Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Description

The Heavy Equipment Operator safely and efficiently operates large earthmoving machinery to support remediation, river and stream restoration, and site development projects. This role follows strict safety standards and regulatory requirements while delivering high-quality excavation, grading, and material handling work in demanding field conditions.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment, with primary focus on large hydraulic excavators such as Komatsu PC490 and PC360, to support earthmoving and site operations.
• Perform excavation, grading, shaping, and finish grading work for river and stream restoration and other site development activities.
• Load, transport, and unload soil, debris, sand, gravel, and waste materials to designated locations in accordance with project specifications.
• Conduct work and operate equipment in wet environments, including water, mud, uneven terrain, and changing environmental conditions.
• Support dust control, dirt compaction, dewatering, sediment stabilization, and dredging operations as required by the project.
• Coordinate tasks using handheld radios and maintain clear, effective communication with supervisors and team members.
• Read and interpret maps, site plans, blueprints, technical manuals, and project specifications to complete work accurately.
• Maintain accurate daily logs, inspection reports, and equipment documentation in accordance with company procedures.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance and complete thorough pre-trip and post-trip equipment inspections.
• Ensure strict compliance with company safety policies, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, and Hazardous Materials Transportation Regulations.
• Lift and handle materials and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds as needed for daily operations.
• Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet project schedules and operational needs.
• Travel to various job sites, including out-of-town locations, and adapt to different site conditions and requirements.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support overall operational objectives and project success.

Essential Skills

• At least 2+ years of experience operating heavy equipment in construction, earthmoving, or related environments.
• Demonstrated ability to operate large hydraulic excavators, including finish grade and fine grade work.
• Strong working knowledge of heavy equipment operation and job site safety protocols.
• Valid HAZWOPER certification.
• Familiarity with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
• Familiarity with Hazardous Materials Transportation Regulations.
• Experience working in challenging terrain and environmental conditions, including wet, muddy, and uneven ground.
• Ability to perform hydraulic and mechanical dredging, dewatering, sediment stabilization, and waste transportation or closely related tasks.
• Ability to read and interpret maps, site plans, blueprints, technical manuals, and project specifications.
• Ability to maintain accurate daily logs, inspection reports, and equipment documentation.
• Clean driving record acceptable to insurance carrier requirements.
• Ability to lift up to 100 pounds safely and repeatedly as part of daily duties.
• Strong communication skills for coordinating work using handheld radios and working effectively with field teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a strong plus.
• Experience on environmental or remedial construction sites.
• Hands-on experience with hydraulic and mechanical dredging and dewatering operations.
• GPS machine control experience, preferably with TopCon systems.
• Background in construction labor, including operation of front-end loaders, backhoes, excavators, and dozers.
• Experience achieving finish grade and fine grade tolerances on complex projects.

Why Work Here?

You will join a field-focused team that recognizes hard work through structured annual reviews, a competitive 401(k) program with up to 4% company match, and spot bonuses ranging from $25 to $400 to reward exceptional performance and safe work practices. The organization offers steady project work, opportunities to work on impactful environmental and restoration projects, and the chance to broaden your skills on diverse sites and equipment. Travel assignments include a daily per diem for qualifying trips, supporting your comfort while working away from home and reinforcing a culture that values both contribution and well-being.

Work Environment

This role is based primarily on environmental and remediation sites, often outdoors in conditions that can be hot, cold, rainy, muddy, and rapidly changing from day to day. You will work around heavy equipment such as large hydraulic excavators and other construction machinery, frequently on uneven terrain and in wet environments including river and stream corridors. The position involves approximately 75% travel, with main projects in a…