Heavy Equipment Operator 1

Sunoco LP; Hermann (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Sunoco LP is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator I to safely operate loaders, backhoes, skid steers, and excavators on pipeline construction and maintenance projects. This role supports trenching and site prep, with emphasis on safety and efficiency.

Requirements include 1–3 years of heavy equipment experience, a High School Diploma or GED, CDL preferred within 3–6 months, and willingness to travel 70–80% and respond to after-hour calls. DOT logs and daily safety protocols are integral to duties.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• CDL is preferred prior to hire or within 3–6 months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment (e.g., loader, backhoe, skid steer, excavator) on construction sites.
• Locate utilities and buried lines before excavation to ensure safety.
• Maintain DOT logs and records using logbooks or ELD as required for travel.
• Ensure compliance with Operator Qualifications (OQ) and safety policies.
• Perform basic maintenance and troubleshoot equipment issues; assist with after-hours calls as needed.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety compliance

Troubleshooting

Math/measurement

Education

High School Diploma or GED

CDL (preferred)

Job description

Sunoco LP is a leading energy infrastructure and fuel distribution master limited partnership operating across 47 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, Europe, and Mexico. The Partnership's midstream operations include an extensive network of approximately 9,500 miles of pipeline and over 100 terminals. This critical infrastructure complements the Partnership's fuel distribution operations, which serve approximately 10,000 convenience stores, independent dealers, commercial customers, and distributors.

At Sunoco, we take great pride in what we do and wholeheartedly believe our employees drive success for our company and our customers. We are always looking for the best and brightest talent and we are committed to making your job a challenging and rewarding experience.

Position Summary:

The Heavy Equipment Operator I is responsible for safely and efficiently operating various types of heavy construction equipment, including Loaders, Back Hoes, Skid Steers, and Excavators. This role is crucial to the successful execution of pipeline construction and maintenance projects, involving equipment operation for trenching, excavation, and site preparation.

Major Accountabilities:

• Safely operate heavy equipment (e.g., skid steer, backhoe, excavator, etc.) on construction sites.
• Ensure proper excavation safety measures, including benching and shoring, and follow damage prevention techniques.
• Locate utilities and buried lines before excavation.
• Perform safe loading, rigging, and transport of equipment.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues, perform minor maintenance, and escape complex problems as needed.
• Maintain DOT logs and records using logbooks and/or electronic logging devices (ELD) as required for travel.
• Ensure compliance with Operator Qualifications (OQ) and safety policies.
• Maintain cleanliness and efficiency of trucks and equipment.
• Attend required training and meetings.
• Adapt to changes in work environments and perform additional duties as needed.

Education Requirement:

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is preferred prior to hire or required within 3-6 months of employment.

Experience Requirement:

• Minimum of 1-3 years of direct heavy equipment operating experience.
• Previous CDL experience operating a tractor trailer/semi is preferred.
• At least 1 year of experience in the pipeline, construction, or a related industry is preferred.
• Knowledge of trenching and shoring standards is required.
• Must be available to respond to emergency after-hour calls, including weekends and holidays, and be willing to travel overnight 70-80% of the time.
• Candidates with additional experience may be considered for a higher-level position.
• Basic office and computer skills preferred.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and scaffolding as needed.
• Capable of lifting and carrying objects up to 50 lbs., and 100 lbs. with assistance.
• Frequent walking, including over rough terrain and inclines.
• Ability to bend, stoop, crouch, twist, and perform manual digging tasks.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and sit for several hours.
• Must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety shoes, glasses, hard hat, flame-resistant clothing, hearing protection, respirators, and fall protection.
• Ability to operate hand tools, power tools, and other necessary equipment.