Heavy Equipment Operator and Technician

Position Summary

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for safely operating and maintaining a variety of heavy construction equipment used in earthmoving, excavation, grading, demolition, utility installation, road construction, and site development projects. This position requires adherence to safety regulations, project specifications, and company procedures while working efficiently in a team-oriented construction environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, loaders, skid steers, graders, rollers, dump trucks, and other construction machinery.
• Perform excavation, grading, trenching, backfilling, material handling, and site preparation activities.
• Read and interpret construction plans, grade stakes, and project specifications.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip equipment inspections and complete required documentation.
• Monitor equipment performance and report mechanical issues or maintenance needs.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, company safety policies, and local regulations.
• Coordinate with supervisors, laborers, truck drivers, and utility crews to complete projects safely and efficiently.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Assist with general construction tasks as needed.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience operating heavy construction equipment.
• Ability to safely operate multiple types of heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of excavation, grading, and site development practices.
• Understanding of construction safety standards and OSHA regulations.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to read and understand project plans and blueprints.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
• NCCCO, OSHA 10, OSHA 30, or other industry certifications.
• Experience with GPS-guided equipment and machine control systems.
• Experience working on municipal, highway, utility, or commercial construction projects.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, climb, kneel, and bend for extended periods.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Work in dusty, noisy, and outdoor environments.
• Ability to work overtime, nights, weekends, or travel to job sites as needed.

Schedule

• Full-time
• Typical construction hours Monday through Friday, with overtime based on project demands.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage based on experience.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Training and career advancement opportunities.

Key Skills

• Equipment operation
• Site grading and excavation
• Preventive maintenance
• Construction safety
• Blueprint reading
• Team collaboration
• Problem-solving
• Time management

This job description is suitable for construction, civil, utility, paving, and site development contractors operating in the St. Louis, Missouri market.

Why ATON

ATON Environmental Group is a St. Louis-based environmental consulting firm on a growth path. Together with our affiliated companies, NPN Environmental Engineers and PART, we provide environmental due diligence, site investigation, remediation, industrial hygiene, and abatement services to clients across the region.

We're a company where your work matters and your growth is a priority. We invest in developing our people, give them real ownership of their work, and build a culture where good ideas are heard no matter where they come from. As we grow, our team members grow with us, with room to take on new responsibilities and shape where they're headed.

We also believe your time matters. We do great work for our clients without asking people to sacrifice their lives outside of work to do it.

If you want to be part of a growing team that values people, collaboration, and doing things the right way, we'd love to hear from you.