Equipment Operator

Equipment Operator

The Equipment Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of construction and industrial equipment in support of excavation, site development, maintenance, and construction activities. The position operates assigned equipment to perform excavation, grading, loading, material handling, backfilling, site preparation, and other project-related activities in accordance with project specifications, Company safety requirements, and customer site requirements. The Equipment Operator is responsible for conducting required equipment inspections, identifying and reporting unsafe or defective conditions, maintaining awareness of personnel, utilities, structures, and other jobsite hazards, and operating equipment within established limitations and manufacturer requirements. The position may also assist with general construction and labor activities when equipment operation is not required.

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or GED preferred. Minimum two (2) years of experience operating construction or industrial equipment preferred. Demonstrated ability to safely operate assigned equipment and perform required work activities. Previous experience in industrial, petrochemical, refinery, civil construction, or similar heavy construction environments preferred. Ability to successfully complete Company, customer, and site-specific equipment qualification or competency evaluations as required. Ability to successfully complete required safety orientation, training, and customer site-access requirements. Working knowledge of excavation practices, utility awareness, equipment limitations, and jobsite safety requirements. Ability to read and understand work instructions, equipment manuals, site plans, grade information, and project drawings applicable to assigned work. Valid driver's license and ability to meet Company driving requirements when operation of a Company vehicle or driving on Company business is required. OSHA, NCCER, equipment-specific, or other applicable industry certifications preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of safe operating practices for construction and industrial equipment. Knowledge of equipment capabilities, operating limitations, load capacities, stability considerations, and manufacturer operating requirements applicable to assigned equipment. Working knowledge of excavation, grading, backfilling, loading, material handling, and site preparation activities. Knowledge of applicable Company safety procedures, customer requirements, and OSHA requirements related to assigned work. Ability to perform required pre-use, pre-shift, and post-use equipment inspections and recognize conditions requiring maintenance or removal from service. Strong awareness of underground utilities, overhead power lines, structures, personnel, mobile equipment, excavations, and other potential job site hazards. Ability to understand and follow utility markings, grade stakes, hand signals, spotter directions, barricades, and other jobsite controls. Ability to safely maneuver equipment in congested industrial and construction environments. Ability to maintain situational awareness while working around pedestrians, vehicles, structures, and other equipment. Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions and communicate effectively with supervisors, spotters, coworkers, contractors, and customer representatives. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a construction crew. Ability to adjust to changing jobsite conditions, work priorities, and project requirements while maintaining safety and quality standards.

Essential Functions: Safe operation of assigned construction and industrial equipment for which the employee has been trained, qualified, and authorized. Operate equipment that may include excavators, backhoes, front-end loaders, skid-steer loaders, compact track loaders, forklifts, telehandlers, rollers, and other construction or material-handling equipment as required by project assignments. Perform excavation, grading, trenching, loading, hauling, backfilling, compaction, material handling, site preparation, and related equipment operations as assigned. Perform required pre-shift, pre-use, and post-shift inspections and verify equipment is in safe operating condition before and during use. Immediately report equipment defects, damage, malfunctions, unsafe conditions, incidents, and maintenance requirements in accordance with Company procedures. Remove equipment from service or discontinue operation when conditions present an unsafe operating condition, in accordance with Company safety requirements. Perform authorized routine equipment care and basic preventive maintenance, including fueling, lubrication, cleaning, and fluid checks, as applicable. Maintain continuous awareness of underground and overhead utilities, personnel, structures, excavations, traffic, mobile equipment, and other jobsite hazards. Follow utility markings, grade stakes, site plans, drawings, hand signals, spotter directions, and supervisor instructions to perform work safely and accurately. Coordinate equipment movements with spotters, ground personnel, and other equipment operators as required. Maintain safe clearances from overhead power lines, underground utilities, structures, personnel, and other hazards in accordance with applicable requirements. Follow Company safety policies, applicable OSHA requirements, manufacturer operating instructions, project procedures, and customer site requirements. Exercise stop-work authority when an unsafe condition exists and immediately communicate safety concerns to supervision. Maintain equipment, work areas, and surrounding jobsite areas in a clean, safe, and orderly condition. Complete required inspection forms, equipment logs, maintenance notifications, and other job or safety documentation accurately and timely. Participate in toolbox talks, job safety analyses (JSAs/JHAs), pre-task planning, safety meetings, training, and other required project activities. Assist with general construction, material handling, housekeeping, and labor activities when equipment operation is not required. Support project productivity, schedule, and quality requirements without compromising established safety standards. Perform other duties as assigned consistent with the position's responsibilities.

Physical Demands: Ability to sit for extended periods while operating equipment and to stand and walk for extended periods when performing work outside equipment. Ability to frequently climb into and out of equipment using steps, ladders, and handholds throughout the workday. Ability to frequently bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, grasp, push, pull, and perform repetitive hand and foot movements associated with equipment operation and construction activities. Ability to walk and work on uneven, muddy, rocky, or otherwise variable terrain. Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds independently and handle heavier objects with appropriate assistance or material-handling equipment. Ability to maintain sufficient visual, auditory, and spatial awareness to safely operate equipment and recognize surrounding hazards. Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including but not limited to: Hard hat, life vests, ear protection, leather gloves, hard hat, slicker suit, acid suit, rubber gloves, full face breathing mask, wearing full safety harness, or wearing a face shield.

Work Environment: Work is primarily performed outdoors at active industrial, construction, maintenance, and customer facilities. Work may be performed in refinery, petrochemical, chemical, manufacturing, civil construction, and other heavy industrial environments. Regular exposure to outdoor weather conditions, temperature extremes, noise, vibration, dust, dirt, mud, fumes, moving vehicles and equipment, and other conditions typical of active construction and industrial environments. Work may be performed around excavations, underground and overhead utilities, operating equipment, process units, structures, and active construction activities.