EARTHWORK HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

CW Construction; Montrose (CO); On-site; USD 33,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

CW Construction is seeking an Earthwork Heavy Equipment Operator in Montrose, CO to operate heavy machinery, read grade stakes, and work with the crew to meet project specs. The role emphasizes safety, communication, and reliability in a dynamic outdoor environment.

The position offers $24.00 to $32.00 per hour with overtime potential. Requires high school diploma or GED, and prior heavy-equipment experience. On-site work with possible long hours in varied weather conditions.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Experience operating heavy construction equipment.
• Knowledge of grade checks and stakes.

Responsibilities

• Drive, operate and maneuver heavy equipment.
• Read and interpret grade stakes, site markings, maps and blueprints to move soil according to defined specifications.
• Utilize construction machinery to excavate, move, and grade soils safely and efficiently.
• Set up grade control devices to reach defined grade tolerances.
• Communicate information to supervisors and coworkers clearly.
• Maintain awareness of surroundings to ensure safe operations near hazards.
• Perform pre- and post- equipment checks and report issues.
• Coordinate machine functions with crew using signals.
• Work with foreman and team to meet specifications.
• Inspect equipment daily and perform basic on-site repairs when needed.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Grade stakes reading

Safety practices

Communication skills

Dependability

Machine knowledge

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Front-end Loader

Backhoe

Skid-steer

Excavator

Job description

CW Construction is a locally-owned business with a family approach to everyone who works with us. We strive to provide stability and opportunity for our people and are committed to career growth with a strong track record of promoting from within.

The Earthwork Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for operating heavy duty construction equipment, such as Scrapers, Bulldozers, Excavators, Graders, tractors equipped with scrapers or blades to spread earth, grade terrain, or move dirt and rock.

Total Compensation

$24.00 to $32.00 per hour with potential for overtime

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Drive, operate and maneuver heavy equipment.
• Read and interpret grade stakes, site markings, maps and blueprints, and/or drawings to move soil according to defined specifications.
• Utilize the appropriate and/or assigned construction machinery to safely, efficiently, and productively excavate, move, and grade soils in accordance with the defined parameters.
• Properly set up and utilize grade control devices to assist in reaching the defined grade tolerances.
• Convey information to and receive information from supervisors and co-workers effectively.
• Remain actively aware of surroundings near the equipment to maintain safe operation and distances from potential hazards such as utility lines, other equipment, other workers or falling objects.
• Perform pre and post equipment checks and reports equipment issues to supervisors.
• Perform basic repairs to equipment in the event field mechanics are not available on site.
• Coordinate machine functions with crew members in response to hand and audio signals.
• When required, drive and maneuver equipment equipped with blades in successive passes over working areas to remove topsoil, vegetation, or rocks or to distribute and level earth or terrain.
• Work with foreman, superintendent, project manager, and team to ensure job is done to specifications.
• Maintain assigned equipment and perform daily inspections to ensure compliance with operational and safety requirements including but no limited to checking fuel, oil, and/or hydraulic levels.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Proven skill in successfully, safely, and efficiently operating at least one or more pieces of equipment such as Front-end Loader, Backhoe, Skid-steer, or Excavator with experience in the heavy commercial, industrial, or civil construction markets.
• Highly proficient in checking grade, reading stakes, and the ability to successfully perform necessary related math functions.
• Extremely self-motivated with the ability to take the lead on assignments as well as follow instructions and work within parameters of excellency established by leadership.
• Good safety history and a willingness to engage and contribute to ongoing safe work practices, such as daily equipment inspections and reporting incidents, as well as strong knowledge of excavation, trenching and shoring safety standards.
• To-notch communication skills with the ability to effectively, respectfully, and positively interact with supervisors, team members, and subcontractors.
• Dependability and reliability with a good attendance record and the willingness and ability to adapt to scheduling needs as required to accommodate company and project needs.
• Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair and maintenance.

Education and/or Experience

• Required: High School diploma or GED.

Physical Demands

• Operators are subject to continuous bouncing, shaking and equipment vibration throughout the course of their shift. Work functions require the ability to sit, stand, and ride in vehicles for long periods of time, as well as the physical ability and mobility to access equipment, modify attachments, and control cabin.
• Ability to push/pull/manipulate hand tools up to 54 ft./lbs.
• Ability to push/pull, open/close engine housing hatches up to 25-46 ft./lbs.
• Ability to lift/load/carry up to 55 lbs., including but not limited to fittings, generators, jumping jacks, water meters, equipment and/or other various materials.
• Ability to climb into and out of equipment.
• Ability to reach above head and at 6-inces with fine and gross motor skills.
• Ability to operate various sized fire extinguishers, in training or emergency situations.
• Ability to dig/shovel various soils while performing daily duties.

Outside work exposed to variant weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, snow) and muddy ground conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CW Construction LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination of any kind. All employment decisions at CW Construction LLC are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race or ethnicity, color, religion or belief, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other status protected by the law. Applicants that require reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should contact Human Resources via email at [e-mail] .

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.