Heavy Equipment Operator

Cleveland Carter Enterprises, Inc.; Forest Park (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Cleveland Carter Enterprises, Inc. in Forest Park, GA seeks a safety‑conscious Heavy Equipment Operator with 3+ years of underground utility experience to join our team.

You will operate excavators, loaders, dozers, and related machinery, perform trenching, read grade stakes, and maintain strict safety standards. Responsibilities include daily inspections, equipment maintenance, and working a flexible schedule to meet project deadlines.

Qualifications

• Minimum age 21 years.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Minimum of three (3) years of heavy equipment operating experience in underground utility or civil construction.
• Demonstrated experience operating excavators, loaders, dozers, compactors, and related heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of trench safety systems, excavation practices, and utility construction methods.
• Ability to read grade stakes and understand site plans preferred.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate heavy construction equipment including excavators, bulldozers, compactors, articulated trucks, frontend loaders, skid steers and motor graders.
• Perform excavation work for underground sewer, water, and storm utility installations while maintaining proper trench safety procedures.
• Set and work around trench boxes, shoring systems, and other excavation protection equipment.
• Read grade stakes, follow grading plans, and perform medium to fine grading operations.
• Complete daily pre-operation equipment inspections and report any mechanical deficiencies immediately.
• Ensure all equipment is properly fueled, lubricated, and maintained before and during operation.
• Grease equipment fittings before leaving the yard and throughout the workday as necessary.
• Keep equipment clean, including windshields, mirrors, and operator compartments, to maintain safe visibility.
• Operate equipment safely around underground utilities, structures, traffic, pedestrians, and fellow employees.
• Follow all OSHA, company, and project-specific safety regulations.
• Wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Assist with general labor duties when equipment operation is not required.
• Work efficiently to meet project schedules while maintaining quality workmanship.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support operational goals.

Skills

Basic math

Reading

Written communication

Heavy equipment operation

Grade stakes interpretation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Position Summary

Cleveland Carter Enterprises, Inc. (CCE)—a leading underground utilities construction company specializing in 24/7 emergency sewer and water repair—is seeking an experienced and safety-conscious Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team in Forest Park, GA. The ideal candidate will have experience operating a variety of heavy construction equipment in underground utility installations and excavations ranging from 8 to 24 feet deep. This position requires a strong commitment to safety, precision, productivity, and teamwork while working in challenging construction environments.

Essential Responsibilities

• Safely operate heavy construction equipment including excavators, bulldozers, compactors, articulated trucks, frontend loaders, skid steers (Bobcats), and motor graders.
• Perform excavation work for underground sewer, water, and storm utility installations while maintaining proper trench safety procedures.
• Set and work around trench boxes, shoring systems, and other excavation protection equipment.
• Read grade stakes, follow grading plans, and perform medium to fine grading operations.
• Complete daily pre-operation equipment inspections and report any mechanical deficiencies immediately.
• Ensure all equipment is properly fueled, lubricated, and maintained before and during operation.
• Grease equipment fittings before leaving the yard and throughout the workday as necessary.
• Keep equipment clean, including windshields, mirrors, and operator compartments, to maintain safe visibility.
• Operate equipment safely around underground utilities, structures, traffic, pedestrians, and fellow employees.
• Follow all OSHA, company, and project-specific safety regulations.
• Wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Assist with general labor duties when equipment operation is not required.
• Work efficiently to meet project schedules while maintaining quality workmanship.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support operational goals.

Behavioral / Performance Expectations

• SafetyFocused: Consistently follows all OSHA, excavation safety, and company safety standards.
• Reliable & Punctual: Reports to work on time and prepared for each shift.
• TeamOriented: Works collaboratively with supervisors, pipelayers, laborers, and other crew members.
• Professional: Demonstrates respect for coworkers, customers, and the public.
• Accountable: Takes ownership of assigned equipment, job responsibilities, and workmanship.
• Adaptable: Willingly adjusts to changing job site conditions, schedules, and project needs.

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 21 years.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Minimum of three (3) years of heavy equipment operating experience in underground utility or civil construction.
• Demonstrated experience operating excavators, loaders, dozers, compactors, and related heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of trench safety systems, excavation practices, and utility construction methods.
• Ability to read grade stakes and understand site plans preferred.

Skills

• Basic math, reading, and written communication skills.
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment for extended periods, including shifts up to 12 hours.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, humidity, rain, wind, and cold.
• Ability to work safely around dust, vibration, loud noise, confined work areas, and moving equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds (team lift required for heavier materials).
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Must possess a smartphone and be comfortable using company technology and communication platforms.
• Must be available to work nights, weekends, overtime, and holidays as project needs require.