Equipment Operator - Pipeline Services

Job Description

Job Description

Equipment Operator 

Pipeline Services

Hinterland Group LLC

Employment Type:  Full-Time (In-Person)

About Hinterland Group LLC

Hinterland Group is a premier pipeline services and technologies contractor, servicing the water and wastewater industries in both municipal and private sectors. Since 2006, we have proudly served communities across the southeastern United States with all their water and sewer needs, building lasting client relationships through top-rated customer service. 

Position Summary

The Equipment Operator is responsible for safely operating construction equipment used for pipeline installation, maintenance, repair, cleaning, and rehabilitation projects. This position performs daily equipment inspections, assists with jobsite setup, supports field crews, and ensures equipment is operated according to company procedures, manufacturer requirements, and applicable safety regulations.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Equipment Operation

• Safely operate excavators, backhoes, loaders, skid steers, rollers, forklifts, and other assigned equipment.
• Perform excavation, grading, loading, backfilling, material handling, and site-restoration activities.
• Operate equipment around underground utilities, pipelines, traffic, structures, and field personnel.
• Follow the directions of the Foreman, Superintendent, or designated spotter.
• Use attachments and equipment only for their intended purpose and within rated capacity.
• Stop operations immediately when unsafe conditions are identified.

1. 
   Equipment Inspections and Maintenance

• Complete required pre-trip, post-trip, and daily equipment inspections.
• Check fluid levels, tires, tracks, hoses, attachments, safety devices, and operating controls.
• Report mechanical problems, leaks, damage, and safety concerns immediately.
• Maintain equipment in clean and orderly condition.
• Assist with fueling, lubrication, minor maintenance, and basic repairs when authorized.
• Submit inspection forms, repair requests, and other required documentation on time.

1. Pipeline and Jobsite Support

• Assist with pipeline installation, repair, cleaning, inspection, and rehabilitation activities.
• Support crews with trench preparation, pipe placement, material movement, backfilling, and restoration.
• Help load, unload, secure, and stage tools, materials, and equipment.
• Maintain safe distances from trenches, excavations, overhead hazards, and underground utilities.
• Assist with traffic control, jobsite setup, cleanup, and demobilization as assigned.
• Protect existing utilities, property, equipment, and completed work from damage.

1. Safety and Compliance

• Follow company safety policies, Pipeline Services procedures, and applicable OSHA requirements.
• Participate in daily safety meetings, job hazard analyses, and required training.
• Wear all required personal protective equipment.
• Follow excavation, trenching, confined-space, traffic-control, and lockout/tagout procedures as applicable.
• Use a spotter when required and maintain clear communication with nearby employees.
• Immediately report accidents, injuries, utility strikes, equipment damage, and unsafe conditions.
• Never operate equipment while distracted, impaired, or without proper authorization.

1. General Responsibilities

• Report to work on time and prepared for the assigned shift.
• Travel to project sites and work varying schedules based on project needs.
• Communicate professionally with supervisors, crew members, customers, and the public.
• Maintain accurate time, equipment-use, production, and inspection records.
• Assist laborers and other crew members when equipment operation is not required.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Pipeline Services Manager or field supervisor.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

This position requires prolonged sitting while operating equipment and frequent standing, walking, climbing, bending, kneeling, reaching, pushing, and pulling. The employee must be able to climb safely into and out of equipment and lift or carry up to 50 pounds. Work is performed primarily outdoors and may involve heat, humidity, rain, mud, dust, noise, traffic, uneven terrain, wastewater exposure, excavations, and moving equipment. The employee must be able to wear required personal protective equipment and safely work around active construction operations.