Heavy Equipment Operator

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

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health insurance

Paid time off

Referral program

Vision insurance

Job summary

Skillforce is seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator for civil/environmental excavation in Concord, CA. Pay ranges from $45–$55 per hour, with a 5+ day workweek and 45–50 hours weekly.

The role requires precise grading, laser-level use, and coordination with the foreman and crew to ensure safety and productivity. This position emphasizes working near utilities and sensitive areas, trenching operations, and strict adherence to trench safety standards.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators (up to 120k lb), dozers, loaders, and skid steers.
• Perform mass excavation and precise soil removal.
• Execute fine grading using laser levels and grade stakes.
• Work around utilities, structures, and environmentally sensitive areas.
• Install and work around trench shoring systems (slide rail, trench boxes).
• Coordinate with laborers, spotters, and foreman during excavation operations.
• Perform layout support marking excavation limits and alignments.
• Run long reach equipment for deep or specialty excavation.
• Load trucks and feed screening or processing equipment.
• Complete daily equipment inspections and maintain safe operation.

Skills

Equipment operation

Reading civil plans

Communication

Team player

Safety awareness

Tools

Excavator operation

Dozer operation

Loader operation

Skid steer operation

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