Commercial Civil Equipment Operator

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GreenSpark Solar, loyal to people and planet, creates fiercely local, cost-effective, clean energy options in the Greater Rochester Community. We feel a huge responsibility to succeed at GreenSpark. As a B Corporation, success is directly tied to honoring our triple bottom line of commitments to people, the planet, and profits (providing capital to grow, revenue to share among our employees, and a return to our investors). It is important work that directly impacts our employees and their families, our customers, and the residents of the communities where we do business, along with our local and broader global environment, but we have fun doing it.

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GreenSpark Solar is seeking an experienced Commercial Civil Self-Performance Equipment Operator to support civil construction activities on large-scale photovoltaic (PV) solar projects.

In this hands-on, field-based role, you will be responsible for the safe daily operation and basic maintenance of a variety of heavy construction equipment used to perform sitework throughout the lifecycle of a commercial solar project. Work may include excavation and backfill, grading, aggregate and material handling, erosion and sediment control, site stabilization and restoration, equipment pad preparation, road maintenance, snow and ice management, and other civil construction activities.

This position works outdoors in a variety of weather and site conditions and requires significant travel. The ideal candidate is an experienced and safety-focused equipment operator who is adaptable, maintains a positive attitude, and is willing to step outside of the machine to support installation crews and complete other project tasks when equipment-specific work is limited.

Essential Job Functions & Key Responsibilities

Heavy Equipment Operation & Material Handling

• Safely operate heavy construction equipment on commercial and large-scale PV solar sites, including:
  • Skid steers
  • Telehandlers
  • Front-end loaders
  • Excavators
  • Dump-body equipment
  • Seeding, mulching, and hydroseeding equipment
  • Material-handling equipment
  • Snowplows and related snow-removal equipment
• Safely load and unload machines and equipment onto trailers for transportation.
• Perform material handling, loading, unloading, stockpiling, and movement of stone, sand, fill, and other construction materials.
• Complete equipment pre-use inspections and identify unsafe or damaged equipment before operation.
• Establish appropriate equipment work zones and safety boundaries while operating around employees, subcontractors, and other site activity.

Civil Construction & Sitework

• Perform general earthwork activities including excavation, backfill, grading, trenching, aggregate placement, and site restoration.
• Read and interpret basic construction plans to assist with trench paths, equipment pad locations, grading, and other civil work.
• Excavate and place stone for equipment pads in preparation for concrete installation.
• Backfill and grade trenches following underground installation activities.
• Restore disturbed areas following excavation and other construction activities.
• Install, maintain, and remove erosion and sediment control measures.
• Perform seeding, mulching, stabilization, and vegetation-establishment activities.
• Repair and maintain temporary and permanent job site roads as needed.
• Support site mobilization and demobilization activities.
• Assist with snow and ice management during winter construction activities.
• Help maintain project compliance with Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) requirements and established site controls.

Equipment Maintenance & Documentation

• Perform routine preventive maintenance and daily care of heavy equipment, trailers, and supporting construction equipment, including:
  • Greasing equipment
  • Checking and filling fluids
  • Fueling
  • Inspecting equipment for wear or damage
  • Cleaning tracks and machines
  • Checking tire condition and pressure
• Assist with the inspection and routine maintenance of generators, plate compactors/tampers, water pumps, trailers, and other construction equipment.
• Accurately document equipment inspections, maintenance, and repairs in Fleetio or other GreenSpark-approved systems.
• Identify maintenance or repair needs and communicate issues promptly to the appropriate supervisor.
• Coordinate with outside vendors as needed to schedule equipment service, repairs, or maintenance.

Safety & Compliance

• Operate equipment in accordance with manufacturer requirements, GreenSpark safety practices, project requirements, and applicable OSHA standards.
• Maintain a working knowledge of excavation, trench, equipment, and construction-site safety practices.
• Properly establish safety boundaries and communicate equipment movement with team members working nearby.
• Maintain required heavy equipment operator certifications and applicable safety credentials.
• Maintain required NYS DEC SWPPP training/certification.
• Develop and maintain familiarity with applicable electrical and construction requirements related to underground civil work.
• Report to work fit for duty and comply with all GreenSpark safety, drug, and alcohol policies. Due to the safety-sensitive nature of equipment operation, employees must be able to safely perform assigned duties at all times.

Project Coordination & Team Support

• Work closely with Site Foremen, Pod Leaders, supervisors, and other project team members to plan and complete assigned work safely and efficiently.
• Coordinate with outside vendors to order and schedule delivery of stone, sand, fill, and other site materials as needed.
• Assist supervisors with identifying equipment, material, and sitework needs for upcoming project activities.
• Help train or coach other qualified employees on the safe operation of equipment when requested by a supervisor.
• When equipment-specific work is limited, assist installation and construction crews with general project tasks as directed.
• Use hand and power tools as needed to complete assigned work.
• Assist with material runs and other project-support responsibilities at the supervisor's discretion.
• Remain flexible as project priorities, site conditions, and schedules change.
• Bring a positive, team-oriented attitude to the job site and a willingness to learn and perform work the GreenSpark way.

Education & Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or Vocational training in a closely related field
• Minimum of 2-4 years of Heavy Equipment Operation experience
• A background in PV installation is preferred, but not required.
• Previous experience loading and unloading equipment
• OSHA 30 certification
• Maintain NYS DEC SWPPP 4-Hour Certification
• Maintain heavy equipment certifications
• Ability to travel up to 75% of time, with flexible hours inclusive of weekends and holidays
• CDL preferred, but not required ; Clean driving record

• Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds on the ground
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods
• Ability to see well and distinguish between back up alarms, voices and other normal sounds consistent with construction job sites.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive Base hourly rate: $25-$35+ per hour (Eligible employees may earn prevailing wage compensation on designated projects, which may increase the regular hourly rate by approximately 80–90%, depending on the project location and applicable county wage requirements.)
• Weekly pay
• Quarterly bonus potential based on company performance.
• Per Diem allowance/mileage reimbursement when applicable
• Company vehicle
• Company-issued cell phone or reimbursement
• Provision of necessary tools, gear, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for job tasks.[1]
• Medical & Dental Insurance
• 401(k) option
• Up to 3 weeks (120 hours) of paid time off (PTO) annually
• 12 days (96 hours) of paid Sick Leave
• Eight Paid Company-Wide Closure Days
• Professional development opportunities
• Annual company retreat
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support and counseling services.

GreenSpark Solar is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind and seek to remove barriers and increase opportunities, access, and advancement for all people. Do not let historical barriers prevent you from jumping on this life-changing opportunity – reach out and ask questions if you have them – we are here!

[1]are these benefits correct for this role?