HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - GRADING (Seasonal)

Knife River - ND; Bismarck (ND); On-site; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Full time

Job summary

Knife River is seeking a seasonal equipment operator/maintenance role in Bismarck, ND. Responsibilities include maintaining and operating heavy equipment such as dozers, skid steers, excavators, and loaders to support asphalt paving and aggregate projects.

Candidates should have 3–5 years of heavy equipment experience and a valid driver's license. The role requires flexibility for overtime and some weekend shifts, with emphasis on safety and customer relations on site.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years’ experience in heavy equipment maintenance and operation.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Ability to work flexible shifts, including overtime and some Saturdays.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily equipment walk-around and site inspections to identify and correct unsafe conditions and keep equipment properly maintained.
• Safely perform maintenance (lubricating, fueling and cleaning) on equipment with three points of contact.
• Safely operate equipment and ensure attachments are lowered to ground when leaving the equipment.
• Assist with loading trucks and ensure safe loading procedures.
• Communicate effectively with team members and customers in high-stress situations while maintaining professionalism.
• Troubleshoot and solve production or equipment problems; discuss issues with coworkers and supervisors.
• Assist other coworkers as needed to maintain operations.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, MSHA, EPA, DNR and lockout/tagout safety rules.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Heavy equipment maintenance

Equipment operation

Safety-conscious

Job description

Good Pay! Good Benefits! Good People! Knife River is a PEOPLE-first company. Our team members are key to our success, and we are committed to giving them the tools, training, and time to do their jobs productively and go home safely each day. Please consider joining our growing team today!

At Knife River, we take care of our team because we know it's our people who make us successful. We are one of the 10 largest construction materials producers/contractors in the Country. Our goal is to build strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities. We are also a publicly traded company on the NYSE with the ticker symbol KNF and part of the S&P MidCap 400 index.

ROLE OVERVIEW

This is a seasonal position; you can use your winter’s off to travel, hunt, fish or for other activities you enjoy while your benefits continue year round.

This position is responsible for safely maintaining and operating various equipment (Dozer, Skidsteer, Excavator, Loader) to produce quality asphalt paving, grading, or aggregate projects. Will need to display a professional and courteous attitude with customers and team members.

DUTIES AND/OR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Perform daily equipment walk‑around and site inspections to identify and correct any unsafe conditions and keep equipment properly maintained.
2. Safely and properly perform maintenance (lubricating, fueling and cleaning) on equipment. Maintain 3 points of contact at all times while performing maintenance activities.
3. Safely and properly operate equipment. Make sure bucket/attachments are lowered to ground whenever leaving the equipment.
4. May load trucks with driver in sight to communicate and ensure safe loading procedure.
5. Communicate effectively (verbal, listening, written) and work with difficult people under high‑stress situations. Self‑motivated, team‑player with good interpersonal skills; ability to maintain positive customer relations and act courteous/respectful of others.
6. Troubleshoot and problem‑solve situations/problems (material quality, equipment operation/repair, etc.). Monitor and discuss production problems with co‑workers and managers/supervisors.
7. Assist other co‑workers as needed.
8. Ensure OSHA, MSHA, EPA, DNR, lock out/tag out, safety and environmental regulation compliance.
9. Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

1. Ability to hold and maintain a driver's license in accordance with all state regulations.
2. 3-5 years’ experience in heavy equipment maintenance and operation.
3. Ability to work flexible shifts, including overtime, possible nights and some Saturdays.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law. Subject to pre‑employment drug testing and background checks.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.