Heavy Equipment Operator

Skillforce; Concord (CA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Referral program

Vision insurance

Job summary

Skillforce is seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator for civil and environmental excavation in Concord, CA. The role pays $45–$55 per hour, with a Monday–Friday schedule averaging 45–50 hours weekly.

The operator will handle mass excavation, fine grading with lasers, and work near utilities and sensitive areas, ensuring safety and production. 5+ years of experience and ability to read plans are required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of equipment operating experience in civil or environmental work.
• Ability to read grading stakes and civil plans.
• Experience with shoring systems and trench safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators, dozers, loaders, and skid steers on active sites.
• Perform mass excavation and precise soil removal within tolerances.
• Grade using laser levels and grade stakes per plans.
• Work around utilities and sensitive areas while maintaining safety.
• Coordinate with laborers and foreman during operations.
• Load trucks and feed processing equipment; inspect equipment daily.

Skills

Excavator operation

Mass excavation

Grading with laser levels

Reading civil plans

Shoring systems/trench safety

Team communication

Tools

Laser levels

Grade stakes

Trench shoring equipment

Job description

Heavy Equipment Operator (Civil / Environmental Excavation)
Pay: $ 45 – $ 55 /hour
Location: Concord, CA

Skillforce is hiring an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator who can handle both mass excavation and technical work in the field.

This isn’t just moving dirt. We’re looking for someone who can work around tight tolerances, understand what’s on the plans, and stay in sync with the crew to keep production moving safely and efficiently. Schedule is Monday through Friday, averaging 45 to 50 hours per week.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Operating excavators (mini up to 120k lb.), dozers, loaders, and skid steers
• Performing mass excavation and precise soil removal in active job sites
• Executing fine grading using laser levels and grade stakes
• Working around utilities, structures, and environmentally sensitive areas
• Installing and working around trench shoring systems (slide rail, trench boxes, etc.)
• Coordinating with laborers, spotters, and foreman during excavation operations
• Performing layout support including marking excavation limits and alignments
• Running long reach equipment when needed for deep or specialty excavation
• Loading trucks and feeding screening or processing equipment
• Completing daily equipment inspections and maintaining safe operation

What We’re Looking For:

• 5+ years of equipment operating experience in civil or environmental work
• Strong excavator skills with both production and technical excavation
• Ability to read grading stakes and understand civil plans
• Experience working with shoring systems and trench safety practices
• Comfortable working in tight spaces, around utilities, and in active sites
• Team player who can communicate well with crews and field leadership

Certifications:

• HAZWOPER (preferred, can be provided if needed)
• OSHA 10 or 30 (training available if needed)
• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance