Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator

This role operates heavy equipment on civil site construction projects in the greater Charleston area, supporting earthwork, grading, and utility construction activities. You work primarily on local projects, allowing you to return home each night with minimal travel. The position combines equipment operation with hands-on field work, contributing to a collaborative crew environment focused on safety, quality, and timely project completion.

Responsibilities

• Operate a variety of heavy equipment, including dozers, excavators, motor graders, backhoes, skid steers, loaders, and front-end loaders on civil site projects.
• Perform rough and fine grading activities for earthwork, civil site development, and roadways as assigned.
• Assist with excavation, trenching, and earthmoving tasks to support underground utility and civil construction work.
• Use GPS-based systems (such as Topcon) for grading and equipment guidance when required.
• Read and interpret blueprints, plans, and grade stakes to ensure accurate grading and excavation.
• Step off equipment as needed to perform manual labor, including shoveling, trench work, loading and unloading supplies, and general labor tasks.
• Work as an active member of a small crew, supporting teammates in all aspects of the project to ensure work is completed safely and efficiently.
• Follow all safety policies and procedures, including maintaining awareness of surroundings, equipment, and personnel on site.
• Maintain equipment in a clean and functional condition, performing basic daily inspections and reporting issues promptly.
• Demonstrate reliability by arriving on time, prepared for work, and ready to contribute throughout the shift.
• Be flexible to perform more manual labor tasks if assigned as a B Operator while developing equipment operation skills.
• Work overtime and occasional weekends as needed to meet project schedules, subject to weather and project demands.
• Submit to and successfully complete required drug testing as a condition of employment.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience operating heavy equipment such as dozers, excavators, backhoes, graders, skid steers, loaders, and front-end loaders.
• Proven experience in heavy equipment operation for civil site, earthworks, and civil construction projects.
• Fine grading experience, with the ability to achieve precise grades for civil and site work (highly preferred).
• Experience supporting underground utility and utility construction projects.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints and construction plans related to grading and excavation.
• Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, and strong work ethic in a field construction environment.
• Willingness to perform manual labor, including shoveling, trench work, and general labor duties, in addition to operating equipment.
• Commitment to working safely and promoting a safe work environment at all times.
• Flexible availability to work overtime and possible weekends based on project needs.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, and wet environments.
• Willingness to submit to and pass a drug test as part of the hiring process.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Fine grading experience on civil site projects is highly preferred and considered a strong asset.
• GPS grading and equipment guidance experience, including systems such as Topcon, is preferred.
• Prior experience on civil site development, earthworks, and grading projects in a construction setting.
• Experienced in general labor or progression from labor roles to equipment operation is beneficial.
• Demonstrated ability to grow into higher-responsibility roles, such as lead operator or superintendent, is viewed positively.
• Comfort working as part of a smaller crew in a team-oriented, field-based environment.

Why Work Here?

The company offers a stable, growth-oriented environment where employees can build long-term careers in civil construction. All work is local to the Charleston area, allowing you to be home every night with very limited travel. Team members have access to a comprehensive benefits package, including a 401(k) plan, health benefits, and paid time off. The organization emphasizes promoting from within, with many employees progressing from general labor to operator and eventually into supervisory roles. Even during challenging economic periods, the company has maintained steady work without layoffs, with projects scheduled years in advance and consistent opportunities for overtime. Safety, teamwork, and taking care of employees are central to the culture.

Work Environment

You work outdoors on active civil development sites in the greater Charleston area, focusing on earthwork, grading, and utility construction. Conditions vary with the seasons, and you must be comfortable working in hot summers and wet, cold winters while performing tasks safely and efficiently. The role involves regular use of heavy equipment such as dozers, excavators, motor graders, backhoes, skid steers, loaders, and front-end loaders, as well as GPS-guided systems like Topcon where applicable. Crews are relatively small and operate in a highly collaborative, team-focused environment, often coordinating across multiple superintendents as projects ramp up or slow down. Work hours regularly reach 50 hours per week, weather permitting, with overtime opportunities based on project needs. The culture places a strong emphasis on safety, reliability, and mutual support among crew members, with no travel required outside the local Charleston market.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Charleston, SC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $28.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Charleston, SC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 10, 2026.