Heavy Equipment Operator

Hodges Transportation; Silver Springs (NV); On-site; USD 36,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

NATC/Hodges Transportation seeks a Heavy Equipment Operator for our Silver Springs, NV site. You will support test courses and maintenance using excavators, bulldozers, loaders, and trucks, ensuring safety and efficiency.

This full-time, on-site role requires 4+ years of experience, a valid Nevada CDL, and the ability to work in varied weather and terrain to meet test needs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 4 years of heavy equipment experience.
• Valid Nevada CDL and clean driving record (≤2 points in 3 years).
• Able to operate graders, bulldozers, medium and light trucks, and trailers.
• Knowledge of heavy equipment operations and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy construction equipment (excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, loaders).
• Transport and unload equipment and materials.
• Perform routine inspections and preventive maintenance.
• Identify unsafe conditions and report issues to supervisor.
• Maintain clean, safe work areas and comply with PPE requirements.
• Follow safety procedures and site instructions.

Skills

Safety consciousness

Equipment operation

Teamwork

Reading plans/blueprints

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

CDL preferred

Tools

Air compressors

Grinders

Jacks & lifts

Job description

EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Category Heavy Equipment

Description

The Nevada Automotive Test Center (NATC) is currently seeking talented candidates for a Heavy Equipment Operator at our Silver Springs, NV location. At NATC, our equipment operators support a team of people who design, manufacture, and test innovative automotive solutions.

Founded in 1957, the Nevada Automotive Test Center (NATC) is a privately owned, independent test, evaluation, design and engineering facility offering development and testing to customers worldwide. NATC operates 6,600 acres of test courses, discrete test events, environmental chambers, shops, instrumentation facilities and blast and ballistic test areas to create an unparalleled testing area available to our staff to innovate and solve our customer’s problems.

POSITION SUMMARY

Works under the supervision of the Technical Resource Manager to performance test course maintenance, construction, and preventive maintenance of test courses, ranch roads, and facility roads. Operates a variety of heavy construction, maintenance, and transportation equipment to support NATC operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Operates a variety of heavy construction equipment, including excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, motor graders, loaders, and water trucks.
• Operates trucks of various sizes and weight classifications to load, transport, and unload equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Breaks up, moves, and loads asphalt, dirt, rock, concrete, and other materials onto dump trucks or trailers.
• Operates heavy equipment and vehicles in a safe, responsible manner in accordance with Nevada State Traffic Laws and test requirements.
• Operates heavy equipment and vehicles over such courses as gravel, mud, sand, Belgian Block, concrete, frame twisters, washboard, cross-country, marshes, swamps, water courses, slopes and vertical walls.
• Evaluates assigned projects and identifies the appropriate equipment and resources needed to complete the work.
• Performs routine inspections and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment, reports defects or needed repairs to the supervisor, and keeps equipment clean.
• Identifies and reports unsafe conditions, equipment malfunctions, and maintenance needs.
• Follows established safety procedures and uses required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Maintains work areas and equipment in a clean, safe, and orderly condition.
• Relates well with employees and customers at all levels and at all times in a professional and personable manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

Marginal Functions:

• Transports and operates heavy equipment and vehicles at off-site locations as needed.
• Travels to various locations or states to perform assigned duties as required.
• Assists with surveying and site layout activities.
• May be assigned duties as a test vehicle operator.
• Assists shop personnel with minor mechanical repairs and maintenance as needed.

Pay

Starting: $31.25

Position Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school graduate or equivalent with four (4) years of experience operating medium and heavy equipment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Nevada Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and a satisfactory driving record, with no more than two (2) points in the past three (3) years.
• Must be able to safely operate motor graders, bulldozers, medium and light trucks, and trailers under loaded and unloaded conditions.
• Must have knowledge of heavy equipment operations, including common hazards, safety precautions, and safe operating practices.
• Must have working knowledge of the methods, materials, and tools used in road and test course maintenance.
• Must be able to safely operate heavy equipment in varying terrain and weather conditions.
• Must be able to perform routine equipment inspections and identify and report potential mechanical issues or safety concerns.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must possess skill in the use of general mechanic tools and industrial equipment, including air compressors, grinders, jacks, lifts, and similar equipment.
• Must be able to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Must be able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Must be able to read and work from construction specifications, plans, or blueprints.
• Must possess knowledge of applicable traffic laws, ordinances, and regulations governing truck and heavy equipment operations.

Work Conditions

• Performs heavy manual tasks under varying weather conditions.
• Drives and operates a variety of heavy equipment and vehicles under varying terrain and operating conditions.
• Works around moving vehicles, heavy equipment, and machinery.
• May be required to work extended hours or overtime as business needs require.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to climb into and out of heavy equipment and vehicles.
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and reach as required to perform assigned duties.
• Must have the physical ability to safely operate heavy equipment and perform manual labor associated with construction and maintenance activities.

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily on-site in Silver Springs, Nevada, in both indoor shop and outdoor environments throughout the year. Employees may be exposed to varying weather conditions, dust, fumes, odors, oils, fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, welding fumes, and elevated noise levels. The position requires working around moving vehicles, heavy equipment, and machinery. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn in designated work areas and when performing assigned duties.

Travel

Travel may be required occasionally to perform assigned duties at off-site locations or other company facilities.

Job Description and Employment Statement

This job description is intended to outline the general nature of work and is not exhaustive; duties may be added, modified, or removed as business needs require. Employees are responsible for performing their duties safely and in accordance with company policies, procedures, and quality standards. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities; please notify Human Resources if accommodations are needed. NATC/Hodges Transportation, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains an Affomeative Action Program. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Employment is at-will; either the employee or the Company may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or notice.

Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time and/or Part-Time

Shift Days

Position Heavy Equipment Operator

Exempt/Non-Exempt Non-Exempt

Location NATC - Silver Springs - Nevada

This position is currently accepting applications.