Experienced Heavy Equipment Operator

Watson Excavating Inc.; Turbotville (Northumberland County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work shirts & gear allowance

Health coverage

Retirement plan

Paid holidays

Bonuses

Job summary

Watson Excavating Inc. in Turbotville, PA is seeking skilled heavy equipment operators to join a small, hands-on crew. You will run excavators and dozers to establish grade and support fast-moving projects near Turbotville, with home nights and weekends.

The role emphasizes precision grading, GPS capability, teamwork on a three-person crew, and opportunities across commercial, residential, and agricultural sites.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years experience operating heavy equipment including bulldozers.
• Experience on small commercial sites with precise grading.
• Comfortable with GPS but can operate without it.
• Willing to move between jobs and help as needed.

Responsibilities

• Prepare sites for underground utilities across commercial, residential, and agricultural projects
• Build base grades within 1/2" tolerance by fine-grading stone
• Operate appropriate equipment and assist crew after machine work
• Work in a 3-person crew with a Foreman

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

GPS machine control

Team player

Willing to adapt roles

Job description

Run excavators and dozers where 1/2" grade actually matters. Small crews, local work, home nights and weekends.

About Watson Excavating Inc.

We’re a third‑generation earthwork contractor with deep roots and long‑term partners who trust our work. As a small, hands‑on team, we stay close to the field. You’ll often see the owners on site running equipment and pitching in with the crew. Our projects range from commercial and residential to agricultural work, covering clearing, demolition, grading, utilities, and paving prep.

How You'll Get To Contribute

As project volume grows, we’re adding Operators who can help expand crew capacity while maintaining the level of precision our work requires. Run excavators and dozers to establish grade and complete excavation work, supporting crews that move quickly from project to project, making sure sites are built correctly the first time.

What You'll Get To Do

• Prepare sites for underground utilities across commercial, residential, and agricultural projects
• Build base grades that hold up over time by placing and fine‑grading stone within 1/2" tolerance
• Keep projects moving by running the right machine for each stage of the job and jumping in with the crew once machine work is finished
• Keep projects running smoothly with a tight 3‑person crew and a working Foreman

Typical Schedule

Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM, about 55 hours per week. Most jobs are within about one hour of the shop in Turbotville, PA. Travel time is paid for jobs farther than one hour away.

Who You Are

• You have at least 3 years experience operating heavy equipment, including bulldozers
• You’re comfortable working on smaller commercial sites where precision grading matters
• You see GPS as a helpful tool, but still know how to run equipment accurately without relying on it
• You like moving between different jobs instead of staying on the same project for months
• You’re happiest wearing multiple hats on a crew, jumping in to help, rather than running one machine all day

Even Better But Not Required

• GPS machine control experience
• CDL license

Tools & Technology

• Work with modern equipment, including a full fleet of new trucks and machines, GPS on four units, and a data collector for setup and layout
• Use practical software tools that support efficiency, including estimating and scheduling programs, GPS integration, and CloudRig for production tracking and field performance visibility
• Be part of a company that’s constantly upgrading and improving systems, including the relaunch of CloudRig to better fit how our team works

Stability & Local Work

• Enjoy steady, year‑round work within an hour of Turbotville, PA. No long‑distance travel or seasonal layoffs
• Our tight‑knit crew sticks together, with most team members having two or more years here, a consistency that keeps training light and productivity high

Pay & Benefits

• Company‑provided work shirts, hard hats, and gear allowance for Ariat Crew apparel
• Full health coverage (single through family), plus vision, life insurance, and short‑ and long‑term disability
• Company‑paid retirement: We contribute $1.50 per hour worked, whether you contribute or not
• 10 paid holidays and 5 days of vacation to start
• Annual performance bonuses with plans for a structured system that ties rewards to measurable results

Culture & Growth

• Be part of a family‑run company where the owners stay hands‑on and involved
• Join a team that values stability, respect, and collaboration. People here know each other, and it shows in the way we work
• Follow a clear learning pathway with transparent pay ranges, expectations, and advancement steps
• Get regular feedback and recognition, without unnecessary formality. Raises and reviews happen naturally as performance grows

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status. We are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within our workplace and creating an environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported. We comply with all applicable laws governing EEO and affirmative action and ensure that all employment decisions are made solely based on job‑related qualifications and merit.