Heavy Equipment Operator

Hope Gas; Plant City (AL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid vacations

Paid holidays

Sick time

Job summary

Hope Gas is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to operate and maintain heavy‑duty power construction equipment used in maintenance and construction tasks. This full‑time, non‑exempt position requires strong safety awareness and the ability to work with crews on diverse project sites.

The role demands a valid CDL Class A license, hazmat/tanker endorsements, and the ability to perform under safety protocols and DOT guidelines.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• CDL Class A license with air‑brake qualification required to enter START level.
• Hazmat and tanker endorsements required to progress.
• Successful completion of required testing.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy‑duty track and/or wheel equipment 12,000+ lbs or tractor‑trailer with GVW 26,000+ lbs.
• Load and secure equipment for transport; obtain manifest and papers when required.
• Promote good public relations with customers and community.
• Prepare reports and records including DOT requirements for hazardous materials.
• Make minor repairs to equipment to keep it safe and functional.
• May direct other employees in assigned duties.
• Maintain compliance records and ensure equipment safety.
• Follow safety protocols and wear PPE as required by OSHA, DOT and company policies.
• Participate in safety meetings, training and drills.
• Identify and report unsafe conditions or hazards.

Skills

Safety focus

Regulatory compliance

Collaborative teamwork

Tech proficiency

Hazard response

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma

CDL Class A license

Hazmat endorsement

Tanker endorsement

Required testing

Job description

Joining the Hope Gas team means being part of a company that truly values its employees and fosters a supportive and inclusive work environment. We have built a strong reputation in West Virginia by prioritizing our commitment to the local community and the well‑being of our dedicated team. With the state's abundant natural resources and thriving energy sector, Hope Gas offers the perfect platform for ambitious individuals seeking career growth and stability. Not only will you find fulfilling career opportunities with us, but you'll also contribute to the sustainable growth and prosperity of West Virginia through our community engagement and environmental stewardship efforts. As we continue to deliver essential energy services to the region, we invite you to join us and become an integral part of our history, shaping our future together. Read more to discover the exciting possibilities waiting for you at Hope Gas!

Position Summary

The HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR is responsible for operating and maintaining various types of heavy‑duty power construction equipment used in operating, maintenance, and construction activities.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform a variety of duties incidental to the operation of heavy duty track and/or wheel‑mounted power construction equipment having an operating weight of 12,000# or more, and/or a tractor‑trailer with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight of 26,000# or more.
• Properly load and secure equipment for transport and operate vehicle used for such purpose. Obtain proper manifest and shipping papers when required.
• Promote good public relations.
• Prepare records and reports as required, including those pertinent to transporting hazardous material (e.g., Driver Inspection Report Form #2513) and other reports required by DOT. Pass all tests required by the Department of Transportation.
• Make minor repairs to equipment used in the performance of assigned duties, keeping the equipment in safe and proper working conditions.
• May direct other employees in the performance of assigned duties.
• Promote good customer and public relations.
• Maintain records documenting compliance with appropriate procedures and regulations.
• Ensure all equipment is maintained in safe, functional, and compliant working conditions.
• May perform other duties as required in higher or lower job classifications as appropriate based upon operator qualifications (OQs).
• Follow all safety protocols and wear appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), complying with all OSHA, DOT, and company‑specific safety regulations.
• Participate in safety meetings, training, and emergency response drills as appropriate.
• Identify and report unsafe conditions or potential hazards.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Serve as an Individual Contributor without supervisory responsibilities.
• Support and contribute towards team goals and objectives.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Commitment to maintaining a respectful and safety‑focused work environment.
• Capable of performing job duties in compliance with environmental and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to follow instructions and work collaboratively with crews, supervisors, and contractors.
• Competence in using computers, mobile devices, and/or field technology for work orders and reporting.
• Ability to recognize and respond to hazardous conditions and emergency situations, making safe, effective decisions under pressure.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills for reporting hazards, incidents, and job progress.

Education & Work Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent, required.
• At least two (2) years of experience in the natural gas industry, preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a valid class A (CDL) driver’s license, air‑brake qualified to be awarded or otherwise enter the START‑level role.
• Must additionally possess and maintain hazmat and tanker endorsements to be awarded or progress to LEVEL I or LEVEL II.
• Successful completion of required testing.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 53 pounds independently and to team‑lift heavier loads safely following established safety procedures.
• Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, kneel, and/or crouch for extended periods of time, at times in confined spaces and/or awkward positions.
• Ability to climb ladders, stairs, etc. and appropriately maintain balance.
• Ability to navigate uneven, rough, or sloped terrain in all types of outdoor environments and conditions (e.g., construction sites, fields, roadside, etc. with exposure to dust/dirt, insects, heat, cold, rain, snow, etc.).
• Visual acuity to read site plans, maps, drawings, etc.
• Adequate hearing to respond to traffic and other job site hazards.
• Ability to operate a company vehicle safely in accordance with safe driving principles and frequently get in and out of a vehicle throughout the workday.
• Ability to properly utilize all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including but not limited to safety glasses, gloves, hard hats, hearing protection, protective clothing, etc. and perform duties for extended periods of time utilizing appropriate PPE.

WORK CONTEXT

• This is a full‑time non‑exempt hourly position.
• Successful candidates will be expected to respond to emergencies, working Extended Day and Callout Overtime as needed, including after hours, weekends, and holidays.
• This position will be required to report to the assigned City Plant.

SAFETY SENSITIVE

This is considered a safety‑sensitive job and as such is subject to random drug testing as required by the U.S. Department of Transportation (D.O.T.).

Benefits

At Hope, we offer a variety of plans and programs that reflect the wants and needs of our employees. As part of our mission to support our employees within the workspace and outside of it, we provide a comprehensive benefits package that offers health insurance including Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA and HSA with a company match. Income protection such as Company‑Paid Life Insurance, Sickness Benefits, and more are also available. Hope Gas offers a 401(k) plan that incorporates a company contribution and a company match. Paid vacations, paid holidays, floating holidays and sick time are available alongside other lifestyle benefits such as Adoption Assistance, Auto/Home Insurance, Education Assistance Programs, and so much more! These benefits, programs and perks are offered to enhance your physical, mental, emotional, and financial wellbeing because here at Hope you are not just an employee, you are family.

Join our team because together we can accomplish a job worth doing, and a life worth living.