Backhoe Operator (Utilities)

Veit & Company, Inc; Field (NM); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Veit & Company, Inc is looking for a Heavy Equipment Operator in New Mexico. The role involves operating various power construction equipment for excavation, grading, and paving. Responsibilities include maintaining equipment and adhering to all safety protocols.

The ideal candidate will have at least a high school diploma, some experience in operating heavy equipment, and the ability to work in challenging weather conditions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent, and 6-12 months of operating construction equipment experience.
• Knowledge of heavy equipment operating principles.
• Ability to operate under varying working conditions.
• Pass a pre-employment drug test.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment to excavate, move, grade earth, and pour pavement.
• Repair and maintain equipment as necessary.
• Perform routine inspection and preventive maintenance.
• Train entry-level employees on maintenance and repair.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Communication skills

Safety precautions knowledge

Mathematical concept application

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Description: The Heavy Equipment Operator will operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front‑end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth; erect structures; or pour concrete or other hard‑surface pavement. The operator may also repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment (motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, etc.) to excavate, move, grade earth, erect structures, and pour concrete or pavement.
• Repair and maintain equipment as necessary.
• Perform routine inspection and preventive maintenance; refer defects to the project Foreman, Superintendent, or Safety Director.
• Assist in training entry‑level employees on maintenance and repair duties.
• Identify and assess underground and overhead utilities before excavation; review trenching requirements with the Superintendent and ensure required protection is available.
• Bring problems to the attention of the project Foreman, Superintendent, General Superintendent, or Safety Director.
• Follow company and OSHA safety procedures and daily procedures and protocols as set forth in job orientations and training.
• Keep the project foreman, superintendent, or general superintendent informed of actions that may affect project performance or company operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent, and six to twelve months of operating construction equipment experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Considerable knowledge of heavy equipment operating principles.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment under varying working conditions.
• Working knowledge of hazards and safety precautions common to heavy equipment operations.
• OSHA 10, First Aid/CPR certification, and the ability to follow applicable safety precautions, including viewing and understanding Veit’s safety training video.
• Ability to read and comprehend grade stakes and/or site plans.
• Good oral and written communication skills when working with all levels of management, employees, external vendors, and other business associates.
• Ability to understand, follow, and transmit written and oral instructions.
• Ability to apply mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to meet attendance schedule with dependability and consistency as required by management and/or project requirements.
• Must be able to pass a pre‑employment drug test.
• Must be willing to travel as needed.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Union affiliation or willingness to join the union is required.
• Must be able to work 8 to 12‑hour workdays, Monday through Friday, with occasional weekends.
• Must be flexible regarding work hours, including evenings and weekends.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform manual work requiring periods of extensive physical exertion and potential exposure to adverse weather conditions; lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; sit, stand, walk, bend knees, stretch arms, stoop, kneel, talk, and hear.

Work Environment

Employees are exposed to environmental conditions, working near machines and loud noises associated with construction sites; variable weather conditions including rain, snow, wind, cold, and heat; and variable terrain.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Veit is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Veit will not tolerate discrimination against any applicant for employment or employee on the basis of age (40 and over), ancestry, color, religious creed, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, mental disability, military or veteran status, national origin, physical disability, race, receipt of public assistance, sex, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. This commitment governs all aspects of employment, including but not limited to hiring, promotion, demotion, transfer, layoff, termination, compensation, discipline, and access to benefits and training. Veit is committed to making reasonable accommodations for job applicants and employees based on a qualifying disability, a sincerely held religious belief or practice, and for pregnancy, childbirth or related health conditions.