Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator

This role involves operating a variety of heavy equipment on civil construction projects focused on storm drainage, pipe installation, trenching, sewer systems, and general site development. You will work with backhoes, excavators, dozers, front end loaders, and other earthmoving equipment to support daily production goals on public and private projects across the region. The position requires safe, efficient, and precise equipment operation in a fast-paced construction environment, including work at quarry locations and field job sites.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment such as backhoes, excavators, dozers, front end loaders, skid steers, and track hoes to support storm drainage, trenching, sewer, and general site work.
• Perform excavation, earthwork, and grading activities, including fine grading, to meet project specifications and production targets.
• Install storm drains, drainage systems, sewer lines, and related underground utilities according to plans and instructions.
• Use equipment-mounted GPS and other guidance systems, when available, to achieve accurate grades and alignments.
• Assist with construction site preparation, including cutting, filling, backfilling, and compacting as directed by supervisors or forepersons.
• Support paving and concrete foundation work by preparing subgrades and working in coordination with other crews and trades.
• Conduct pre-operation and post-operation inspections of equipment, reporting any defects, maintenance needs, or safety concerns.
• Operate forklifts and other support equipment as needed to move materials and supplies safely around the job site.
• Follow detailed written and oral instructions, including construction drawings, layout information, and safety procedures.
• Work closely with site supervisors, engineers, and coworkers to coordinate tasks and maintain efficient workflow on active job sites.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area and adhere to all site safety rules, including proper use of personal protective equipment.
• Perform general labor tasks when equipment operation is not required, such as assisting with pipe laying, hand grading, and site cleanup.
• Travel directly to job sites within the designated regional radius using a personal mode of transportation and arrive on time for scheduled shifts.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions and continue operations unless directed otherwise due to inclement weather.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of hands-on experience operating heavy equipment including backhoes, excavators, dozers, and front end loaders.
• Demonstrated experience in heavy equipment operation for civil construction, including excavation, earthworks, trenching, and drainage work.
• Ability to pass a practical skills test for heavy equipment such as dozers, excavators, and loaders.
• One-year certificate from an accredited college or technical school OR at least six months of related experience and/or training; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience using heavy equipment for storm drain, sewer system, and general civil site construction.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to understand and relay instructions clearly.
• Ability to understand and carry out detailed but straightforward written or oral instructions in a construction environment.
• Problem-solving skills to address on-site challenges and adjust to changing site conditions.
• Ability to meet physical requirements, including frequent sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, using hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reaching with hands and arms.
• Ability to talk and hear effectively to communicate with coworkers and supervisors on active job sites.
• Ability to occasionally stand, walk, climb, and maintain balance on uneven or rough terrain.
• Capability to lift and move up to 50 pounds as required by job tasks.
• Vision capabilities including distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to fit test and properly use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed.
• Valid driver's license and reliable mode of transportation to commute directly to job sites.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Two years of related experience and/or training in heavy civil construction, road construction, or similar environments.
• Experience working in heavy civil construction, road construction, or comparable large-scale site development projects.
• Familiarity with GPS-based grading systems and equipment guidance technology.
• Experience with fine grading and civil site work, including drainage, storm drain installation, and sewer systems.
• Comfort operating additional equipment such as skid steers, forklifts, and loaders in support of site operations.
• Exposure to quarry operations or similar high-activity construction environments.
• Any relevant safety certifications related to construction or equipment operation.
• Strong commitment to safety practices and adherence to company and site-specific safety protocols.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining productivity and quality standards.
• Willingness to perform general labor tasks when not operating equipment and to support other crew members as needed.

Why Work Here?

You will join a well-established civil construction organization recognized for its stability, strong reputation, and broad regional presence. The company offers consistent work by leveraging resources across multiple affiliated operations, providing long-term career potential and advancement opportunities. Employees receive competitive compensation, comprehensive medical benefits for both themselves and their families, and a 401(k) program with a 50% match up to 6%. A structured employee incentive program, including an annual bonus, rewards performance and commitment. The culture emphasizes safety, teamwork, and professional growth, giving you the chance to develop your skills while contributing to impactful infrastructure and site development projects.

Work Environment

This role is based in a heavy civil construction setting, with projects focused on site work for both public and private clients, including site development, construction preparation, trenching, drainage, grading, paving, and concrete foundation work. Work takes place at field job sites and quarry locations within approximately a 50-mile radius of Sanatoga, Pennsylvania, primarily across Montgomery and Berks Counties. You will regularly work outdoors and must be prepared to operate in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and precipitation, with limited weather-related shutdowns unless specifically directed. The environment includes frequent exposure to outside weather, vibration, and fumes or airborne particles, and occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts. Noise levels are typically loud due to heavy equipment and active construction operations. You will operate and work around equipment such as backhoes, excavators, dozers, front end loaders, skid steers, track hoes, forklifts, and other heavy machinery. The role requires commuting directly to job sites using your own transportation and maintaining readiness to use appropriate PPE and follow all site safety requirements.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sanatoga, PA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $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 Sanatoga, PA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 15, 2026.