Client Facing Title (posting) Heavy Equipment Operator

Institute for Building Technology and Safety; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS) is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator in the public works sector to safely operate a range of heavy machinery for construction, maintenance, and repair of municipal infrastructure. The role requires adherence to safety and environmental rules while coordinating with other departments and crews.

You will read plans, perform grading and trenching, and lead or assist crews on site.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Post-secondary coursework or vocational training in construction or mechanics is preferred but not required.
• 2 years of experience operating heavy construction equipment is required.
• Valid driver’s license required; CDL Class B preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operates heavy machinery (excavators, backhoes, skid steers, bulldozers, front-end loaders, graders, rollers, dump trucks) for construction, maintenance and repair.
• Performs ditch excavation, grading, trenching, backfilling, hauling and related tasks.
• Loads, transports and places materials such as soil, rock, gravel, asphalt and debris.
• Reads and interprets plans, grade stakes and work orders for proper execution.
• Leads or assists with crew assignments and training.
• Inspects and maintains equipment and enforces safety and environmental regulations.
• Completes daily reports and project documentation.
• Coordinates with Public Works units, contractors and departments to complete work efficiently.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation and safety

Reading construction plans

OSHA standards knowledge

Leadership/training of crews

Independent work and reporting

Time/material estimation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Excavators

Backhoes

Skid steers

Bulldozers

Dump trucks

Job description

Responsibilities

This position is located in St. George, LA

Under the direction of the Public Works Director (or designee), the Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of various heavy equipment used in the construction, maintenance, and repair of public infrastructure. Work may include grading, ditching, trenching, excavation, point repairs, roadside and off-road digging, debris removal, and material transport to support streets, storm drainage systems, utilities, and other municipal projects. The operator may also assist and lead crews in field activities, ensuring that work is performed safely, effectively, and in compliance with city, state, and federal standards.

This position may require overtime, weekend work, and emergency response during severe weather or infrastructure failures.

Responsibilities/Duties of this position

• Operates heavy machinery such as excavators, backhoes, skid steers, bulldozers, front‑end loaders, graders, rollers, and dump trucks for construction, maintenance, and repair activities.
• Performs ditch excavation (off-road and roadside), point repairs, grading, trenching, backfilling, hauling, and related tasks.
• Loads, transports, and places materials including soil, rock, gravel, asphalt, and debris.
• Reads and interprets construction plans, grade stakes, and work orders to ensure proper project execution.
• Assists with manual labor tasks when not operating equipment, including pipe installation, drainage work, concrete/asphalt repair, and job site cleanup.
• Leads or assists with crew assignments, providing direction, oversight, and training as needed.
• Inspects, maintains, and makes minor repairs to assigned equipment to ensure safe operation.
• Monitors and enforces compliance with safety procedures, traffic control requirements, and environmental regulations.
• Completes daily reports, equipment logs, and project documentation.
• Coordinates with other Public Works units, contractors, and departments to complete work efficiently.
• Responds to public inquiries in a professional manner, helping resolve complaints or concerns.
• Performs other duties as assigned as appropriate for this role.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required for education.
• Post‑secondary coursework or vocational training in construction, equipment operation, or mechanics is preferred but not required.
• 2 years of experience in the operation of heavy construction equipment (e.g., backhoes, loaders, bulldozers, excavators, graders) is required.
• Valid driver’s license required; CDL Class B preferred.

Key Skills/Competencies for this position

Knowledge of:

• Operation, safety practices, and maintenance of heavy equipment used in construction and repair.
• Street, storm drain, and utility repair methods, including ditching, grading, and excavation.
• Job site safety, traffic control procedures, and OSHA standards.
• Basic project planning, scheduling, and cost estimating.
• Applicable laws, codes, and regulations related to public works.

Ability to:

• Safely operate a variety of heavy equipment in varied field conditions.
• Perform both skilled equipment operation and physical labor tasks.
• Estimate time, equipment, and materials needed for assigned projects.
• Troubleshoot problems and recommend effective solutions.
• Work independently or as part of a team with minimal supervision.
• Maintain accurate records and communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Provide leadership, training, and oversight to field crews.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, contractors, and the public.

Skills in:

• Efficient and safe operation of excavators, backhoes, loaders, skid steers, bulldozers, and other construction equipment.
• Routine equipment inspection, servicing, and minor maintenance.
• Reading and interpreting plans, maps, and work instructions.
• Using computers and basic software applications for reporting.

Personal Qualities

IBTS places a high value on certain personal traits that work toward creating a positive, professional, and supportive work environment, which is essential for working together and achieving success. We believe “how” you achieve your results is as important as what you achieve. The following highlights the personal traits key for success within the organization.

• Strong Work Ethic
• Teachable/Continuous Learner
• Reliable/Dependable
• Collaborative/Team Contributor

Physical Demands

Physical/Environmental Demands for this position, when such demands exist.

• Must be available for standby assignments and emergency response.
• Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions with exposure to traffic, noise, dust, uneven terrain, and potentially hazardous conditions.
• Requires the ability to lift heavy objects, perform manual labor, and operate equipment for extended periods.

Company Overview

Bring your passion, expertise, and experience to IBTS, where we appreciate and are committed to our employees. We offer outstanding benefits, growth opportunities, and work hard to maintain a culture that values our employees.

The Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS) is a 501(c)(3) non‑profit organization established to provide unbiased professional building code compliance services, while enhancing the communities in which we work. At IBTS, our mission is to deliver quality services to meet the challenges of governance at all levels while enhancing public safety, economic development, and the general welfare of the community. Our services include Building and Community Development, Energy and Sustainability Services, Disaster Planning and Recovery, Quality Assurance, as well as Compliance and Risk Monitoring.

IBTS is headquartered in Ashburn, VA, with additional offices in Louisiana, Missouri, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC.

We are committed to building a community of experts with diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and perspectives who are passionate about our mission. IBTS is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affidavative Action Employer that is committed to hiring a diverse and talented workforce. This opportunity is open to Section S3 Residents. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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