Equipment Operator

Description Serving the Mid-South with excellence for over 50 years, Klaasmeyer Construction Company is looking for our next Equipment Operator to join the Field Operations team. In this position, you will be operating heavy excavation equipment to support telecommunications construction — cutting clean trenches, excavating pits for handholes and manholes, protecting underground utilities, and keeping the crew moving safely and on schedule. Requirements What You’ll Be Doing Operating excavators, mini excavators, trenchers, compact track loaders, skid steers, and attachments to cut clean trenches and excavate pits — often in congested areas near existing utilities Working to grade, line, and specification with consistent accuracy; adapting your approach in real time based on soil conditions and field direction Verifying all utilities are located and marked before digging; reducing depth, hand digging, or stopping entirely in tolerance zones — immediately reporting any unmarked utility strikes to the Foreman Performing or assisting with potholing and hand digging to expose and confirm utility locations prior to excavating close Conducting thorough pre-op inspections each shift — fluids, hydraulics, tracks, and attachments — and reporting mechanical issues promptly Setting up and maintaining traffic control per MUTCD requirements when working in or near roadways Accurately logging daily production footage, equipment hours, and any notable site conditions or utility conflicts What We Need From You High school diploma or GED required Minimum 2–4 years of verifiable heavy equipment operation experience, with demonstrated excavator proficiency for open-cut work Experience operating mini excavators in confined or congested areas strongly preferred Working knowledge of underground utility protection, 811/one-call requirements, and tolerance zone excavation procedures required Valid driver's license required; CDL preferred or willingness to obtain Traffic Control (Flagger) certification required or must be obtained within 30 days of hire OSHA 10 preferred or willingness to obtain; OSHA 30 a plus First Aid / CPR certification preferred Ability to read construction drawings, utility locate sheets, and grade stakes Willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions; local and regional travel required, out-of-state assignments possible Strong work ethic, situational awareness, and ability to take direction in a fast-paced field environment The Physical Reality Operating heavy equipment in construction is physically demanding work — and the environment changes every day. Some days you're in a yard doing routine maintenance. Other days you're on a congested city street with utilities everywhere, or setting up traffic control on a state highway. This role requires full physical capability and constant situational awareness. Regular operation of excavators, mini excavators, compact track loaders, and trenching equipment Frequent climbing onto and off of equipment using three-point contact per safe operating procedures Continuous standing and walking on project sites and yard environments Lifting and carrying tools, conduit, and equipment up to 50 lbs.; occasionally more with assist Periodic hand digging in utility tolerance zones; outdoor work in all weather conditions — heat, cold, rain, mud, and wind Regular exposure to elevated noise levels and whole-body vibration from equipment operation; PPE required This is a safety-sensitive position subject to pre-employment and ongoing drug and alcohol testing per company policy. Benefits Klaasmeyer Construction Company, Inc. is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family. Coverage for applicable benefits begins on the first day of the month following 30 days of employment. Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans available at extremely low cost to employees. 24/7 Telemedicine program available to all employees and their immediate family members at NO COST Company-paid Basic Life Insurance Company-paid Spousal and Children’s Life Insurance benefit Company-paid Short-Term AND Long-Term Disability coverage 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match and profit sharing 11 paid company holidays plus 1 floating birthday holiday per year Paid Time Off (PTO) accrued based on years of service No Cost Employee Assistance Program Complimentary gym membership #J-18808-Ljbffr