Equipment Operator

marianienterprises; Petoskey (MI); On-site; USD 38,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with company match

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

FSA/HSA

Paid time Off

Tuition Reimbursement (after one year)

Job summary

Mariani Enterprises, LLC is hiring an Equipment Operator to support the Hardscape Team Leader in delivering high-quality outdoor construction projects. The role involves operating mini-excavators, skid steers, and loaders and contributing to shoreline protection systems, rock walls, and other hardscape features.

This position blends skilled equipment operation (about 25-50% of the day) with ground work and active project installation, requiring a strong work ethic, safety awareness, and teamwork

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Experience operating excavators, skid steers, or loaders preferred.
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds and work outdoors in varying weather.

Responsibilities

• Operate mini-excavators, skid steers, and loaders to prepare sites for hardscape installation.
• Assist in constructing retaining walls, shoreline protection systems, and other landscape features.
• Perform ground work and material placement with attention to safety and quality.
• Maintain equipment and conduct daily inspections.
• Support team leader to ensure project timelines and quality standards.

Skills

Equipment operation

Excavation

Site preparation

Safety compliance

Education

High School diploma

Tools

Mini-excavators

Skid steers

Loaders

Job description

Work With The Best

We are building the premier outdoor living company in the country by creating a "family of family companies" across the nation. Now you can build your landscaping career with the best, working in one of our many company locations nationwide. Learn from the top experts in the field and work on some of the country's largest and most complex landscape projects. Take advantage of opportunities to share and exchange best practices across our network. The opportunities are endless.

Job Overview

The Equipment Operator supports the Hardscape Team Leader in the successful execution of high-quality outdoor construction projects. This role plays a key part in building shoreline protection systems, rock and retaining walls, and other outdoor custom hardscape features.

While this position requires strong equipment operating experience, it is not a machine-only role. Equipment operation typically makes up approximately 25 -50 % of the workday, with the remainder focused on skilled ground work and active participation in project installation.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Operate mini-excavators, skid steers, and loaders to excavate, grade, and prepare sites for hardscape installation
• Assist in the construction of retaining walls, shoreline protection systems, rock walls, outdoor fireplaces, and other structural landscape features
• Perform detailed excavation and material placement with precision and safety
• Support the Hardscape Team Leader in executing projects efficiently and to company quality standards
• Complete hands‑on ground work including shoveling, hand‑setting materials, moving stone, site preparation, and general labor as needed
• Load and transport materials and equipment safely
• Conduct daily equipment inspections and maintain machinery in proper working condition
• Promote a safe, productive work environment and ensure all safety protocols, best practices, and company procedures are followed at all times
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• High School diploma, or equivalent
• Team-oriented mindset with a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and attention to detail
• Proven ability to safely and efficiently operate excavators, skid steers, and/or loaders
• Strong understanding of excavation, grading, and material placement techniques
• Experience supporting hardscape or landscape construction projects , preferred
• Class A CDL with air brakes endorsement , preferred
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds repeatedly throughout the workday
• Reliable attendance and ability to work long days as project schedules require
• Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions, including heat and humidity
• Ability to stand, bend, kneel, lift, and work on uneven surfaces and terrain

The Perks

• 401(k) plan with company match
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• FSA/HSA
• PerkSpot
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance
• Paid time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement (after one year of service)

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. Employers can only E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.

A part of the U.S. Immigration laws protects legally-authorized workers from discrimination based on their citizenship status and national origin. If you have the skills, experience, and legal right to work, your citizenship or immigration status shouldn't get in the way.

Mariani Enterprises, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment with regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service or any other characteristic protected by law.