Equipment Operator - Heavy Civil

Job Title

Equipment Operator

An equipment operator performs a variety of activities on a construction project such as excavation, back filling, grading, paving, compaction, lifting, material handling, and demolition with self-powered equipment for heavy civil infrastructure and transportation projects consisting of highway, road, bridge, civil and site work. An equipment operator typically reports to a foreman and works within a crew consisting of other operators, carpenters, laborers and other skilled trades on one or more projects within a geographical region, in an outdoor environment and in a variety of weather conditions.

• Operate heavy construction equipment such as backhoes, skid steers, forklifts, rollers, loaders, pavers, dozers, excavators, and similar equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Perform daily pre- and post-operation inspections and basic maintenance to ensure equipment is in proper working condition.
• Maintain clean and organized equipment, including cleanup at the end of each shift.
• Maintain accurate equipment logs and production reports.
• Monitor equipment performance and promptly report mechanical issues to prevent downtime.
• Coordinate with foremen, supervisors, spotters, and other crew members to ensure safe operations.
• Assist with general site tasks as needed when not operating equipment.
• Attend weekly toolbox talks and all other company safety meetings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Foreman or Superintendent.
• Interpret blueprints, shop drawings, sketches, plans and equipment load charts to determine appropriate selection and use of equipment.
• Assist in the proper identification, pre-task inspection and use of rigging and attachments to carry out assigned tasks.
• Climb scaffolding, ladders, and formwork to conduct duties.
• Ensure safe outcomes for each project or task in accordance with the SSHASP. Emphasis on work involving deep excavations, congested utility corridors, and near live traffic.
• Lead by example in all safety practices and actively promote a zero-incident culture in accordance with OSHA standards and site-specific safety plans.
• Identify underground and overhead utilities and comply with zero tolerance zone requirements and dig permits prior to excavation.
• Support lift planning and ensure proper rigging and signaling practices are followed.
• Maintain clear communication using approved hand and voice signals.
• Anticipate operational challenges and proactively coordinate with leadership to maintain production targets.
• Protect company assets by operating equipment responsibly and preventing unnecessary wear or damage.

• 5+ years of experience in heavy construction (civil infrastructure, roads, bridges, cast-in-place concrete, and underground utility systems) or related work.
• Required to review equipment operation manual and display proficiency in operation.
• OSHA 10-Hour Construction Standards Certification
• Rigger Certification
• Hand Signal Certification
• Able to follow pre-construction instructions and execute tasks on-site with minimal supervision.
• Understands when a task requires assistance and knows how to collaborate with others.
• Capable of working independently while maintaining communication with foreman for real-time decision-making.
• Possesses strong planning and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrates physical dexterity and ability to enter and exit equipment cab, perform equipment inspections and basic equipment maintenance safely in a variety of weather conditions using assigned personal protective equipment.
• Performs all assigned tasks with professionalism and high standards.
• Ability to travel to and from job sites independently.
• Able to obtain TWIC, DBIDs, or other similar credentials requiring a background check for access to restricted or government sites.

Reports to:

Project Manager or Senior Project Engineer

Business Unit:
Mid-Atlantic Region

Location:

Richmond, VA and surrounding areas

Travel Requirements:
Works within an operating region that may require one-way travel distances of up to 100 miles. Occasional overnight travel to…