Heavy Equipment Operator (Environmental Engineering)

Chesterfield County; Chesterfield Court House (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Chesterfield County Environmental Engineering seeks an experienced operator of large and complex heavy equipment. You will perform skilled construction, repair, and maintenance tasks, handling trenches, digging, grading, and related operations with hands-on tools and equipment.

Responsibilities include safe operation, preventive maintenance, and occasional repairs; successful candidates work under supervision and support project needs in all weather conditions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Three years of experience operating heavy construction equipment or equivalent training/experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate large and complex heavy mobile equipment under general supervision.
• Perform skilled construction, repair, and maintenance work using heavy equipment.
• Conduct advanced construction/modification/repair of infrastructure.
• Dig, ditch, slope, strip, grade, backfill, mow, and excavate with equipment and hand tools.
• Excavate trenches and maneuver equipment where accuracy is critical near obstructions.
• Operate tools with integrated mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic controls; adjust levers, gears, valves, and switches.
• Use hand tools like jackhammers, tampers, saws, air compressors, hydraulic drivers; perform preventive maintenance.
• Load/unload heavy equipment and perform minor repairs/adjustments as needed.
• Contribute to safety and follow job-site rules; participate in other work as required.

Skills

years of experience in heavy equipment

oral and written communication

hand tool operation

ability to work in adverse weather

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Environmental Engineering

High school diploma or GED; three years of experience in skilled operation of heavy construction equipment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Working knowledge of the skilled operation and maintenance of heavy equipment used in construction and maintenance work. Ability to operate and use a variety of hand tools used in the repair, maintenance, and development of roads, grounds or structures; to perform physically demanding work including, but not limited to, heavy lifting, standing for prolonged periods, squatting, stooping, bending, twisting, stretching, crawling, reaching overhead, and working in awkward positions without choice or variety; to work in adverse weather conditions; to communicate effectively orally and in writing; to develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers. Must possess a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and familiarity with OSHA excavation standards.

Current valid driver’s license and good driving record required. Based on the Virginia DMV point system, record must not reflect a total of six or more demerit points within the twenty-four months preceding the anticipated hire date, or one major violation of six demerit points within the preceding thirty-six months. Out of state driving records must be obtained by applicant and presented at time of interview. Records must reflect at least three years of history and be dated within thirty days of interview date. Pre-employment drug-testing, FBI criminal background check and education/degree verification required.

Under general supervision, performs work of moderate difficulty in skilled operation of large and complex heavy mobile equipment. Operates large and complex heavy mobile equipment in regularly performing skilled construction, repair, and maintenance work. Performs advanced construction/modification/repair of infrastructure. Operates mobile equipment and hand tools to dig, ditch, slope, strip, grade, backfill, mow, and clear and excavate. Excavates trenches. Maneuvers equipment in various locations where accuracy is critical such as near obstruction. Manipulates equipment with integrated mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic systems/controls by coding computers and/or adjusting levers, gears, valves, switches, and related controls. Operates hand tools such as jackhammers, mechanical tampers, power saws, air compressors, hydraulic drivers, and similar equipment. Loads and unloads heavy equipment. Performs preventive maintenance and operational checks, and makes minor repairs/adjustments to equipment. Perform other work as required.

This position is a part of an approved Career Development Plan (CDP) and offers career progression opportunities and salary incentives, as funding permits, based on performance, qualifications, and experience.

PLEASE NOTE: Position open until filled (first review to begin June 8, 2026).

Monday - Friday; 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.