Heavy Equipment Operator

S.E.T., Inc.; Lowellville (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Union scale wages

Full fringe benefits package

Job summary

S.E.T., Inc. is seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to run excavators, dozers, graders, loaders, rollers, and related machinery on road, bridge, and mass excavation projects across Ohio and Western PA.

This is a union position with compensation per the current CBA and a full fringe benefits package. You will work under a foreman or general foreman, travel may be required, and you must maintain safety standards, perform pre-shift inspections, and communicate clearly with spotters and

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years operating heavy equipment on heavy highway or civil projects.
• Ability to grade to tolerance with minimal rework.
• Strong understanding of trench safety and work zone hazards.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Willingness to travel and work out of town.
• Experience with GPS/machine control is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Operating assigned equipment safely and productively in tight work zones adjacent to live traffic.
• Reading and interpreting plans, cross-sections, and cut/fill information.
• Excavating and backfilling around live utilities, sloping and benching to trench safety requirements.
• Loading, spreading, and compacting stone base and structural fill to specified lift thickness.
• Performing daily pre-shift inspections, greasing, fueling, and routine maintenance; reporting defects immediately.
• Communicating with spotters, ground crew, and truck drivers using proper hand signals and radio protocol.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

GPS / machine control

Safety-conscious

Team communication

Willingness to travel

Tools

GPS/machine control systems (Trimble/Topcon/Leica)

Job description

Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Highway / Civil Construction — Union Position (IUOE)

Location: Lowellville, OH — projects throughout Ohio and Western PA

Job Type: Full-Time

Pay: Union scale per the applicable CBA — plus full fringe benefit package

Reports To: Foreman / General Foreman

About S.E.T., Inc.

S.E.T., Inc. is a growing heavy civil contractor specializing in highway, bridge, and infrastructure construction across Ohio and surrounding states. As a $100M+ contractor, we are focused on disciplined growth, operational excellence, and building strong internal systems to support long-term expansion.

We're hiring experienced Heavy Equipment Operators to run production equipment on active roadway, bridge, and mass excavation jobs.

Position Overview

The Heavy Equipment Operator runs excavators, dozers, graders, loaders, rollers, and other production equipment to grade, excavate, and place material to plan on active heavy highway and civil construction projects.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment You May Be Assigned

• Excavators — mass excavation, utility trenching, structure excavation, GPS/machine control
• Dozers — rough and fine grade, 3D machine control
• Motor Graders, Loaders, Backhoes and rubber-tire excavators
• Rollers / Compactors, off-road / articulated haul trucks and scrapers
• Pavers, milling machines, and screed
• Cranes — rough terrain, hydraulic truck, boom truck, crawler (NCCCO required)
• Skid steers, telehandlers, forklifts, drill rigs, and concrete pumps (if applicable)

Daily Duties

• Operating assigned equipment safely and productively in tight work zones adjacent to live traffic
• Working to grade from stakes, cut sheets, string line, laser, and GPS/3D machine control systems (Trimble, Topcon, Leica, or equivalent)
• Reading and interpreting plans, cross-sections, and cut/fill information
• Excavating and backfilling around live utilities, sloping and benching to trench safety requirements, and supporting the pipe crew
• Loading, spreading, and compacting stone base and structural fill to specified lift thickness and density
• Performing daily pre-shift inspections, greasing, fueling, and routine maintenance; reporting defects immediately
• Communicating with spotters, ground crew, and truck drivers using proper hand signals and radio protocol
• Maintaining spoil piles, haul roads, and equipment staging areas
• Following all safety policies, JSAs, lockout/tagout, and swing radius requirements

Qualifications

Required

• 3–5+ years operating heavy equipment on heavy highway or civil projects
• Demonstrated ability to grade to tolerance and produce finished work with minimal rework
• Strong understanding of trench safety, utility clearance, and work zone hazards
• Mechanical aptitude and genuine care for the iron you run
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required
• Willingness to travel and work out of town, including occasional out-of-state project assignments

Preferred

• Experience with GPS / machine control
• CDL Class A is a strong plus

Certifications (Current or Willing to Obtain)

• OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour Construction
• NCCCO certification — required for crane assignments
• MSHA Part 46/48 for aggregate or plant work
• Rigging and signalperson qualification
• Confined space, competent person / trench safety
• First Aid / CPR

Union Status

IUOE — International Union of Operating Engineers

This is a union position covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE).

Applicants who are not currently members in good standing of an Operating Engineers Union must be willing and able to join the Union and to maintain membership and pay applicable dues and fees, in accordance with the terms of the applicable collective bargaining agreement, as a condition of continued employment.

S.E.T., Inc will assist qualified candidates through the referral, registration, and onboarding process with the Local. Union membership provides access to IUOE apprenticeship and training centers, ongoing equipment and certification training, pension and annuity, health and welfare coverage, and portability of benefits across signatory contractors and jurisdictions — your benefits travel with you.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Climb on and off equipment repeatedly throughout the shift; sit and operate controls for extended periods
• Lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50–75 lbs. for maintenance and rigging tasks
• Work outdoors in all weather and on uneven ground
• Overtime, weekend, night shift, and out-of-town work may be required depending on the project
• Pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing per company, DOT, and CBA policy

What We're Looking For

• Someone with genuine care for the equipment they run
• A team player who communicates clearly with spotters and ground crew
• Comfortable working in tight work zones next to live traffic

Compensation & Benefits

• Union scale wages per the applicable CBA, by equipment classification
• Full fringe package: health and welfare, pension, annuity, and training funds
• Overtime, travel pay and per diem on out-of-town assignments
• Steady work with a contractor that keeps good operators busy

S.E.T., Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.