Equipment Operator

Arrow Electric Co; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental/ Vision

Life Insurance

Short-Term Disability

Long-Term Disability

401(k) Matching

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Bereavement Leave

Jury Duty Leave

EAP

Referral Bonus

Performance Evaluations

Arrow SWAG Store

Power Tool Incentive

Training & Licensing Education

Electrical License CEU Paid

Job summary

Arrow Electric Co. is seeking an Equipment Operator to safely run heavy machinery for roadway electrical infrastructure, traffic signals, lighting systems, and underground utilities.

You will assist with excavation, conduit installation, and material handling while following KYTC standards where applicable. You will work under Foremen and Superintendents, ensuring quality, safety, and production targets are met.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 2–5 years of experience operating heavy equipment in construction environments preferred.
• Experience in roadway, utility, or electrical construction is a plus.
• Basic understanding of construction practices, excavation methods, and site grading.
• Ability to read basic plans, grade stakes, or layout instructions.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment including excavators, backhoes, skid steers, loaders, trenchers, and related machines.
• Perform excavation for pole foundations, trenching for conduit, and site grading.
• Assist with installation of underground conduit, duct banks, pull boxes, and handholes.
• Handle and place materials such as gravel, stone, backfill, and structural components.
• Read and interpret basic construction plans, grade stakes, and layout markings.
• Coordinate with Foremen, Electricians, and crew members to complete tasks.
• Perform equipment inspections, including pre-trip and post-trip checks.
• Identify underground utilities and maintain safe excavation practices.
• Assist in loading, unloading, and staging materials and equipment.
• Maintain awareness of site conditions, slopes, grades, and hazards.
• Support site preparation and restoration activities as required.
• Communicate equipment needs, issues, or hazards to supervision promptly.

Skills

Heavy Equipment Operation

Safety Compliance

Site Grading

Plan Reading

Material Handling

Team Coordination

Night OT Availability

CDL Preferred

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Position Summary

The Equipment Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of construction equipment used in roadway electrical infrastructure, traffic signal installations, lighting systems, and underground utility projects. This role supports excavation, material handling, site preparation, and installation activities across a variety of project types and sizes.

The Equipment Operator works under the direction of Foremen and Superintendents and plays a critical role in executing production goals while maintaining safety, quality, and compliance with project specifications and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) standards when applicable.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment including, but not limited to:
• • Excavators
  • Backhoes
  • Skid steers
  • Loaders
  • Trencher equipment
  • Articulating and straight-frame machines
• Perform excavation for pole foundations, trenching for conduit, and site grading.
• Assist with installation of underground conduit, duct banks, pull boxes, and handholes.
• Handle and place materials such as gravel, stone, backfill, and structural components.
• Read and interpret basic construction plans, grade stakes, and layout markings.
• Coordinate with Foremen, Electricians, and crew members to complete assigned tasks.
• Perform equipment inspections, including pre-trip and post-trip checks.
• Identify underground utilities and maintain safe excavation practices.
• Assist in loading, unloading, and staging materials and equipment.
• Maintain awareness of site conditions, slopes, grades, and surrounding hazards.
• Support site preparation and restoration activities as required.
• Communicate equipment needs, issues, or hazards to supervision promptly.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 2–5 years of experience operating heavy equipment in construction environments preferred.
• Experience in roadway, utility, or electrical construction is a plus.
• Basic understanding of construction practices, excavation methods, and site grading.
• Ability to read basic plans, grade stakes, or layout instructions.

Additional Requirements, Skills, Abilities

• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record (CDL preferred depending on equipment and hauling responsibilities).
• Ability to travel to job sites across the region.
• Willingness to work nights, weekends, and overtime as required.
• Ability to pass drug and alcohol screenings if required.
• Ability to obtain additional certifications (e.g., equipment operation certifications, safety training).
• Equipment Proficiency : Skilled in operating multiple types of heavy equipment safely and efficiently.
• Spatial Awareness : Ability to judge distances, depths, and alignments accurately.
• Technical Understanding : Basic knowledge of excavation, grading, and underground utility installation.
• Communication : Works effectively with Foremen and crew members.
• Problem-Solving : Adjusts operations based on soil conditions, site constraints, and project needs.
• Attention to Detail : Ensures precision in excavation and material placement.
• Mechanical Aptitude : Ability to identify equipment issues and perform minor maintenance.
• Time Management : Ability to meet production targets and maintain schedule expectations.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive Wages
• Health Insurance: 3 plans to choose from through United Health Care (Effective Date of Hire)
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability (Company Provided)
• Long-Term Disability (Company Provided)
• Employee Paid Policies Available: Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and Accident Policies
• 401(k) with Company Matching: (Effective Date of Hire)
• Paid Holidays (Eligibility Starts Immediately)
• Paid Time Off (Eligibility Starts Immediately)
• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Paid Jury Duty Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Performance Evaluations Program
• Arrow SWAG Store (Company-Logo Clothing and Merchandise)
• Power Tool Incentive Program
• Safety, Skills, and Leadership Development/Training
• Electrical License Continuing Education and Renewals Paid

_ One Team! One Arrow! _