Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Company: GHC Pipeline, LLC

Location: Riverside, CA / Southern California Job Sites

Position Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $38.00 – $45.00 / hour (Depending on Experience)

Position Summary

GHC Pipeline, LLC is seeking an experienced, safety-minded Equipment Operator to join our wet utility pipeline construction crews. In this role, you will safely and efficiently operate heavy machinery—such as excavators, backhoes, wheel loaders, and trenchers—to support underground wet utility installation, trenching, backfilling, and pipe laying (sewer, water, and storm drain lines).

Key Responsibilities

• Machinery Operation: Skillfully operate heavy construction equipment (excavators, mini-excavators, backhoes, loaders, trenchers, and skid steers) for deep trenching, grading, pipe placement, and backfilling.
• Wet Utility Installation: Excavate trenches around existing underground utilities to exact grade and depth specifications for wet utility pipe installation (sewer, storm drain, and domestic/recycled water).
• Equipment Maintenance: Perform daily pre- and post-operation safety inspections, routine operator-level maintenance (greasing, fluid checks, cleaning), and promptly report mechanical issues to the site supervisor.
• Safety & Compliance: Adhere to all OSHA, local site safety standards, and company safety guidelines. Maintain safe distances from overhead powerlines and protect existing underground utilities.
• Team Collaboration: Assist pipelayers and ground laborers when not operating equipment, assisting with manual labor, trench shielding/shoring setup, and job site cleanup as needed.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: Minimum 2–3+ years of verifiable experience operating heavy equipment specifically in underground wet utility contractor environments (sewer, water, storm drain).
• Licensing: Valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record (Class A CDL is a plus).
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of trench safety protocols, slope/bank stability, shoring systems, and digging safely around live utilities (potholing/dig-alert procedures).
• Physical Demands: Ability to lift 50+ lbs, work outdoors in all weather conditions, and maneuver comfortably in and out of heavy machinery throughout 8–10 hour shifts.
• Screening: Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive hourly wages with overtime opportunities.
• Full-time consistent work across Southern California job sites.
• Collaborative and safety-first work environment.