Heavy Equipment Operator

The Heavy Equipment Operator I perform a variety of skilled tasks in the maintenance of all LU grounds on and off campus locations. Working independently and exercising good judgment and discretion is essential to this job. Duties will occur mainly from Spring through Autumn. The Heavy Equipment Operator I will be assigned other necessary construction duties and projects throughout the calendar year.

• Excavation
• Grading
• Operating Earth Moving and Excavating Equipment
• Operating Skid-Steer Loaders
• Operating Utility Tractors & attachments
• Operating Compact Tractors & attachments

General duties include grading and excavation for construction and installation, as well as maintenance projects on and off campus. Basic knowledge and understanding of landscape grading, civil grading, rough grading, finish grading and final grading is important for this role.

Knowledge and ability to operate light and heavy‑duty equipment, mini‑excavators, skid‑steers, compact tractors, rakes, shovels, blowers, hand tools, and any other equipment associated with general construction are preferred.

• As essential personnel: you are expected to be available in the event of school closings, delays, shutdowns, and any emergencies including clean‑up required because of severe weather incidents. Performs snow removal activities as assigned, such as shoveling, salting, etc. Facilities Management Division employees are essential to the overall success of Liberty University and its day‑to‑day functions. Especially during ongoing campus events such as Winter Fest, Orientation and Move‑in (August), Convocation, Commencement (May), CFAW, and summer camps amongst other planned and unplanned events throughout the year.
  
  Must be available to work scheduled and unscheduled hours as emergency needs arise.
• Reports to work at the designated location, on time each day. Must be punctual & dependable.
• Performs duties and follows directions as assigned by the Projects Manager and/or Assistant Director of the Grounds dept.
• Responsible for wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while performing the job duties and responsibilities of a heavy equipment operator. The following types of PPE may be required but are not limited to, protective eyewear, ear protection, hard hat, gloves, steel‑toed shoes/boots, respirators/masks, reflective safety vests, and sunscreen. Ensure that all equipment safety and maintenance procedures are followed.
• Responsible for wearing a harness with a lanyard and other PPE if operating aerial lifts to perform & complete assigned jobs.
• Knowledge of tools, equipment, materials, techniques, skills, and methods of excavation, and grading.
• Knowledge and experience in using and maintaining heavy equipment.
• Operates various equipment in general site preparation, landscaping, snow removal, and related assignments.
• Ability to read blueprints, schematics, and drawings.
• Ensures that all excavation/grading work is performed following industry and university standards.
• Direct activities on the job site, including but not limited to coordinating workflow, hands‑on work, and operating a variety of machinery.
• Operate machinery with various attachments; and other construction equipment as needed, as well as any other equipment associated with general construction.
• Proficient in light and heavy‑duty equipment, vehicles, backhoes, rakes, shovels, blowers, small tools, front‑end loaders, mini‑excavators, and skid steer.
• Maintain and perform preventative maintenance on assigned equipment and notify the Project Manager/Assistant Director of the Grounds Department of any necessary repairs.
• Able to maintain a clean and safe job site. Hand‑finish grade, and apply seed, straw, or sod, if necessary, when the job is complete.
• When all projects are complete fully inspect the job site. Make sure that all equipment, tools, and materials have been stored and secured. All blockades, ropes, and tape have been removed.
• Remains abreast of existing and emerging technologies, processes, products, services, and leading industry performance benchmarks.
• Works on special projects as…