Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator – Water Management Operations

Position Summary:

The Heavy Equipment Operator supports daily operations at an industrial water management facility by safely operating excavators, loaders, dozers, skid steers, and other heavy machinery to perform excavation, grading, material handling, and general site maintenance.

This position requires an experienced, dependable, and safety-conscious individual who is comfortable operating heavy equipment in an active industrial environment. The Heavy Equipment Operator will work closely with facility personnel and truck drivers to ensure site operations are completed safely, efficiently, and according to operational requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Heavy Equipment Operation

• Safely operate excavators, front-end loaders, bulldozers, skid steers, and other heavy equipment as assigned.

• Move, load, transport, and distribute soil, gravel, dirt, and other materials throughout the facility.

• Perform excavation, trenching, backfilling, leveling, and grading activities as needed.

• Operate equipment to maintain access roads, work areas, unloading areas, and facility grounds.

• Assist with moving and organizing materials to support daily facility operations.

• Work around trucks, equipment, and other personnel while maintaining safe operating distances.

• Follow established procedures for equipment operation and material handling.

Equipment Inspections & Maintenance

• Conduct daily pre-operation inspections of assigned equipment.

• Check fluid levels, tires, tracks, hydraulic systems, and other equipment components.

• Perform basic preventative maintenance, including lubrication, cleaning, and routine equipment care.

• Identify and report mechanical issues, equipment damage, leaks, or safety concerns.

• Maintain equipment cleanliness and ensure machinery is properly secured when not in use.

• Communicate maintenance needs to supervisors and assist with basic troubleshooting when appropriate.

Facility Operations & Safety

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

• Follow all established safety procedures when operating heavy machinery around personnel, trucks, and other equipment.

• Assist with general site maintenance, including grading, leveling, and maintaining designated work areas.

• Monitor surrounding work areas for hazards, obstructions, and unsafe conditions.

• Properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Follow designated traffic patterns and equipment operating procedures.

• Report unsafe conditions, equipment issues, or operational concerns to supervisors.

• Assist with general facility operations and additional tasks as assigned.

• Coordinate with other employees and truck drivers to maintain safe and efficient site operations.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

• Previous hands-on experience operating heavy equipment such as excavators, loaders, dozers, or skid steers strongly preferred.

• Experience in construction, excavation, grading, oilfield services, mining, aggregate operations, or industrial site maintenance preferred.

• Ability to safely operate heavy machinery in an active industrial environment.

• Basic mechanical knowledge and understanding of equipment maintenance procedures.

• Experience performing daily equipment inspections and basic preventative maintenance.

• Ability to perform physically demanding work throughout the shift.

• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

• Strong commitment to workplace safety and equipment operating procedures.

• Reliable transportation and consistent attendance.

• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, and truck drivers.

• Experience operating multiple types of heavy equipment is a plus.

Skills and Competencies:

• Heavy Equipment Operation: Comfortable and experienced operating excavators, loaders, dozers, skid steers, and similar machinery.

• Mechanical Aptitude: Understands basic equipment functions, inspections, and preventative maintenance requirements.

• Safety Awareness: Demonstrates a strong understanding of safe equipment operation and working around personnel and other machinery.

• Equipment Versatility: Able to operate multiple types of heavy equipment and adapt to different operational needs.

• Attention to Detail: Able to recognize equipment issues, unsafe conditions, and potential operational hazards.

• Dependability: Consistently arrives on time, follows instructions, and completes assigned responsibilities.

• Communication: Communicates clearly and professionally with truck drivers, supervisors, and team members.

• Problem-Solving: Able to identify basic equipment or operational issues and take appropriate action.

• Adaptability: Willing to assist with general facility maintenance and other operational tasks when needed.

• Independent Work: Comfortable completing assigned tasks with minimal supervision once expectations are established.

Ideal Candidate Background:

Recruiters should consider candidates with experience in the following positions:

• Heavy Equipment Operator

• Excavator Operator

• Front-End Loader Operator

• Bulldozer Operator

• Skid Steer Operator

• Earthmoving Equipment Operator

• Construction Equipment Operator

• Grading / Excavation Operator

• Oilfield Equipment Operator

• Mining Equipment Operator

• Aggregate / Gravel Pit Equipment Operator

• Site Development Equipment Operator

• Landfill Equipment Operator