Heavy Civil Construction Operator

RUTS Construction; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 38,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

RUTS Construction in Austin, TX is seeking a Heavy Civil Construction Equipment Operator. You will operate backhoes, bulldozers, skid steer loaders, and trenchers on excavation and utility projects, ensuring safety and adherence to plans.

Daily tasks include equipment inspections, loading materials, and supporting the crew under project schedules. A HS diploma and 5 years of experience are expected; OSHA certifications are preferred. This full-time role may require overtime and varied shifts.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Five years of heavy equipment operation experience.
• OSHA 10 preferred, OSHA 30 preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operates heavy equipment (backhoes, bulldozers, skid steer loaders, trenchers) on construction sites.
• Observe underground utilities via flags and ground markings.
• Excavate to specified dimensions from drawings and grade markers.
• Perform backfilling, grading, and load materials for transport.
• Transport tools and crew to site in company vehicle.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance and inspections.
• Undertake other ground maintenance tasks as assigned.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Equipment operation proficiency

Safety awareness

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Heavy Civil Construction Equipment Operator

Application Deadline: 2 October 2026

Department: Operations

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Austin, TX

Reporting To: Daniel Barron

Compensation: $0.00 - $33.00 / hour

Description

The Heavy Civil Construction Equipment Operator will take on the vital responsibility of executing tasks related to operating heavy equipment, with a focus on excavation, backfilling, and loading. They will work diligently, both independently and collaboratively, adhering to established procedures and guidelines. Daily equipment inspections and compliance with safety standards are of utmost importance. This role also requires a keen awareness of safety requirements, as it involves working in a dynamic construction environment with various physical challenges. The Heavy Equipment Operator will be required to work under various weather conditions to ensure that safety remains a top priority.

Key Responsibilities

• Operates heavy equipment (backhoes, bulldozers, skid steer loaders, trenchers, etc.) used in building construction, landscape construction, and utility excavation/installation/maintenance projects.
• Observes and examines colored flags and ground markings indicating the location of underground utilities and structures.
• Excavates dimensions as specified by construction drawings, sketches, grade markers, and/or verbal instructions.
• Performs backfilling and grading operations to specified grades. Loads flatbed truck, dump truck, or pickup truck with excavated soils or building materials such as stone, sand, aggregate, or asphalt.
• Drives crew truck and tow trailers to transport tools, crew, and equipment to the site.
• Performs preventative maintenance such as general equipment cleaning, checking fluid levels, lubrication, maintaining tire pressures, and changing implements or attachments.
• Performs other ground maintenance tasks as assigned.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Knowledge of heavy equipment used in excavation, backfilling, and loading operations, including their capacities and physical limitations.
• Proficiency in operating various equipment, such as wheel or crawler-type backhoes, large and small tractors, skid steer loaders, trenchers, grader blades, flatbed trucks, pickup trucks, hand, and portable electric tools, with the ability to excavate and move materials precisely.
• Spatial awareness to understand your location in relation to the environment and the position of other objects.
• Capacity to work safely and efficiently in the role.

Minimum Requirements:

• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Experience: Five years of heavy equipment operation.
• Certifications/Licenses: OSHA 30 preferred, minimum OSHA 10 preferred.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position. 40 hours per week with an opportunity for overtime (as project schedule allows). This position typically involves standard business hours, it may frequently require flexibility, including long hours, weekend work, night work, overtime, travel and remaining on-call.

Physical Demands:

The role involves a variety of physical activities, including sitting, standing, walking, driving, climbing, squatting, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, bending, lifting weights of up to 50 lbs multiple times per shift, using fingers for tasks, communicating verbally, listening, and maintaining visual perception.

Work Environment:

The work environment involves an equal balance of indoor and outdoor settings. There may be potential exposure to extreme hot or cold temperatures for periods exceeding one hour. Workers may experience distracting or uncomfortable noise levels and vibrations affecting the body or extremities. There is a risk of bodily injury from mechanical parts and electricity. Additionally, there's a possibility of exposure to fumes, odors, or other substances that may impact respiration and skin. RUTS Construction is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All aspects of employment are based on performance, competence, and business needs. We hire individuals without regard to race, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by Federal, State, or Local law.