Equipment Operator

Application Instructions

Fehn Companies is a family owned and operated, gravel and excavation company established over 50 years ago. Fehn's office is located in Albertville, Minnesota and they service the Twin Cities Metro area. Fehn Companies is dedicated to a culture of safety and operates under the company's core values while completing projects for clients in the community.

Position Description

Summary

Skilled and safety-focused Equipment Operator with hands-on experience operating a variety of heavy machinery. Proven ability to perform excavation, grading, trenching, and material handling tasks efficiently and accurately. Adept at reading site plans and following safety protocols to support construction and utility projects. Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to maintaining equipment in top working condition. Works well independently and as part of a team in fast-paced environments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

1. Equipment Operation

• Operate heavy machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, graders, loaders, backhoes, scrapers, and haul trucks safely and efficiently.
• Perform tasks such as digging, grading, trenching, hauling, loading/unloading materials, and site clearing.

2. Site Preparation and Execution

• Follow site plans, grade stakes, and verbal instructions to complete precise work on construction or mining sites.
• Assist with road building, excavation, foundation preparation, and material movement.

3. Equipment Inspection and Maintenance

• Conduct pre-operational checks and inspections to ensure the equipment is in safe working condition.
• Report malfunctions or safety concerns immediately and perform basic maintenance (greasing, fluid checks, cleaning).

4. Communication and Coordination

• Work closely with supervisors, ground crew, and other operators to coordinate activities and maintain jobsite efficiency.
• Use radios or hand signals to communicate clearly and safely during operations.

5. Documentation and Reporting

• Complete equipment logs, inspection forms, and production reports as required.
• Track fuel use, machine hours, and any incidents or delays.

The pay range for this position is based on the 49-union wage scale, ranging from Apprentice level up to $45.61 per hour.

Position Requirements

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Individuals must have experience with heavy equipment operating safely and efficiently. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The ability to work in a team-centered atmosphere and engaged in the work that is being performed.
• The ability to sit or stand for long periods of time while operating.
• The ability to do simple math and an understanding of grades on the site.
• The ability to read a set of plans and use the information to perform the work.
• The ability to recognize different sights, sounds and smells that may signal an issue with the equipment.

Safety

• This is a safety sensitive position
• Follow Fehn Companies AWAIR program
• Adhere to all safety protocols, including PPE use, equipment lockout/tagout procedures, and hazard awareness.
• Follow site-specific safety rules and environmental regulations (e.g., MSHA, OSHA, company policies).

Education and/or Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum 1 year of heavy equipment schooling or 3+ years of operating experience.

Language Skills

An individual must be able to effectively resolve problems by often discussing matters with management and other personnel on site.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions in written or oral form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

An individual must be able to meet the physical demands of the job including climbing steps or ladders, bending, stooping, twisting, turning and sitting for long periods of time. In addition, individuals must be able to reach above shoulders and lift a minimum of 70 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, outdoor weather conditions, loud noises, and significant vibration.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Fehn Companies, Inc. prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee on the grounds of sex, race, color, age, religion, creed, national origin, marital status, status concerning public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. This policy extends to recruiting and hiring working conditions, training programs, advancements, promotions, compensation, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.