Backhoe Operator (Utilities)

VEIT; New Berlin (WI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

VEIT in New Berlin, Wisconsin is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to operate various power construction equipment including bulldozers and graders. Responsibilities include performing routine maintenance, following safety protocols, and assisting in training entry-level staff. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma and some operating experience, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work flexible hours, including weekends. This position requires a commitment to safety and dependability.

Qualifications

• 6 to 12 months of operating construction equipment experience.
• Considerable knowledge of heavy equipment operating principles.
• Ability to follow and transmit written and oral instructions.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment of various sizes for construction.
• Follow safety procedures and report issues to supervisors.
• Perform inspections and maintenance on equipment.
• Train entry-level employees in maintenance and operation.

Skills

Communication skills

Ability to operate heavy equipment

Knowledge of safety precautions

Ability to read site plans

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. May repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.

A Day in the Life

• Operates heavy equipment of various sizes and weights used in site or highway construction.
• Properly follows company and OSHA safety procedures. Brings problems to the attention of the project Foreman, Superintendent, General Superintendent or Safety Director.
• Follows daily procedures and protocols as set forth in job orientations and training.
• Performs routine inspection and preventative maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or needed repairs to project Foreman, Superintendent, General Superintendent or Safety Director.
• Assists in training entry level employees to perform maintenance and repair duties as required or assigned.
• Helps identify whether underground and overhead utilities have been located/exposed prior to excavating.
• Reviews trenching requirements with Superintendent and ensures any required protection is available.
• Keeps project foreman, superintendent, or general superintendent informed of known actions, written or verbal, which may affect the ability to successfully perform tasks at construction project sites or adversely affect company operations.
• Other projects or duties as assigned by management.

What You’ll Need

• High school diploma or equivalent, six to twelve months of operating construction equipment experience; or 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, and the ability to follow applicable safety precautions as well as view and understand Veit’s safety training video is required.
• Ability to read and comprehend grade stakes and/or site plans.
• Good communication skills both oral and written when working with all levels of management and employees, external vendors and other business associates. Ability to understand, follow and transmit written and oral instructions.
• Ability to work with and 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.

Other 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, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to perform manual work requiring periods of extensive physical exertion and potential exposure to adverse weather conditions. Required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Often required to sit, stand, walk, bend knees, stretch arms, stoop, kneel, talk and hear.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those employees encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Employee is exposed to environmental conditions, working near machines and loud noises associated with construction sites. Exposed to variable weather conditions including rain, snow, wind, cold and heat. Also exposed to variable terrain.

VEIT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER, INCLUDING VET/DISABILITY