Apprentice - Heavy Equipment Operator

Earth Work Solutions; Cheyenne (WY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Earth Work Solutions in Cheyenne, WY is seeking an Apprentice Heavy Equipment Operator for a union project. You will work alongside experienced operators and supervision to safely develop operating skills on earthmoving, grading and road construction activities.

This role offers hands-on training toward becoming a qualified Heavy Equipment Operator, with daily site work on a major ongoing project and opportunities for long-term development within Earth Work Solutions’ Wyoming projects.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred, not mandatory.
• Experience in construction, farming, ranching, oilfields, or labor is a plus.
• Prior heavy equipment exposure is helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

• Learn to safely operate scrapers, rollers, haul trucks, backhoes and more.
• Perform daily equipment inspections and basic maintenance.
• Follow plans, supervisor instructions and safety requirements.
• Attend union apprenticeship trainings, safety meetings and orientations.
• Complete inspections, logs and required documentation.
• Perform general construction tasks to support operations.
• Adhere to company, union and project policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Strong work ethic

Reliable attendance

Team player

Communication skills

Outdoor work tolerance

Mechanical aptitude

Education

High school diploma or GED preferred

Construction or labor experience preferred

Job description

Apprentice Heavy Equipment Operator - Union Project

Location: Cheyenne, WY

Who We Are

Since 1970, Earth Work Solutions has been building Wyoming's infrastructure with precision, pride, and a strong work ethic. Headquartered in Gillette, WY, we perform heavy civil construction projects throughout Wyoming.

We are currently seeking Apprentice Heavy Equipment Operators for a union construction project in Cheyenne, WY. This position will work under the applicable union agreement and apprenticeship requirements, providing hands-on equipment experience and a pathway toward becoming a qualified Heavy Equipment Operator.

Job Summary

The Apprentice Heavy Equipment Operator will work alongside experienced operators and project supervision to safely develop equipment operating skills while supporting earthmoving, grading, road construction, and site development activities.

This position is ideal for individuals looking to build a long-term career as a Heavy Equipment Operator while gaining hands-on experience on an active heavy civil construction project.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Learn to safely operate equipment including scrapers, rollers, articulated haul trucks, backhoes, water trucks, and other equipment as assigned.
• Perform daily equipment inspections and assist with basic maintenance.
• Follow project plans, supervisor instructions, and all site safety requirements.
• Participate in required union apprenticeship training, safety meetings, orientations, and site-specific training.
• Complete equipment inspections, daily logs, and required documentation.
• Perform general construction or labor duties as needed to support project operations.
• Follow all company, union, and project-specific policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong work ethic and willingness to learn.
• Reliable attendance and ability to report to work as scheduled.
• Ability to work safely and effectively as part of a team.
• Good communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in physically demanding conditions.
• Mechanical aptitude or previous construction experience is a plus.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous construction, farming, ranching, oilfield, or labor experience is preferred but not required.
• Previous heavy equipment experience is helpful but not required.

Certifications and Licenses

• Valid Driver's License required.
• Must be able to complete all required union, company, and project-specific training and orientations.
• Must meet applicable union apprenticeship eligibility requirements.

Work Environment

• Outdoor heavy civil construction environment in varying weather conditions.
• Exposure to dust, noise, vibration, uneven terrain, and moving equipment.
• Required use of company and project-approved PPE.
• Must comply with all project and site safety requirements.

Physical Demands

• Operate equipment for extended periods.
• Frequently climb on and off equipment.
• Lift up to 50 pounds.
• Stand, walk, bend, crouch, and work on uneven terrain.
• Work outdoors for extended periods.

Schedule

• Monday through Thursday 6a -6p, Friday 6a- 2p
• Occasional weekend work may be required.

Union Position

• This position is assigned to a union project in Cheyenne, WY.
• Employees will be subject to the applicable union agreement, wage rates, benefits, and apprenticeship requirements.
• Apprentices must maintain good standing and meet all applicable union and project requirements throughout the assignment.

Why Join Earth Work Solutions?

• Union wages and benefits
• Paid apprenticeship and hands-on equipment training
• Opportunity to gain experience on multiple types of heavy equipment
• Modern equipment fleet
• Work alongside experienced Heavy Equipment Operators
• Opportunity for continued employment on Earth Work Solutions projects throughout Wyoming as work is available
• Per diem available for qualifying out-of-town assignments
• Long-term career opportunities in heavy civil construction

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the company.

Earth Work Solutions is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws.