Equipment Operator

MC Fiber; Brainerd (MN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

MC Fiber, located in Brainerd, Minnesota, is seeking an Equipment Operator to safely operate trenching and digging equipment for underground telecommunications utilities. The role requires a high school diploma, construction experience, and proficiency with safety protocols. Responsibilities include installing and maintaining fiber optic lines, setting up safety measures, and handling physical tasks that involve significant lifting and manual labor. Travel and overtime may be necessitated. Join our team to contribute to vital telecommunications infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Must have a valid Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.
• May require overtime work and travel.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate a variety of trenching and digging equipment.
• Install and maintain underground fiber optic cabling.
• Set up safety perimeters at job sites.

Skills

Experience with digging/trenching equipment

Ability to follow instructions

Problem-solving skills

Effective communication

Basic ability to use small tools

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Previous construction experience

Job description

Extensive travel out of the Brainerd Lakes Area and overnight travel will be expected.

The Equipment Operator will safely and effectively run a variety of equipment used for the installation, repair, and maintenance of underground telecommunications utilities.

Essential Job Functions

• Safely and efficiently operate trenching or digging equipment on various jobsites: Plow, Backhoe/Excavator, Rock Saw, Dozer/Lead Tractor, Tractor Trailer (Moving Equipment/Haul Water).
• Install and maintain underground fiber optic and other telecommunications cabling service lines.
• Restore and/or landscape disturbed areas of the jobsite.
• Dig pits, trenches and potholes as directed by job plan including when crossing utilities either by hand and or by use of appropriate mechanical tools.
• Site set‑up and clean‑up.
• Load and unload tools, materials and equipment.
• Set up safety perimeter using signage, cones and safety barriers (may include traffic direction).
• Performs all other related duties as assigned by management*.

*These tasks do not meet the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 definition of essential job functions and are usually less than 5% of time spent. However, these tasks still constitute important performance aspects of the job.

Supervision Received

Construction Manager

Supervision Exercised

None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must be experienced with digging/trenching equipment and understand their capabilities and limitations.
• Ability to follow instructions.
• Basic ability to use small tools/hand tools.
• Ability to read and understand work orders, safety rules and operating instructions.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record and insurable- Unrestricted Class A CDL strongly preferred.
• Must have good troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Must be very safety conscientious.
• Must be able to effectively communicate with crew, customers and vendors.
• May be required to work overtime: after regular business hours, weekends, or be on emergency on‑call as needed.
• Travel will be required.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Previous construction experience or utility construction experienced.
• Ability to read prints and interpret utility maps to identify the type and size of underground utilities.

Physical Requirements

Ability to climb into and out of equipment (trucks, cars, backhoes, trenchers, etc.).

Must be able to lift/carry 50 lbs regularly and up to 100 lbs as needed with or without assistance.

Duties outlined in this position will require the employee to stand, crouch, sit, bend, use hands and fingers to handle or feel as well as reaching with hands and arms to spaces both high and low. The employee will be standing, walking, climbing, balancing, crawling, crouching, lifting, holding or stooping while on shift.

Ability to walk on all types of terrain that includes uneven and slippery ground, undergrowth and vegetation, trees, grass, and asphalt.

Specific vision abilities required to perform this job include but are not limited to: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus potentially near and/or far as needed.

Ability to work while wearing safety boots, safety glasses, hearing protection, HiViz reflective clothing, and hardhat.

While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside conditions that include dust, fumes, and other airborne pathogens. Travel that requires remote work and long driving and sitting will be required in these instances. The employee will also be regularly exposed to inclement weather conditions such as heat, humidity, wind, dust, rain, sleet, hail, and cold. This position also involves exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes, risk of electrical shock, and vibrations. The noise level in the general work environment is moderate to loud.