Construction Equipment Operator

Horton Electrical Services; Collinsville (CT); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Horton Electrical Services Ltd seeks a skilled Heavy Equipment Operator to safely operate bulldozers, excavators, backhoes and more while supporting construction projects.

You will prepare sites, move materials, perform routine equipment maintenance, and follow rigorous safety practices. The role requires strong communication and the ability to work in outdoor environments, sometimes long hours.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of certified heavy equipment operator training or apprenticeship.
• OSHA 10-hour required; OSHA 30-hour preferred.
• CDL may be required depending on job.
• Strong mechanical skills and knowledge of equipment maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Operate bulldozers, excavators, backhoes, cranes, graders, loaders and other heavy equipment to perform construction and material handling tasks.
• Move, lift and grade materials such as soil, sand, gravel and debris on job sites.
• Prepare sites by leveling ground, excavating trenches, and digging foundations.
• Maintain equipment with routine inspections, cleaning and minor repairs.
• Follow safety protocols, wear PPE, and report hazards or malfunctions.
• Complete daily logs documenting work activities and equipment usage.

Skills

Proven experience as a heavy equipment

Familiarity with construction machines

Safety protocols and hazard awareness

Mechanical aptitude

Independent worker / team player

Strong communication skills

Construction site operations knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Certified heavy equipment operator training or apprenticeship

OSHA 10-hour certification

OSHA 30-hour construction safety (preferred)

CDL may be required

Job description

Description

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for safely operating and maintaining a variety of heavy machinery, including bulldozers, backhoes, excavators, graders, and other specialized equipment. This role supports construction and other industrial projects by performing tasks like digging, grading, lifting, and moving materials on job sites.

Responsibilities:

Operating Heavy Machinery

• Operate bulldozers, excavators, backhoes, cranes, graders, loaders, and other heavy equipment to perform various construction, excavation, and material handling tasks.
• Move, lift, and grade materials such as soil, sand, gravel, or other debris to prepare and maintain job sites.

Site Preparation, Maintenance and Cleanup

• Prepare sites by leveling ground, excavating trenches, and digging foundations.
• Maintain equipment in proper working order, conducting routine inspections, cleaning, and minor repairs as needed.
• Clear debris, trash, hazardous materials, and equipment from construction sites.
• Dig trenches, level earth, back filling holes and prepare the site for building.
• Assist with setting up and disassembly of temporary structures such as scaffolding and/or ladders.

Safety Compliance

• Follow safety protocols and guidelines to ensure a safe work environment for yourself and the team.
• Identify and report any hazards, equipment malfunctions, or unsafe conditions to supervisors.
• Wear proper personal protective equipment, like hard hats, gloves, earplugs and safety goggles, steel toe boots when operating equipment.
• Ensure that safety protocols are followed to prevent accidents.
• Put up site safety and warning signs for vehicles and passersby.
• Follow site-specific safety guidelines and procedures.
• Maintaining the work area in a clean, organized, and safe manner.

Material Handling

• Load and unload construction materials such as dirt, gravel, or building supplies from trucks using heavy equipment.
• Assist in moving materials to specified areas of the construction site.
• Assist with inspecting and recording the material amount or count received from delivery personnel.
• Identify and report any damaged material/equipment immediately to management.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work alongside construction crews, project managers, and other personnel to ensure timely project completion.
• Communicate effectively with the team, providing status updates and asking for assistance when needed.

Equipment Maintenance

• Perform routine checks on equipment, including oil levels, hydraulic systems, and tire pressure.
• Report mechanical issues to the maintenance team for further inspection and repair.

Documentation and Reporting

• Complete daily logs or timesheets to document work activities, equipment usage, and hours worked.
• Ensure that project tasks are completed on time and within specifications.
• Complete other assigned work when needed.

Requirements

Skills and Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a heavy equipment operator or in a similar role.
• Familiarity with construction machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, cranes, and graders.
• Ability to follow safety protocols and work in a hazardous environment.
• Strong mechanical skills and understanding of equipment maintenance.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Knowledge of construction site operations and equipment handling.

Education and Certification:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of a certified heavy equipment operator training program or apprenticeship is preferred.
• Valid and clear driver’s license (CDL may be required depending on job).
• OSHA 10-hour required; OSHA 30-hour construction safety certification preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift heavy objects and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while operating machinery.
• Stamina to work long hours in outdoor, sometimes harsh, weather conditions.

Work Environment:

• Typically works outdoors at construction sites, roads, or mining operations.
• Exposure to dust, noise, and varying weather conditions.
• May work irregular hours, including evenings or weekends or holidays, depending on project deadlines.