Heavy Equipment Operator - Drainage

Position Summary

The Heavy Equipment Operator - Drainage is responsible for safely operating heavy construction equipment to install, repair, and maintain storm drainage systems on heavy civil construction projects. This position performs excavation, trenching, pipe installation support, grading, backfilling, and related earthwork while ensuring compliance with company safety policies, project specifications, and applicable regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Safely operate heavy equipment including excavators, backhoes, loaders, dozers, motor graders, compactors, skid steers, and other construction equipment.
• Excavate trenches for storm drain systems, box culverts, manholes, inlets, catch basins, and underground utilities.
• Assist with the installation of reinforced concrete pipe (RCP), corrugated metal pipe (CMP), HDPE pipe, PVC pipe, and other drainage structures.
• Perform fine grading and backfilling to project specifications.
• Read and interpret construction plans, grade stakes, blueprints, and utility markings.
• Work safely around existing underground utilities and follow excavation safety requirements.
• Load, unload, and transport materials throughout the jobsite.
• Perform daily equipment inspections and complete required documentation.
• Identify equipment maintenance needs and report mechanical issues promptly.
• Maintain equipment in a clean and safe operating condition.
• Assist labor crews as needed when equipment operation is not required.
• Work closely with foremen, superintendents, survey personnel, and project engineers to complete work efficiently.
• Ensure work is performed in accordance with project schedules and quality standards.
• Follow all OSHA, company, state, and project-specific safety requirements.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Participate in daily safety meetings, toolbox talks, and job hazard analyses.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of heavy equipment operating experience on heavy civil or highway construction projects preferred.
• Experience installing storm drainage systems is strongly preferred.
• Ability to operate multiple types of heavy construction equipment safely and efficiently.
• Ability to read construction plans and grade stakes.
• Knowledge of trench safety and excavation regulations.
• Ability to work around underground utilities.
• Valid drivers license required. CDL preferred but not required.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and travel as project needs require.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of heavy civil construction practices.
• Knowledge of drainage installation methods and materials.
• Ability to perform finish grading with excavators and loaders.
• Strong attention to safety and quality.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Sit for extended periods while operating equipment.
• Climb on and off heavy equipment multiple times throughout the day.
• Bend, kneel, crouch, and walk on uneven terrain.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and dust.
• Maintain visual and hearing acuity necessary to safely operate heavy equipment.

Work Environment

• Heavy highway and civil construction projects.
• Exposure to moving equipment, traffic, noise, vibration, dust, and changing weather conditions.
• May require night work, weekend work, or extended shifts based on project requirements.

Safety Responsibilities

• Comply with all company safety policies and OSHA regulations.
• Perform pre-shift equipment inspections.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, incidents, and equipment deficiencies.
• Maintain awareness of coworkers, utilities, and surrounding hazards while operating equipment.
• Participate in all required safety training.

Preferred Certifications

• OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour Construction Certification.
• Competent Person - Excavation and Trenching (preferred).
• First Aid/CPR certification (preferred)

Apply onsite:

2810 St. Louis Street

Dallas, TX 75222

(972) 849-7838

About us

Balfour Beatty US is an industry-leading provider of general contracting, at-risk construction management and design-build services for public and private sector clients across the nation. Performing heavy civil and vertical construction, our teams build the unique structures and infrastructure that play an important role in how people live, work, learn and play in our communities. Our teammates have an instinctive passion for innovating that is fueled by a relentless curiosity, a drive to employ lean practices and processes and the determination to find a better way. Through Zero Harm, we are challenging the construction industry's assumptions about safety. We believe that no level of harm should come to anyone as a result of our business.

Consistently ranked among the nation's largest building contractors by Engineering News-Record, our US business is a subsidiary of London-based Balfour Beatty plc (LSE: BBY).

Balfour Beatty is an equal opportunity employer that recognizes the value of a diverse workforce. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state or local law.