Heavy Equipment Operator

Turner Mining Group; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Overtime

Per-diem

Job summary

Turner Mining Group is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team. You will drive excavators, haul trucks, and dozers on surface mines and quarries with GPS guidance to meet production targets.

The role requires 3+ years of equipment operation in mining or heavy civil settings, a CDL or MSHA certification, and the stamina for long shifts in all weather. You will work with a maintenance team and report to the Site Superintendent on multi-site projects.

Qualifications

• 3+ years operating excavators, haul trucks, or dozers in mining/quarry/large civil environments.
• Valid CDL or MSHA Part 46/48 certification or willingness to obtain.
• Ability to read grade stakes and mine plans and use GPS/laser systems to hit specs.
• Record of zero preventable incidents and proper pre/post-op documentation.
• Ability to work 10-12 hour shifts in all weather and adapt to changing site conditions.

Responsibilities

• Move 95%+ of assigned material volumes on schedule by operating equipment to plan and adjust to ground conditions.
• Aim for zero lost-time incidents by performing pre-op inspections and following safety protocols.
• Maintain 90%+ equipment availability through daily checks and coordination with maintenance.
• Hit grade and pit specs within tolerance by reading plans and using GPS/laser guidance.
• Reduce idle time and fuel waste by optimizing cycle times while maintaining safety and quality.
• Mentor a newer operator each quarter to operate a full shift within 60 days.

Skills

Operate excavators

Operate haul trucks

Operate dozers

GPS/laser systems use

Pre-op inspections

CDL certification / MSHA

Tools

GPS/laser systems

Job description

Heavy Equipment Operator

At Turner Mining Group, we make life better for the mining industry by delivering safe, high-quality contract mining services that help partners optimize production. As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you will sit in the seat that moves the earth—literally—driving production, protecting people, and turning mine plans into measurable tons moved. Your precision and ownership directly determine whether a site hits its targets while every teammate goes home safe.

Performance Objectives

• Move 95%+ of assigned material volumes on schedule by operating excavators, haul trucks, dozers, and loaders to plan, adjusting in real time to ground conditions.
• Achieve zero lost-time incidents on your shift by executing pre-op inspections, following blast and haul protocols, and stopping work the moment something feels off.
• Maintain 90%+ equipment availability through daily checks, timely defect reporting, and partnership with mechanics to keep machines producing.
• Hit grade, slope, and pit-design specs within 2 inches on 90% of cuts by reading plans, using GPS/laser systems, and communicating with survey and supervisors.
• Reduce idle time and fuel waste 10% quarter-over-quarter by optimizing cycle times, spotting, and load factors without sacrificing safety or quality.
• Mentor one new or less-experienced operator per quarter so they independently run a full shift to standard within 60 days.

Environment & Resources

You report to the Site Superintendent and work alongside a tight crew of operators, laborers, and mechanics on active surface mines and quarries. You’ll have modern heavy equipment with GPS guidance, a dedicated maintenance team, and full access to safety gear, training, and site-specific plans. Travel between Midwest and regional projects is expected; per-diem and rotation support are provided.

Essential Qualifications

• 3+ years operating excavators, haul trucks, or dozers in mining, quarry, or heavy civil environments with a proven production record.
• Valid CDL or ability to obtain one; MSHA Part 46/48 certification or willingness to complete immediately.
• Demonstrated ability to read grade stakes, mine plans, and use onboard GPS/laser systems to hit specs.
• Track record of zero preventable incidents and consistent pre-op/post-op documentation.
• Physical capability to work 10-12 hour shifts in all weather, climb equipment, and respond to changing site conditions.

Role Selling Points

• People-first culture that treats operators as skilled professionals, not just “equipment.”
• Direct impact on multi-mine production for partners in aggregates, minerals, and metals.
• Modern fleet and GPS tech plus real investment in training and advancement into lead or supervisory roles.
• Competitive pay, overtime, per-diem, and a company that measures success by safety and tons, not just hours.