Heavy Equipment Operator

Green Water & Power, LLC; West Chatsworth (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

Company-paid lodging on assignments

Per diem & travel pay

PTO & paid training

Job summary

Green Water & Power, LLC in California seeks a skilled Heavy Equipment Operator to grade, trench, and excavate for EV charging infra. You will prepare undeveloped sites, clear and grade, trench for conduit, and excavate pads and vaults, working with the construction lead and trades.

This role requires 4–5 years of field experience, OSHA 10, ability to read plans, travel up to 75–100%, and a strong safety mindset.

Qualifications

• 4–5 years of experience operating heavy equipment on commercial construction, site development, or underground utility projects.
• Ability to read site plans, grade stakes, and cut/fill sheets.
• Working knowledge of OSHA excavation and trenching standards.
• Must have OSHA 10 certification.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate with the Project Manager and the construction lead the equipment required for the work.
• Procure quotes for equipment from rental companies and coordinate delivery.
• Operate excavators, backhoes, skid steers, loaders, and dozers for site clearing, grading, trenching and excavation.
• Excavate trenches for underground conduit and duct banks to specified depths and slopes.
• Maintain line and grade using grade stakes, laser levels, or GPS machine control.
• Coordinate with trades to sequence work efficiently and ensure safety protocols.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Reading site plans

Safety compliance

Travel readiness

OSHA 10

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Trimble GPS

Topcon GPS

Leica GPS

Job description

Company Overview: Established in California in 2013, Green Water and Power has rapidly grown to operate in over 35 states, positioning itself as a leader in the sustainable energy sector. As America's #1 electric vehicle (EV) installer, we take pride in having deployed more than 15,000 EV chargers and completed approximately 5 megawatts (MW) of solar energy projects.

As an EVITP (Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program) certified turnkey engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firm, we leverage our in-house expertise to efficiently manage and execute large-scale projects. Our dedication to sustainability and quality extends beyond project completion; we also provide comprehensive operation and maintenance services to ensure optimal performance for the projects we develop, as well as for third-party installations.

Position Overview: We are seeking a skilled Heavy Equipment Operator specializing in grading, trenching, and excavation to join our new dedicated Greenfield Construction Team. In this role, you will prepare undeveloped sites for new EV charging infrastructure: clearing and grading, trenching for underground conduit and duct banks, and excavating for transformer pads, switchgear, and charger foundations. You will work closely with the construction leadand the other trades on the team. This position is ideal for an experienced operator who takes pride in precise work and puts safety first. The position will require travel for extended periods of time.

Responsibilities:

• Plan and coordinate with the Project Manager and the construction lead, the equipment required for the work required.
• Procure quotes for the equipment from preferred rental companies. Coordinate delivery of rental equipment as required and just in time as approved by the Project Manager.
• Operate excavators (mini through full-size), backhoes, skid steers, loaders, and dozers for site clearing, grading, trenching, and excavation.
• Excavate trenches for underground conduit and duct banks to the depth, width, and slope specified in the plans.
• Maintain line and grade using grade stakes, laser levels, or GPS machine control.
• Excavate for transformer pads, switchgear, charger foundations, pull boxes, and vaults.
• Coordinate and confirm 811 underground utility locations are current and marked before digging; perform or support hand digging around existing utilities.
• Install and remove trench protective systems (trench plates, shoring, etc.) per safety regulations.
• Manage spoils by stockpiling and segregating suitable backfill material and scheduling for the hauling off of unsuitable material.
• Perform rough and finish grading of pads and site areas, including grading for positive drainage.
• Conduct daily pre-operation inspections, fluid checks, greasing, and routine maintenance; report mechanical issues and keep equipment logs.
• Clean and maintain company provided tools and equipment.
• Load, secure, and transport equipment between sites by trailer as required.
• Coordinate pick up of rented equipment.
• Coordinate with the civil and electrical trades to sequence work efficiently.
• Cross-train in and support other team tasks as needed.
• Complete any other assignments and special projects as requested by management.
• Adhere to safety requirements and participate in safety meetings. Wear all required and appropriate PPE while on the jobsite.

Qualifications and General Requirements:

• 4-5 years of experience operating heavy equipment on commercial construction, site development, or underground utility projects.
• Demonstrated experience trenching safely around existing underground utilities.
• Ability to read site plans, grade stakes, and cut/fill sheets.
• Working knowledge of OSHA excavation and trenching standards.
• Must have OSHA 10 certification.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record.
• Strong dedication to safety with a commitment to following safety protocols.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CDL Class A to haul equipment between job sites.
• OSHA 30 and OSHA Competent Person training for excavation and trenching.
• Experience with GPS machine control systems (e.g., Trimble, Topcon, Leica).
• Experience on EV charging, solar, telecom, or utility projects.

Travel & Schedule:

• Travel is required up to 75-100% of the time to greenfield project sites across GWP's operating states.
• Assignments may last several weeks at a time; overnight and extended stays are expected.
• Work may follow a rotational schedule with planned time at home between assignments.
• Company-paid lodging, travel, and daily per diem are provided while on assignment.
• Overtime and weekend work may be necessary to meet project deadlines; flexibility with work hours and extended workdays is required.
• Competitive pay based on experience, ranging from $33 - $43 per hour.
• Company-paid lodging, travel pay, and daily per diem while on assignment.
• Company-provided PPE and specialty tools.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits package.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Paid time off.
• Paid training and reimbursement for pre-approved and authorized certifications.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within a rapidly expanding industry.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diversity.
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on the transition to sustainable energy solutions.

Additional Information:

• Criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and motor vehicle record (MVR) check.