Heavy Equipment Operator

COP Construction LLC; North Salt Lake (UT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

COP Construction LLC is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to join our crew. You will operate excavators, loaders, backhoes, dozers, and graders on underground utility projects, digging trenches, setting grade, and supporting pipe crews installing water, sewer, and storm systems.

You will read grade stakes, follow plans, maintain safe trench conditions, and coordinate with foreman to keep production on track.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of heavy equipment operating experience.
• Knowledge of excavation safety and trenching practices.
• Ability to operate around crews, structures, and utilities.
• Experience reading plans, blueprints, and grade stakes.
• Strong communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment including excavators, loaders, backhoes, dozers, and graders.
• Dig trenches and support pipe crews installing underground utilities
• Load trucks with dirt, rock, and materials
• Read grade stakes and assist in maintaining proper elevations
• Locate and work safely around underground and overhead utilities
• Maintain OSHA-compliant excavations and safe trench conditions
• Perform daily equipment inspections and complete required documentation
• Monitor machine performance and identify maintenance needs
• Stay aware of surroundings—crew members, equipment, utilities, and hazards
• Adjust work based on soil conditions and job site requirements
• Work closely with Foreman and crew to keep production on track
• Secure and store equipment safely at the end of each shift

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety awareness

Read plans/blueprints

Teamwork

Independent work

Job description

Run the Machine. Control the Site. Get It Done Right.

At COP Construction, our operators don’t just move dirt—they set the pace for the entire job. We’re looking for a Heavy Equipment Operator who knows their machine, works with precision, and keeps production moving safely.

If you can run equipment with confidence, stay aware of your surroundings, and work as part of a tight crew, this is where you belong.

What This Role Is About

As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you play a key role in underground utility work—digging trenches, setting grade, and supporting pipe crews installing water, sewer, and storm systems.

You’re responsible for operating safely, protecting people and utilities, and producing clean, accurate work that the crew can build on.

What You’ll Do

• Operate heavy equipment including excavators, loaders, backhoes, dozers, and graders
• Dig trenches and support pipe crews installing underground utilities
• Load trucks with dirt, rock, and materials
• Read grade stakes and assist in maintaining proper elevations
• Locate and work safely around underground and overhead utilities
• Maintain OSHA-compliant excavations and safe trench conditions
• Perform daily equipment inspections and complete required documentation
• Monitor machine performance and identify maintenance needs
• Stay aware of surroundings—crew members, equipment, utilities, and hazards
• Adjust work based on soil conditions and job site requirements
• Work closely with Foreman and crew to keep production on track
• Secure and store equipment safely at the end of each shift

What It Takes

• Minimum 3 years of heavy equipment operating experience
  (construction, utilities, or industrial environments preferred)
• Strong knowledge of equipment operation, safety, and basic maintenance
• Ability to safely operate around crews, structures, and utilities
• Understanding of soil types, trenching, and excavation safety
• Ability to read plans, blueprints, and grade stakes
• Strong awareness and ability to recognize hazards before they become problems
• Good communication skills and ability to work with a team
• Ability to work independently while maintaining productivity
• Be a team participant committed to producing strong, measurable field performance while upholding COP’s Core Values: SAFETY, EXCELLENCE, INTEGRITY, TEAMWORK, POSITIVE ATTITUDE & DEDICATION

What You Can Expect From Us

• Safety is non-negotiable—we protect our people and our projects
• Well-maintained equipment and a crew that knows their job
• Steady work on meaningful infrastructure projects
• A team environment that values skill, accountability, and awareness
• Opportunity to grow your role and skillset

Work Environment

This is field work—outdoors, in changing weather, around active equipment and job site hazards. You’ll spend long hours in and around machinery, working closely with ground crews to keep projects moving.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, operate, and control equipment for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently when needed
• Ability to climb in and out of equipment and navigate job sites
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Strong hand-eye coordination and depth perception
• Must meet company drug and alcohol testing requirements
• Must be able to wear required PPE at all times

Join the Team

If you take pride in your work, run your equipment with precision, and understand the responsibility that comes with it—we want you on our crew.