Equipment Operator III

Keller Foundations, LLC; Carteret (NJ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Keller Foundations, LLC is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator III to handle multiple heavy machines, including GPS-enabled dozers and excavators, to excavate, move, and finish grade per project specs. The role emphasizes safety, efficiency, and adherence to site procedures.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of heavy equipment experience, knowledge of OSHA rules, and the ability to read load charts. Travel and on-site work are required, with a strong focus on reliability and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of equipment operating experience.
• HAZWOPER training preferred (40-hour) and current 8-hour refresher.

Responsibilities

• Observe and comply with safety and project policies.
• Input to Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and JSAP updates.
• Perform daily pre-inspections and maintenance checks on equipment.
• Operate heavy equipment safely to minimize risk to people and property.
• Excavate, move, and grade earth and materials per site specs and equipment limits.
• Achieve acceptable rough and finish grades in various soils.
• Maintain awareness of surroundings and safe distances from other equipment.
• Communicate professionally with team; interpret hand signals for material placement.
• Work independently with limited supervision.
• Assist in lifting, positioning, and securing materials during installation.
• Care for equipment including cleaning and routine maintenance.
• Report maintenance issues to the superintendent.
• Perform other duties as assigned and monitor site conditions.
• Follow directions and learn from senior operators and superintendents.

Skills

OSHA regulations

Survey stake reading

PPE usage

Equipment operation

Load chart interpretation

Safety compliance

Education

HAZWOPER certification (40-hour)

Tools

336 excavators

G6 GPS bulldozers

bulldozers

motor graders

Job description

The Heavy Equipment Operator III is a senior level or finish grade operator position responsible for operating multiple types of powered construction equipment such as 336 excavators and G6 GPS bulldozers / bulldozers of all sizes and motor graders to excavate, move, and grade materials within finish specifications, and erect structures in a safe and efficient manner.

Responsibilities

• Observe and comply with all company and specific site safety and project policies
• Supply input to Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and frequent improvements or changes to Job Safety Analysis Plan (JSAP)
• Perform daily pre-inspection and on-going maintenance checks while operating equipment
• Operate heavy equipment in a safe and appropriate manner to minimize the risk of injury, property damage, or loss of life according to all relevant policies and procedures
• Excavate, move, and grade earth/aggregate or mix ingredients according to site specifications and within limitations of equipment in a safe and productive manner as determined by site construction conditions
• Achieve acceptable rough and finish grade in all types of soils and conditions
• Constant inspection and surveillance of surroundings before and during operation to ensure safe ground or slope conditions exist, as well as adequate distance observed for other equipment or personnel
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with others by all means possible (visual or radio contact) including interpreting hand signals to determine where materials are to be placed or loaded
• Work independently and conduct tasks with limited supervision
• May assist in lifting, positioning, and securing of materials and work pieces during installation
• Responsible for care and custody of equipment being operated, including daily cleaning and maintenance
• Report all equipment maintenance issues to superintendent
• Perform other miscellaneous duties as assigned
• Pay attention to surrounding and monitor changes in site conditions
• Follow directions and learn from senior operators and superintendents

Qualifications

• Knowledgeable in OSHA regulations regarding excavation methods and practices
• Requires the ability to read survey stakes for alignment and grading
• Perform duties of equipment operator while using different levels of PPE, which may include respiratory equipment
• Perform duties of equipment operator while working in all safe outdoor weather conditions
• Ability to travel over extended periods of time on short notice preferred
• Ability to read, write, and understand math and English preferred
• Must be able to read and properly interpret load charts for associated heavy equipment and manufacturer approved attachments
• Required to pass skills test prior to operating equipment
• Must be able to understand and demonstrate limitations of equipment
• Must reliably show up on time for work five to seven days a week as required
• Must have access to reliable transportation to get to and from the job site daily

Education/Experience

• Five or more years of equipment operating experience
• General construction experience preferred
• Field verification of operator experience
• 40-Hour HAZWOPER training with current 8-Hour HAZWOPER refresher preferred

Recon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified women, minorities, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and others to apply.

Keller Foundations is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified women, minorities, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and others to apply.