Equipment Operator - Gas Division

Civil-Constructors; Franklin (TN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Civil-Constructors in Tennessee is seeking an Equipment Operator to maneuver heavy gas-industry construction equipment on active site locations, supporting installation, maintenance, and safe operation near live pipelines.

You will perform pre- and post-shift inspections, maintain OQ status, comply with PHMSA/DOT drug testing, and coordinate with foremen to ensure safe backfill, potholing, and handover of equipment.

Qualifications

• Willingness to adhere to safety protocols and OSHA standards.
• Ability to read and follow directions from supervisors with minimal supervision.
• Must maintain current Operator Qualification (OQ) status for gas pipeline tasks.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment safely on active gas utility sites.
• Assist with excavation, backfill, potholing, and pipe installations per plan.
• Inspect equipment before and after use and report faults.
• Follow one-call markings and company damage-prevention procedures.

Skills

Communication

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Decision making under pressure

Tools

OQ Program understanding

Heavy equipment operation

Job description

The Equipment Operator maneuvers heavy, motorized construction equipment to support the installation, replacement, and maintenance of natural gas distribution and transmission facilities. Work is performed on active gas utility construction sites in all weather conditions, often in proximity to live, in-service gas pipelines and other underground utilities. Because the role involves operations and maintenance activities on pipeline facilities, this position is subject to federal Operator Qualification (OQ) and PHMSA/DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements described below. Equipment Operators handle motorized apparatus such as excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, front-end loaders, and other equipment appropriate to their operator class (see Class Determination below).

Duties/Responsibilities

• Maneuver motorized heavy equipment to ensure the accurate excavation, exposure, removal, and placement of soil and materials around gas mains, services, and related facilities.
• Support safe installation, tie-in, and backfill of gas distribution/transmission pipe (steel and polyethylene) in coordination with pipefitters, crew leads, and inspectors.
• Safely expose (“pothole”) existing underground gas and other utility facilities in accordance with one-call/utility locate markings and company damage-prevention procedures.
• Load and offload rock, spoil, debris, pipe, and other materials from heavy equipment.
• Recognize, and immediately report to the foreman/supervisor, any Abnormal Operating Condition (AOC) such as gas odor, escaping gas, unmarked or damaged facilities, or unstable trench/excavation conditions.
• Always observe stipulated safety codes, including OSHA excavation/trenching standards, utility damage-prevention (“call-before-you-dig”) requirements, and company HSE policies.
• Inspect equipment before and after use to ensure the machine stays in good working order; report defects immediately.
• Clean equipment after use and dispose of collected scraps or waste appropriately.
• Assist coworkers to ensure the site is clean, organized, and properly restored/backfilled at the end of the shift.
• Maintain current Operator Qualification (OQ) status for every covered task performed, and work only within the scope of current OQ certifications.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the foreman/superintendent.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Ability to listen to, understand, and follow directions; communicate effectively with crew members, both written and spoken.
• Ability to remain flexible as specific assignments change.
• Ability to work effectively with a variety of personalities.
• Sharp decision-making skills, particularly when under pressure or working near live gas facilities.
• Ability to recognize abnormal operating conditions and respond according to established emergency procedures.

Operator Qualification (OQ) Requirements

This position performs “covered tasks” on gas pipeline facilities as defined under 49 CFR Part 192, Subpart N (Qualification of Pipeline Personnel). Covered tasks may include excavation and backfill near existing gas facilities, exposing pipe, tie-ins, and other operations or maintenance activities that affect the safe operation of the pipeline. Requirements include:

• Obtain and maintain current Operator Qualification (OQ) certification for each covered task performed, through the company's OQ program (e.g., Veriforce, ISNetworld, or equivalent third-party OQ provider).
• Complete qualification evaluation — which may include written testing, oral evaluation, hands-on/performance observation, and/or documented work-history review — before independently performing a covered task.
• Work only under the direct observation of a qualified individual until OQ certification for a given covered task is obtained.
• Demonstrate the ability to recognize and properly respond to Abnormal Operating Conditions (AOCs), including immediate notification procedures.
• Complete requalification within the interval set by the company's OQ program, or sooner if a performance evaluation, incident, near-miss, or change in equipment/procedure indicates the need for retraining.
• Carry proof of OQ qualification and make it available on site for review by supervisors, clients, or regulatory (PHMSA/state pipeline safety) inspectors.

PHMSA / DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Requirements

This position performs a “covered function” under 49 CFR Part 199, the PHMSA pipeline drug and alcohol testing regulation, and is subject to the following:

• Pre-employment drug testing: must pass a negative pre-employment drug test before performing any covered function.
• Random testing: subject to unannounced random drug and alcohol testing throughout employment, at the rate(s) established annually by PHMSA.
• Post-accident testing: subject to drug and alcohol testing following a reportable pipeline incident or qualifying accident, as required by 49 CFR Part 199.
• Reasonable-suspicion testing: subject to testing when a trained supervisor observes behavior or physical signs consistent with prohibited drug use or alcohol misuse.
• Return-to-duty and follow-up testing: employees returning to a covered function after a violation must complete return-to-duty and follow-up testing as directed by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).
• All specimen collection, laboratory testing, and program administration must follow DOT procedures under 49 CFR Part 40.
• A verified positive test result, an adulterated/substituted specimen, a refusal to test, or any other violation of the company's DOT drug and alcohol policy will result in immediate removal from covered functions and is subject to the company's disciplinary policy.

Physical Requirements

• Must have the physical strength, balance, hand-eye coordination, and stamina necessary to complete jobs in various areas.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, and/or pull loads of up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work in all weather conditions.
• Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• Ability to climb on and into equipment safely using the 3-point-of-contact method.
• Able to sit for extended periods while traveling over uneven terrain.
• Must be able to work Saturdays and nights as needed; schedule commonly follows a 6-day work week (Monday–Saturday).

Work Location

• Must have reliable personal transportation to job sites, which vary within the Metro Nashville area and surrounding counties.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Civil is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

In compliance with Federal and State equal employment opportunity laws, qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, non-job related disability, or any other protected group status.

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