Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator Job Description

This role focuses on operating excavators (track hoes) and dozers on large-scale ash basin closure projects, supporting high-production earthmoving, excavation, grading, and material handling activities. You will transition between multiple pieces of heavy equipment as project needs evolve, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project specifications and environmental requirements.

• Operate excavators (track hoes) and dozers to safely excavate, grade, move, and manage coal ash, soil, rock, and other materials across large project sites.
• Load off-road haul trucks with coal ash and other materials for transport and disposal throughout the project area.
• Perform both rough and fine grading to support ash basin closure, environmental remediation, and site restoration activities.
• Construct, shape, and maintain haul roads, drainage features, slopes, and work areas using dozers and excavators.
• Collaborate closely with haul truck operators, roller operators, and site supervision to maintain production targets and efficient material movement.
• Read and interpret grade stakes and site plans to ensure work meets project specifications and required elevations.
• Conduct high-volume excavation, loading, grading, and mass earthmoving in a fast-paced, production-driven construction environment.
• Utilize GPS grade control systems, when available, to achieve precise grades and elevations.
• Perform thorough daily equipment inspections and promptly report maintenance concerns to site supervision.
• Monitor surroundings and maintain awareness of nearby equipment, personnel, and active haul routes while operating in congested work areas.
• Adhere to all site safety, environmental, and operational requirements to minimize downtime and maximize productivity.
• Support ash basin closure operations at active power plants by consistently operating excavators and dozers to manage coal ash and related materials.
• Work safely around multiple pieces of heavy equipment and active haul routes in heavy production settings.
• Apply best practices for excavation in wet or unstable ground conditions to maintain safety and equipment stability.
• Follow preventative maintenance procedures and contribute to the overall reliability of the equipment fleet.

• Proven experience operating excavators (track hoes) and dozers in heavy production environments.
• Demonstrated ability to work safely around active haul routes and multiple pieces of heavy equipment.
• Hands-on experience with high-production earthmoving on ash pond closures, environmental remediation projects, landfills, mining operations, dredging projects, heavy civil construction, or similar large-scale earthmoving operations.
• Proficiency in truck loading, grading, slope work, and mass excavation.
• Strong skills in earthworks, including rough and fine grading and precision excavation.
• Ability to read grade stakes and follow site plans to meet project specifications.
• Experience with grade control systems and GPS-guided excavation for accurate elevations.
• Knowledge of safe operation practices in wet or unstable ground conditions.
• Capability to perform daily equipment inspections and support preventative maintenance.
• Comfort working in production-driven work environments with high volumes of dirt moving and material handling.
• Commitment to strict safety, quality, and environmental compliance standards.

• Experience in ash basin closure projects and coal ash handling and material movement.
• Experience in landfill, mining, or dredging operations.
• Exposure to heavy civil construction and large-scale earthworks.
• Familiarity with long reach excavators and track hoes in complex site conditions.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with diverse site crews and supervision in fast-paced construction settings.
• Strong situational awareness and communication skills when operating around other heavy equipment and personnel.

You join a team that offers substantial overtime opportunities, with typical weeks ranging from 60 to 70 hours, enabling strong earning potential. The work provides long-term project continuity, supporting job stability and ongoing professional growth in specialized ash basin closure and environmental remediation operations. You benefit from the security of working on mandated coal ash cleanup projects, contributing to important environmental initiatives while building a sustainable career in heavy…