Heavy Equipment Operator

horstgroup; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Dental Vision

401K match

Short Term Disability

Group Life and AD&D

Identity Fraud Protection

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Tuition Assistance

Referral Bonus

Job summary

Horst Group is seeking an Equipment Operator to operate excavators, dozers, loaders, and related machinery on diverse excavation projects in the Lancaster area. The role emphasizes safety, quality, and effective communication with supervision.

The ideal candidate has experience operating excavating heavy equipment, a valid driver's license, and the ability to read and follow job-site safety plans. Excellent benefits accompany this opportunity and the company supports career growth.

Qualifications

• Requires basic academic education, through at least 8th grade (or equivalent). Vocational training preferred.
• Must be able to read, write, understand and communicate effectively in English.
• Must have some prior experience operating excavating heavy equipment.
• Minimum 1 year of general labor experience in excavation required.
• Must have ability to apply basic shop mathematics.
• Basic skill level in use of measuring instruments and simple tools required.
• A current valid driver's license is required.
• Will be required to obtain all clearances required to work on school projects, including but not limited to the Pennsylvania and Federal criminal history records, fingerprint submission, Act 34 background check, and Act 151 child abuse clearances.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintains excavating machinery and equipment.
• Operates heavy equipment of various sizes and weights used in road, utility, site, or highway construction projects.
• Assists in the installation and maintenance of traffic control devices.
• Properly follows company policies and safety standards, as well as job site specific safety plan. Communicates any observed deviations from the project specifications to their supervisor.
• Performs routine inspection and preventative maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or needed repairs to supervisor; cleans equipment.
• Is attentive to and participates in the total quality process. Communicates any concerns or potential long‑term performance issues to their supervisor.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

English communication

Safety compliance

Education

8th grade+ education

Job description

Horst Excavating has been a trusted leader in the site‑work industry for more than 65 years. We are seeking individuals who are motivated to work, learn, and build long‑term careers in the field of excavation.

We are a company committed to growth, and we take pride in fostering a culture that values teamwork, respect, and work–life balance. At Horst Excavating, you are not just another employee-you are a recognized and valued member of the team.

If you are looking to join an organization where your contributions matter and your development is supported, we invite you to consider building your career with us.

Equipment Operator

Operate heavy equipment such as excavators, dozers, loaders, wheel loaders, skid loaders, and backhoes on a variety of excavation projects.

Self-Perform Skills Expectations

As a crucial part of Horst Excavation's Self-Perform team, you'll be expected to perform the following with the highest degree of precision and quality:

• Operate and maintains excavating machinery and equipment.


• Operates heavy equipment of various sizes and weights used in road, utility, site, or highway construction projects.


• Assists in the installation and maintenance of traffic control devices.


• Properly follows company policies and safety standards, as well as job site specific safety plan. Communicates any observed deviations from the project specifications to their supervisor.


• Performs routine inspection and preventative maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or needed repairs to supervisor; cleans equipment.


• Is attentive to and participates in the total quality process. Communicates any concerns or potential long‑term performance issues to their supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires basic academic education, through at least 8th grade (or equivalent). Vocational training preferred.


• Must be able to read, write, understand and communicate effectively in English.


• Must have some prior experience operating excavating heavy equipment.


• Minimum 1 year of general labor experience in excavation required.


• Must have ability to apply basic shop mathematics.


• Basic skill level in use of measuring instruments and simple tools required.


• A current valid driver's license is required.


• Will be required to obtain all clearances required to work on school projects, including but not limited to the Pennsylvania and Federal criminal history records, fingerprint submission, Act 34 background check, and Act 151 child abuse clearances.

Excellent Benefits

• Affordable and customizable Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage


• Generous 401K match and profit sharing plan


• Employer covered Short Term Disability


• Employer covered Group Term Life and AD&D Insurance Program


• Employer covered Identity Fraud Protection


• Generous paid vacation policy


• Paid holidays / Generous Vacation


• Tuition Assistance


• Referral Bonus

If you are interested in joining an established commercial excavation firm with a long‑standing reputation for quality work and dependability.

Only qualified candidates will be considered.

Horst Group is an EEO employer and maintains a drug free work place.