safety meetings, and ensures equipment is operated efficiently, safely, and in accordance with company procedures.

Essential Capabilities (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Attributes):

• Knowledge of heavy equipment, construction machinery, tools, attachments, and related safety procedures.
• Knowledge of construction, grading, excavation, roadwork, drainage, land clearing, and site preparation processes.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, graders, loaders, backhoes, compactors, tractors, dump trucks, and other assigned machinery.
• Operate equipment safely and effectively while following company policies, work instructions, and applicable safety standards.
• Perform daily pre-operation and post-operation inspections to verify proper equipment function.
• Monitor gauges, controls, hydraulic systems, warning indicators, and equipment performance during operation.
• Identify equipment malfunctions, unsafe conditions, operating errors, or maintenance needs and report them to the supervisor.
• Determine the proper equipment, attachments, tools, and materials needed to complete assigned work.
• Read and follow work instructions, site markings, grade references, and direction from supervisors or crew leads.
• Excavate, grade, level, move, spread, load, unload, and compact soil, rock, gravel, debris, and other materials as required.
• Assist with the construction and maintenance of roads, pads, levees, ditches, canals, culverts, crossings, and other farm or construction infrastructure.
• Load and unload equipment and materials from trailers or transport vehicles as needed.
• Clean equipment after use and maintain work areas in a safe and orderly condition.
• Perform minor routine maintenance such as greasing, checking fluid levels, replacing basic parts, and securing attachments when trained and authorized.
• Coordinate equipment movement with ground personnel, spotters, truck drivers, and other operators.
• Maintain awareness of people, vehicles, utilities, structures, slopes, ditches, soft ground, overhead hazards, and other jobsite risks.
• Use hand signals, radios, or verbal communication to support safe and efficient operations.
• Ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust controls of machines or vehicles to exact positions.
• Ability to coordinate hand, foot, arm, and leg movements while operating equipment.
• Ability to see details at close range and at a distance, judge depth and distance, and recognize movement to the side while looking ahead.
• Ability to recognize when something is wrong or likely to go wrong and take appropriate action.
• Ability to listen to, understand, and follow spoken instructions and communicate information clearly to others.
• Ability to keep hand and arm steady while operating controls or performing related tasks.
• Ability to time movements of equipment in response to changing conditions, materials, traffic, or crew activity.
• Ability to exert physical force to lift, push, pull, carry, climb, bend, stretch, twist, reach, and perform work in outdoor field conditions.
• Must be able to work independently, follow directions, pay attention to detail, and maintain a strong focus on safety.
• Must participate in trainings, workshops, toolbox talks, and staff meetings related to equipment operation, construction work, and farm operations.

Qualifications:

• Valid driver's license required.
• Previous experience operating heavy equipment in construction, agriculture, roadwork, earthmoving, or a related field preferred.
• Ability to safely operate assigned heavy equipment and learn additional equipment as required.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, rain, dust, mud, and uneven terrain.
• Pass background check.
• Pass physical and drug test.

Location of Role:
Sugar Farms Co-op

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.