EXCAVATOR

Knife River Corporation; Wakefield Township (MN); On-site; USD 37,195 - 48,216; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance

401(k) with Company Match

Paid Time Off

Short-term Disability

Voluntary Life Insurance

Job summary

Knife River Corporation in Wakefield Township is seeking an experienced Equipment Operator to safely operate excavating equipment for earth moving and grading. The role involves daily inspections, maintenance, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

The position offers a competitive hourly wage between $27.00 – $35.00, based on experience, along with valuable benefits like medical, dental, vision insurance, and a 401(k) plan with company match.

Qualifications

• General education, grammar and arithmetic.
• Ability to maintain proper licensure and medical card.
• Acceptable driving record required.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate and maintain excavation equipment.
• Perform daily equipment inspections to ensure safety.
• Communicate effectively and manage stressful situations.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Skills

Equipment maintenance & operation experience

Effective communication skills

Problem-solving abilities

Education

GED or high school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Role Overview

Responsible for safely operating excavating equipment to excavate, move, and grade earth.

Typical schedule: Monday – Friday with one Saturday per month.

Duties and/or Responsibilities

1. Perform daily equipment inspections, walk‑around and site inspections to identify and correct unsafe conditions and keep equipment properly maintained.
2. Safely and properly perform maintenance (lubricating, fueling and cleaning) on excavation equipment.
3. Safely and properly operate excavation equipment.
4. Communicate effectively (verbal, listening, written) and work with difficult people under high‑stress situations. Self‑motivated, team‑player with good interpersonal skills; ability to maintain positive customer relations and act courteous/respectful of others.
5. Troubleshoot and problem‑solve situations/problems (material quality, equipment operation/repair, etc.). Monitor and discuss production problems with co‑workers and managers/supervisors.
6. Ensure MSHA, OSHA, EPA, DNR, safety and environmental regulation compliance.
7. Constantly working in an environment with: sitting, reaching, and handling.
8. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

1. General education, grammar and arithmetic, GED or high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Equipment maintenance & operation experience.
3. Ability to provide and maintain proper licensure, medical card and acceptable driving record.

Compensation

$27.00 – $35.00 per hour, depending on experience.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Profit Sharing
• Paid Time Off
• 8 Paid Holidays
• Company paid life and AD&D insurance
• Short‑term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Years of Service Recognition
• Voluntary Life Insurance for Employees, Spouses, and Dependents
• Critical Illness Plan
• Accident Coverage Plan
• Hospital Indemnity

Additional Information

Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal laws.

Subject to pre‑employment drug testing and background checks.