Heavy Equipment Operator

Upchurch; Alabama; On-site; USD 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and holiday pay

Certification assistance

Job summary

Upchurch is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to support site preparation and construction tasks, operating excavators, bulldozers, loaders, and other machinery. You will read grade stakes and blueprints, coordinate with crew, and maintain equipment.

The role emphasizes OSHA safety, daily inspections, and compliance with site rules. Candidates should have 2–5 years of experience and valid CDL if available; GPS familiarity is a plus. Upchurch offers competitive pay and benefits.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of proven experience operating heavy equipment on commercial, industrial, or civil sites.
• CDL Class A or B license preferred but not mandatory; NCCER or similar certifications preferred.
• Ability to read grade stakes, site plans, and blueprints; GPS experience desirable (Topcon/Trimble).
• Physically able to lift up to 50 lbs and work in varying weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Equipment Operation: Safe and efficient operation of excavators, bulldozers, loaders, backhoes, graders, and trenchers.
• Maintenance & Inspection: Daily pre/post inspections; report defects; keep cab clean and safe.
• Safety & Compliance: Follow OSHA and site safety rules; identify hazards and participate in toolbox talks.

Skills

Reading blueprints

GPS systems familiarity

Communication

Team coordination

Education

CDL Class A/B

NCCER certification

Tools

Topcon GPS

Trimble GPS

Job description

Company Overview

Upchurch is a rapidly growing, full-service building engineering company providing mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services across the southeastern United States. Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Horn Lake, MS, Upchurch has grown through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, establishing a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and service excellence. We offer end-to-end solutions—from design and installation to ongoing maintenance and emergency support—helping clients maximize building performance, energy efficiency, and equipment lifespan.

Position Summary

We are seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for operating a variety of heavy machinery to move earth, clear terrain, and assist with various site preparation and construction tasks. The ideal candidate has sharp attention to detail, a strong commitment to OSHA safety standards, and takes pride in maintaining the equipment they run.

Key Responsibilities

1. Equipment Operation

• Safe and efficient operation of heavy machinery including, but not limited to: excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders, backhoes, graders, and trenchers.
• Examine blueprints, grade stakes, and site specifications to move earth, smooth terrain, and dig trenches to exact measurements.
• Coordinate machine actions with crew members, hand signals, and grade checkers to ensure seamless production.

2. Maintenance & Inspection

• Perform daily pre-operation and post-operation inspections (checking fluids, grease points, tracks/tires, and hydraulic systems).
• Report any mechanical defects, wear and tear, or malfunctions to the equipment manager or maintenance shop immediately.
• Keep the machine cab clean, organized, and free of safety hazards.

3. Safety & Compliance

• Strictly adhere to all OSHA, company, and site-specific safety regulations.
• Identify and report potential job site hazards, such as overhead power lines or underground utilities (ensuring 811 locates are clear before digging).
• Participate actively in daily toolbox talks and safety meetings.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2-5 years of proven experience operating heavy equipment on commercial, industrial, or civil construction sites.
• Certifications: Valid driver’s license required (CDL Class A or B is a major plus but not always mandatory). NCCER or specialized equipment operation certifications preferred.
• Technical Skills: Ability to read and interpret grade stakes, site plans, and blueprints. Familiarity with GPS grading systems (like Topcon or Trimble) is highly desirable.
• Physical Demands: Ability to work in various weather conditions (heat, dust, cold), lift up to 50 lbs, and climb on/off large machinery comfortably.

What We Look For (The Right Fit)

• A reliable professional who shows up on time and respects the iron.
• A team player who communicates clearly with field supervisors and ground crews.
• A sharp eye for production quality — knowing how to hit grade efficiently without taking unsafe shortcuts.

Benefits:

• Competitive pay based on experience.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off and holiday pay.
• Opportunities for professional development and certification assistance.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Upchurch Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.