Heavy Equipment Operator

Chieftain Trucking & Excavating is a Northeast Ohio-based heavy civil contractor specializing in site development, underground utilities, earthwork, and excavation services. We support public and private projects with a strong fleet of new, well-maintained, and reliable equipment, experienced crews, and a focus on safety, quality, and reliability.

Typical work includes water and sewer utilities, storm drainage, grading, excavation, and large-scale earthmoving. Chieftain continues to grow and offers year-round work throughout Northeast Ohio in a professional, safety-focused environment.

The Heavy Equipment Operator (Union) position is a full-time, on-site role working on heavy civil construction projects throughout Northeast Ohio.

You will safely and efficiently operate equipment including excavators, loaders, dozers, skid steers, and other machinery used for excavation, utility installation, grading, and site development. Day-to-day responsibilities include excavation, trenching, grading, back filling, loading and handling materials, and other earthwork activities according to project plans and direction from field supervision.

Operators complete daily equipment inspections, identify and report mechanical issues, and assist with basic maintenance to keep equipment in safe operating condition, while working closely with laborers, foremen, and other trades under all company, OSHA, and project-specific safety requirements.

• Competitive union-scale compensation based on classification, experience, and applicable collective bargaining agreements
• Union benefits and applicable fringe benefits
• Full-time, year-round work
• Consistent hours with a growing heavy civil contractor

• Must be a current Heavy Equipment Operator
• Previous experience operating heavy equipment on heavy civil, excavation, underground utility, or site development projects
• Ability to safely and efficiently operate excavators, loaders, dozers, skid steers, and other construction equipment
• Experience performing excavation, trenching, grading, back filling, loading, and earthmoving operations
• Experience working around underground utilities including water, sanitary sewer, and storm systems is preferred
• Ability to understand grades, elevations, site plans, and directions from field supervision
• Knowledge of daily equipment inspections and basic preventative maintenance
• Strong commitment to jobsite safety and compliance with OSHA and company requirements
• Dependable, punctual, and able to work independently when necessary
• Reliable transportation to project locations throughout Northeast Ohio; valid driver’s license required (CDL is a plus)