Heavy Equipment Operator

Lee Contracting; Midland (MI); On-site; USD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Lee Industrial Contracting is seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to join our Midland-area team. You will operate excavators, bulldozers, loaders, and related machinery on underground construction projects, following plans and safety protocols.

Responsibilities include site preparation, grading, material handling, and performing routine maintenance while coordinating with supervisors and engineers. A valid CDL or driver’s license and a strong safety mindset are required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years heavy equipment operation in underground construction.
• Basic math and geometry to determine area, elevation, and pitch for excavation plans.
• Competent in soil analysis – recognizing ground conditions.
• Experienced in trenching and excavating – shoring, sloping and shielding.
• Knowledge of removal and installation of underground utilities and line openings.
• Basic equipment inspection and maintenance.
• Ability to work effectively with all personality types.
• Ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Self-directed and can work independently.
• Valid driver’s license – Chauffeurs preferred

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy machinery to perform digging, grading, and material handling.
• Prepare construction sites by clearing debris, grading terrain, and moving materials according to plans.
• Perform routine maintenance checks and minor repairs to ensure uptime.
• Adhere to safety regulations and conduct pre-operation inspections.
• Work with site supervisors, laborers, and engineers for project execution.
• Load, unload, and transport materials using heavy equipment.
• Daily equipment maintenance and reporting of service needs.
• Identify and address site challenges promptly and adjust operations as needed.
• Communicate effectively with crew, leadership, and customers.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Troubleshooting

Verbal & written instructions

Tools

Forklift operation

Boom lift

Scissor lift

Telehandler

Skid steer

Bulldozer

Backhoe

Excavator

Mobile crane

Laser level

Power tools

Job description

Founded in 1989, Lee Industrial Contracting is a 100% employee-owned company based in Pontiac, Michigan. We are the premier industrial contractor of choice for a broad variety of equipment installation, construction, and service projects. As employee-owners, we all strive to demonstrate the core values of Safety, Teamwork, Integrity, and Dedication each and every day. As a team, our mission is to provide our customers with the finest people, material, and equipment available. We encourage anyone who shares our values to apply today!

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy machinery, including but not limited to excavators, bulldozers, loaders, graders, and backhoes, to perform construction tasks such as digging, grading, and material handling.
• Prepare construction sites by clearing debris, grading terrain, and moving materials to designated areas according to project plans and specifications.
• Perform routine maintenance checks and minor repairs on equipment to ensure optimal performance and prevent breakdowns. Report any major mechanical issues to the maintenance team.
• Adhere to all safety regulations and protocols while operating machinery. Conduct pre-operation safety inspections and ensure that safety equipment is used correctly.
• Work closely with other construction team members, including site supervisors, laborers, and engineers, to ensure smooth and efficient project execution.
• Load, unload, and transport materials using heavy machinery. Ensure materials are handled and placed accurately to meet project requirements.
• Daily maintenance of equipment – inspection & minor maintenance, lubrication, fueling, and reporting of service needs.
• Identify and address any operational or site-related challenges promptly. Adjust equipment operations as needed to accommodate changing conditions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact with crew, leadership, and customers.

Requirements

• 5+ years heavy equipment operation in underground construction experience.
• Basic math and geometry to determine area, elevation, and pitch for excavation plans.
• Competent in soil analysis – recognizing ground conditions.
• Experienced in trenching and excavating – shoring, sloping and shielding.
• Knowledge of the procedure of removal and installation of underground utilities and line openings.
• Basic equipment inspection and maintenance.
• Ability to work effectively with all personality types
• Ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions
• Self-directed and can work independently
• Valid driver’s license – Chauffeurs preferred

Preferred Requirements

• CDL-A license & DOT Med card
• Knowledge of the procedure of removal and installation of underground utilities and line openings.

Equipment & Tool Experience

• Basic operation of trucks & equipment, including utilize pick-up to pull a trailer
• Trailer loading and securing of material & equipment
• Forklift Operation - Material Handling up to 10,000lbs.
• Aerial -lift operation - boom lift preferred
• Aerial -lift operation - scissor lift preferred
• Telehandler operation experience preferred
• Skid steer - demo, grading, material handling
• Roller operation
• Bulldozer - basic operation and rough grading required, proficient with fine grading preferred
• Proficient with backhoe, loader and excavator
• Mobile crane certified & qualified (NCCER/NCCCO) preferred
• Basic power hand tools
• Laser level

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to ascend and descend ladders, scaffolds, stairs and work in confined spaces and in proximity to loud equipment.
• Must be able to position one-self to work in confined spaces such as trenches, pits, manholes, attics and tunnels.
• Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move up to 50 pounds regularly/occasionally
• Must be able to respond quickly to auditory alarms, visual signals, or other effective means to communicate hazards
• Must be able to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces.
• Must be able to work in cold/hot environments.
• Must be able to traverse irregular and steep terrain.