Equipment Operator/Laborer

CST Utilities; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent pay

Medical insurance

HSA/FSA options

Dental and vision insurance

Life insurance (Company-paid)

Disability insurance

401(k) after 90 days

Work boot allowance

PTO after 90 days

Year-round work

Paid holidays

Paid maternity and paternity leave

Career development

Job summary

CST Utilities is seeking an Equipment Operator/Laborer to support underground construction and utility projects across the Midwest. The role involves operating excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, loaders, and supporting site preparation, digging, and material handling.

The position requires experience with heavy machinery, a valid driver’s license, the ability to lift 50+ pounds, and the stamina to work outdoors in varying weather. On-the-job training is provided.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Two years’ experience operating heavy machinery.
• Valid driver’s license; CDL may be required for certain equipment.
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds.
• Experience around utilities is a plus.
• Able to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Pre-employment drug screen and background check required.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment and machinery to perform excavation.
• Assist with site setup, debris clearance, material movement, and safety setup.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and report issues.
• Load/unload materials and transport them to designated areas.
• Ensure safe, efficient operation following safety protocols.
• Perform manual labor such as digging trenches and laying pipes.
• Coordinate with crew to complete projects on schedule.
• Maintain organized work area and proper storage of tools.

Skills

Underground utilities experience

Troubleshooting skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Company Overview

CST Utilities Companies provide underground construction services (including excavation, drilling, etc.) for sites and projects related to water, sewer, natural gas, electric distribution, and telecommunications projects. The utilities infrastructure market is significant, with funding coming from Municipalities, Cooperatives, Fortune 500 Utility providers, and private equity-backed projects, all of which are addressing the substantial need for infrastructure growth and replacement. CST Utilities Companies, with financial support from private equity investors, is pursuing a growth strategy across the Midwest that includes investment in employee and operations excellence and acquisitions (two companies acquired thus far) to enhance employee satisfaction, operational capacity, and client support. The company primarily operates in the Midwest, with large offices in Ohio and Indiana. More information on the CST Utilities companies can be found at www.cstutilities.com, www.daystardrilling.com, and www.preciseboringofohio.com.

Company Overview

CST Utilities Companies provide underground construction services (including excavation, drilling, etc.) for sites and projects related to water, sewer, natural gas, electric distribution, and telecommunications projects. The utilities infrastructure market is significant, with funding coming from Municipalities, Cooperatives, Fortune 500 Utility providers, and private equity-backed projects, all of which are addressing the substantial need for infrastructure growth and replacement. CST Utilities Companies, with financial support from private equity investors, is pursuing a growth strategy across the Midwest that includes investment in employee and operations excellence and acquisitions (two companies acquired thus far) to enhance employee satisfaction, operational capacity, and client support. The company primarily operates in the Midwest, with large offices in Ohio and Indiana. More information on the CST Utilities companies can be found at www.cstutilities.com, www.daystardrilling.com, and www.preciseboringofohio.com.

Job Summary

An Equipment Operator/Laborer is responsible for operating heavy machinery and performing manual labor to support various construction, maintenance, and utility operations. The role involves handling equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, loaders, and other types of heavy machinery. The individual will also assist with site preparation, digging, material handling, and other labor duties as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate various heavy equipment and machinery to perform excavation.
• Assist with site setup and preparation, including clearing debris, moving materials, and setting up barricades or other safety equipment.
• Perform routine maintenance checks on equipment and report any issues to supervisors.
• Load and unload materials from trucks and transport them to designated areas using appropriate machinery.
• Ensure equipment is operated safely and efficiently, following all safety protocols and guidelines.
• Perform manual labor tasks, including digging trenches, backfilling, compacting soil, and laying pipes or conduits.
• Collaborate with the construction crew and other operators to complete projects on schedule.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, ensuring tools and equipment are stored properly after use.
• Adhere to company and industry safety standards to minimize accidents and injuries.
• Follow instructions from supervisors and complete tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Proven experience as an equipment operator or similar role in construction or utilities.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record; CDL may be required for certain equipment.
• Two years heavy machinery such as excavators, backhoes, loaders, bulldozers, and more
• Two years' experience of digging around utilities, such as electric, sanitation and water.
• Knowledge of basic mechanical functions for routine equipment maintenance.
• Physical stamina and strength to perform manual labor tasks.
• Strong understanding of safety regulations and ability to follow safety protocols.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.

Required Skills

• Experience in underground utilities.
• Basic troubleshooting and problem-solving skills for equipment issues.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and must be insurable
• Must be able to lift 50+ pounds regularly.
• Ability to work overtime and travel as needed.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
• Experience in construction or utilities is a plus but not required—on-the-job training is provided.

Work Environment

• Must be able and willing to conduct strenuous and physically demanding tasks for long hours, work outdoors, and in inclement weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift and carry materials of all shapes and sizes, weighing 40 to 90 pounds.
• Must be able to maintain visual and audible contact with other crewmen and all moving or stationary persons/vehicles/objects to ensure safe coordination of movement.
• Must be able to operate or work around heavy equipment and machinery.
• Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl while performing work.
• Must be able to work while wearing safety boots, safety glasses, hard hats, and any applicable safety gear.

Benefits

• Excellent pay
• Medical insurance for employees at a small cost
• HSA/FSA options
• Dental and vision insurance at a minimal cost
• Free $25,000 life insurance policy
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance at a small cost
• 401(k) after 90 days
• $225 work boot allowance after 180 days
• PTO after 90 days
• Year-round work
• Paid holidays
• Paid maternity and paternity leave
• Company-paid training and career development
• Safety-first culture

AAP/EEO Statement

It is the policy of CST Utilities LLC to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, CST Utilities LLC will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.