Equipment Operator

powerdesigninc; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Training opportunities

Career development

Job summary

Power Design is seeking a highly skilled Equipment Operator with 5+ years of experience on commercial construction sites to support electrical and utility installations through excavation and site prep.

You will operate excavators, skid steers and backhoes, read blueprints, follow safety protocols, and collaborate with electricians and field leaders to keep projects on schedule.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of experience operating excavators and heavy equipment on commercial construction sites.
• Ability to read blueprints and utility layouts.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• High attention to detail and a strong safety mindset.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment for trenching, grading, and foundation work.
• Excavate safely around underground utilities and existing structures.
• Read and interpret construction documents, utility markings, and site layouts.
• Conduct daily inspections and preventative maintenance checks on all assigned equipment.
• Collaborate with field leadership, electricians, and other trades to complete tasks on schedule.
• Follow OSHA and company-specific safety procedures at all times.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Excavator operation

Blueprint reading

Job description

Position Summary

We’re looking for a highly skilled Equipment Operator with 5+ years of experience operating excavators and other heavy machinery on commercial construction sites. This role is essential to supporting our electrical and utility installations through safe and precise excavation and site prep work.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment, including excavators, skid steers, and backhoes, to perform trenching, grading, and foundation work.
• Excavate safely around underground utilities and existing structures, adhering to project plans and safety protocols.
• Read and interpret construction documents, utility markings, and site layouts.
• Conduct daily inspections and preventative maintenance checks on all assigned equipment.
• Work collaboratively with field leadership, electricians, and other trades to complete tasks efficiently and on schedule.
• Follow OSHA and company-specific safety procedures at all times.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience operating excavators and other heavy equipment on commercial construction sites.
• Strong understanding of trench safety and excavation best practices.
• Ability to read blueprints and utility layouts.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• High attention to detail and a strong safety mindset.

Preferred Qualifications

• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Certification.
• Experience supporting electrical or utility installations.
• Proficiency with other equipment such as loaders, compactors, and trenchers.

Why Power Design?

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match.
• Training and career development opportunities.
• A safety-first culture built on teamwork and trust.
• A company that values your experience and invests in your future.
• Competitive pay starting in the range of $ 25- 30 hourly

At Power Design, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Power Design believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is paramount to our success as a national company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool nationwide