Yard Assistant

A Yard Assistant in heavy civil construction plays a vital support role on job sites. This position is primarily field-focused, ensuring crews and superintendents have what they need when they need it. This person transports materials, tools, and small equipment to and from various job sites and suppliers, keeping workflow efficient. They also assist with on-site logistics and basic equipment tasks, helping maintain a safe and organized construction environment. This role requires a safety-conscious, proactive individual with strong organizational skills, a valid drivers license, and the ability to work in a fast-paced outdoor setting.

Field Material & Tool Delivery: Pick up and deliver construction materials, parts, tools, and supplies to job sites promptly to support field crews and minimize downtime. Coordinate closely with superintendents and forepersons to fulfill urgent requests and scheduled needs on-site.

• Jobsite Support & Logistics: Assist with on-site logistics and errands as directed by site supervisors. This includes setting up and moving signage or barricades, fetching tools or equipment for crews, and helping keep the jobsite tidy and safe. Ensure that all deliveries and tasks comply with safety standards and project schedules.
• Inventory & Yard Coordination: When at the yard or shop, help maintain inventory of parts and tools. Retrieve parts or tools from stock; if items are not in inventory, notify supervisors to arrange procurement. Assist in organizing the yard, loading/unloading trucks, and keeping equipment and storage areas orderly.
• Basic Equipment Support: Perform simple equipment and vehicle support tasks such as fueling and washing equipment, checking fluid levels, or gathering small tools and attachments. Verify that trucks, trailers, and tools are in safe working condition before transporting them to the field.
• Documentation: Complete any required paperwork or digital logs for material pickups, deliveries, and inventory adjustments. Maintain delivery tickets, tool logs, or equipment service records as needed to ensure accurate tracking.
• Team Communication: Maintain clear, timely communication with the yard supervisor, equipment manager, and field teams regarding delivery statuses and any issues. Respond promptly to calls or messages from the office or site to address new tasks or changes.
• Safety Compliance: Follow all company safety policies and OSHA guidelines at all times. This includes using proper PPE on job sites, safe driving and material handling practices, and reporting any safety concerns immediately. The Runner/Yard Person is expected to actively promote a safe work environment and may assist with basic site safety setups (e.g., placing cones or warning signs).
• Other Duties: Perform other related tasks as needed to support construction operations. This can include general labor assistance on site or at the yard when not driving, always under the direction of project supervisors.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience & Knowledge: High school diploma or equivalent. Prior experience in construction, trucking/delivery, or yard labor is highly beneficial (e.g. parts runner, laborer, or equipment runner experience). Basic understanding of construction materials, tools, and heavy equipment parts is preferred to effectively handle requests.
• Licenses: Valid drivers license with a clean driving record is required. Ability to safely operate a pickup truck or light-duty flatbed and potentially tow small trailers (meeting any applicable DMV/DOT requirements). CDL not required unless specifically stated, but willingness to obtain a CDL could be a plus.
• Skills: Strong organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple errands and prioritize urgent needs. Effective communication skills are important for coordinating with field teams and vendors. Must be self-motivated and able to work independently throughout the day while adapting to changing priorities. Basic computer or mobile device skills to update inventory or communicate via email/text may be needed.
• Physical Ability: Capable of frequent standing, walking, and driving throughout the workday. Ability to lift and carry materials or parts (often up to ~50 lbs) on a regular basis. Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, etc.) as the job involves field work year-round. Must be able to climb in and out of pickup trucks or equipment and perform manual labor tasks when required.
• Safety & Compliance: Must adhere to all safety requirements. This is typically a safety-sensitive position subject to drug and alcohol testing. Candidates must be able to pass any required pre-employment drug screening and maintain a drug-free status in accordance with company policies. A strong safety mindset and knowledge of basic construction safety practices (like traffic regulations when driving, proper lifting techniques, etc.) are essential.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working for a heavy civil contractor or on highway/bridge construction sites is a plus, as it familiarizes the candidate with the scale and pace of heavy civil projects.
• Basic mechanical aptitude or knowledge of heavy equipment and parts (for example, knowing common components of bulldozers, excavators, trucks) is highly valued. This helps in communicating effectively with mechanics, vendors, and crew about the items being transported or requested.
• Forklift operation skills or certification can be advantageous for assisting with loading and unloading in the yard. Likewise, an OSHA-10 safety certification or similar training is a plus, demonstrating a commitment to safety.
• Good relationships or experience working with equipment rental houses or material suppliers can be beneficial in expediting orders and pickups.