Heavy Equipment Operator (Excavation & Utilities)

James E. Fulton & Sons, Inc.; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 34,440 - 49,593; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

Paid holidays

Job summary

James E. Fulton & Sons, Inc. in Kalamazoo, MI is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator experienced in excavation and utilities. In this role, you will operate various heavy equipment, helping the crew as needed and ensuring equipment is job-ready.

The ideal candidate has a team-first mindset, enjoys working outdoors, and has at least five years of operating experience. This full-time position offers competitive pay, health insurance, and a commitment to quality and service.

Qualifications

• 5 or more years of equipment operating experience preferred (excavation/site/utilities).
• Comfortable running multiple machines (excavator/dozer/loader/skid steer).
• Team-first mindset: dependable, honest, and willing to help wherever needed.

Responsibilities

• Operate equipment safely and efficiently: excavator, dozer, loader, skid steer.
• Support grading, trenching, backfill/compaction, and underground utility work.
• Assist crew with labor/tasks when needed.

Skills

Equipment operating experience

GPS/total station experience

Labor support

Blueprint reading

Job description

James E Fulton & Sons, Inc

Heavy Equipment Operator (Excavation & Utilities)

Location: Kalamazoo, MI (local work within ~50 miles). If you're the kind of operator who takes pride in smooth grades, safe trenches, and a clean machine, you'll fit right in. We're looking for a well‑rounded equipment operator who can run iron, support the crew when needed, and help us deliver the kind of job that makes our team proud when we drive past it later.

James E Fulton & Sons is a family‑owned excavating and trucking contractor serving Southwest Michigan. We've built our reputation on quality work, outstanding service, and a committed team, and we've been doing it for decades. Around town, you'll recognize our yellow‑and‑white fleet, a legacy built on visibility, pride, and equipment that's kept clean and maintained.

As an Equipment Operator, you'll operate heavy equipment on excavation and utility projects, often switching between machines as the job demands. This is not a "stay in the cab and disappear" position. When the crew needs hands (setting a hydrant, helping with pipe, jobsite support), you jump in. We use a simple app‑based system for time and workflow, so comfort with basic technology is important.

Responsibilities

• Operate equipment safely and efficiently: excavator, dozer, loader, skid steer (and others as assigned)
• Support grading, trenching, backfill/compaction, and underground utility installation work
• Work with grade control tools as applicable (GPS/total station experience is a plus)
• Read/interpret basic plans and grade stakes (blueprint reading a plus)
• Assist crew with labor/tasks when needed (pipe support, hydrant assembly, site cleanup, etc.)
• Perform daily equipment inspections and keep equipment clean and job‑ready
• Communicate clearly with foremen/lead operators and work safely around people, traffic, and utilities
• Complete basic job documentation/time entry using a mobile app

Qualifications

• 5 or more years of equipment operating experience preferred (excavation/site/utilities)
• Comfortable running multiple machines (excavator/dozer/loader/skid steer)
• Experience with grading and underground utilities strongly preferred
• GPS/total station experience preferred; willingness to learn encouraged
• Valid driver's license and reliable attendance
• Able to work outdoors in varying weather and handle the physical demands of the job
• Ability to pass pre‑employment drug screening (and participate in random testing, as applicable)
• Team‑first mindset: dependable, honest, and willing to help wherever the job needs you

Pay & Benefits

• Full‑time opportunity, W‑2 Employment
• Pay: $25 to $36 per hour, depending on experience/qualifications
• Health insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid holidays
• Schedule: Day shift with job‑based start/end times
• Overtime/occasional weekends (especially during snow or emergency work)

We are an equal opportunity employer and recruit, hire, train, and promote without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law, including Michigan's civil rights protections. If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply or participate in the hiring process, let us know.