Directional Drill Operator w/ CDL-A

SYRACUSE UTILITIES LLC; Boght Corners (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Syracuse Utilities LLC seeks an experienced heavy equipment operator to support underground utility installation and civil construction projects in upstate New York. You will perform excavation, trenching, backfilling, grading, and site restoration with a hands-on approach.

Operate equipment up to 10 tons (excavators, backhoes, skid steers, loaders), perform safety checks, coordinate with crew, and help with light labor as needed.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of experience operating heavy construction equipment (10 tons and below).
• OSHA 10 Certification required; OSHA 30 Certification preferred.
• Valid driver's license and CDL required.
• Ability to pass pre-employment drug screen, background check, and motor vehicle record review.
• Ability to read and interpret job site plans, utility markings, maps and work instructions.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy construction equipment up to 10 tons (excavators, backhoes, skid steers, loaders) in support of utility and civil construction projects.
• Perform excavation, trenching, backfilling, grading, material handling, and site restoration.
• Conduct daily equipment inspections, maintenance, greasing, and pre-operation checks.
• Assist with manual labor, jobsite cleanup, traffic control and setup when not operating equipment.
• Communicate with crew, foremen, and supervisors to coordinate work and maintain productivity.

Skills

CDL A

OSHA 10

OSHA 30 preferred

Heavy equipment operation

Team coordination

Job description

CDL A required for this position.JOB SUMMARY / GENERAL DESCRIPTION:Operates heavy construction equipment in support of underground utility installation and civil construction projects. Responsible for performing excavation, trenching, backfilling, and material handling activities safely and efficiently while adhering to company and regulatory standards. The role requires a hands-on approach, with operators expected to assist with labor duties as needed to support overall project success.Essential Job FunctionsOperate heavy construction equipment, including excavators, backhoes, skid steers, loaders, and other equipment up to 10 tons, in support of utility and civil construction projects.Perform excavation, trenching, backfilling, grading, material handling, and site restoration activities in accordance with project requirements and safety standards.Follow safe digging practices around existing underground utilities using utility locator markings, project plans, and supervisor guidance.Load, unload, transport, and organize materials, equipment, tools, and construction supplies at job sites.Conduct daily equipment inspections, pre-operation checks, greasing, cleaning, and routine preventive maintenance to ensure safe operation and maintain equipment readiness.When not operating equipment, perform job site setup, traffic control, manual labor activities, hand excavation, job site cleanup, and other construction tasks as needed to support construction operations.Operate company vehicles and perform occasional non-CDL driving duties as required.Communicate effectively with crew members, foremen, and supervisors to coordinate work activities and maintain productivity.Complete and maintain accurate equipment logs, maintenance records, inspection reports, and safety documentation.Follow all company policies, OSHA regulations, DOT requirements, and job site safety procedures.Lift up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, climbing, digging, and working in varying weather conditions.Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.Minimum Skills and Qualification RequirementsMinimum of 2 to 3 years of experience operating heavy construction equipment (10 tons and below).Ability and willingness to perform both heavy equipment operation and manual labor duties in a physically demanding outdoor construction environment.OSHA 10 Certification required; OSHA 30 Certification preferred.Experience in utility construction preferred, including electric, gas, telecommunications, water, sewer, or civil construction projects.Strong understanding of safe digging practices, utility locating procedures, and OSHA excavation standards.Ability to read and interpret job site plans, utility markings, maps, and work instructions.Valid driver's license required; CDL required.Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening, background check, and motor vehicle record review.Strong work ethic, reliability, attention to detail, and commitment to safety.Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced construction environment.Working ConditionsPrimarily outdoor construction work environment.Exposure to varying weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, snow, wind, and uneven terrain.Frequent operation of heavy construction equipment and machinery.Physically demanding work involving standing, walking, climbing, lifting, carrying, bending, stooping, kneeling, and manual labor.Regular exposure to noise, dust, mud, vibration, and other common construction site conditions.May require overtime, weekend work, and travel to various job sites as business needs dictate.