Heavy Equipment Operator - Travel Required

KEMRON Environmental Services, Inc.; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

KEMRON Environmental Services, Inc. is seeking experienced Heavy Equipment Operators to support environmental remediation, heavy construction, earthwork, and site-development projects.

This role requires frequent overnight and out-of-state travel to project sites across multiple states, with overtime and extended schedules as needed.

You will operate excavators, bulldozers, loaders, graders, rollers, cranes and related equipment, perform inspections, and work safely on active sites.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of experience operating heavy construction equipment.
• Experience in environmental construction or remediation preferred.
• Valid driver's license with clean driving record.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic and complete paperwork.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate multiple types of heavy equipment on varied sites.
• Excavate, grade, load, and move soil and materials per specs.
• Read grade stakes, plans, and blueprints.
• Perform routine inspections and basic maintenance.
• Provide project support and follow safety procedures.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safe operating practices

Reading grade stakes/blueprints

Travel readiness

Documentation/arithmetic

Teamwork/independent work

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

KEMRON Environmental Services, Inc. is seeking experienced Heavy Equipment Operators to support current and upcoming environmental remediation, heavy construction, earthwork, and site-development projects.

Frequent overnight and out-of-state travel is required for project assignments throughout TN, KY, NC, SC, VA, WV, TX, and other locations based on project needs. Project locations, schedules, durations, and start dates will vary. Candidates must be willing and able to travel for extended project assignments and work overtime, weekends, or adjusted schedules as required.

The Heavy Equipment Operator safely operates a variety of heavy construction equipment used to excavate, grade, load, compact, clear, and move soil, gravel, contaminated material, and other materials. Equipment may include excavators, bulldozers, loaders, motor graders, rollers, scrapers, articulated trucks, industrial tractors, cranes, clamshells, power shovels, and other equipment based on the operator's qualifications and project requirements.

The Heavy Equipment Operator may interpret grade and slope stakes, follow site plans and specifications, perform routine inspections and preventive maintenance, assist with minor or emergency repairs, and provide general project support as directed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/FUNCTIONS OF POSITION:

• Safely operate multiple types of heavy equipment of various sizes and capacities.
• Operate excavators, bulldozers, loaders, graders, rollers, scrapers, industrial tractors, cranes, clamshells, power shovels, and other equipment as assigned and qualified.
• Excavate, load, grade, compact, clear, grub, backfill, and move soil, gravel, contaminated material, debris, and other materials.
• Establish required grades, slopes, elevations, and cuts within acceptable tolerances.
• Load trucks safely and efficiently while coordinating with drivers, spotters, and site personnel.
• Operate equipment in varying conditions, including rough terrain, slopes, excavation areas, active work zones, and confined project areas.
• Read and interpret grade stakes, slope stakes, construction specifications, simple plans, and blueprints.
• Perform pre-use, daily, and routine inspections of assigned equipment.
• Conduct basic preventive maintenance, including checking fluids, greasing equipment, cleaning equipment, and identifying repair needs.
• Make minor or emergency adjustments and repairs when qualified and authorized.
• Report equipment defects, maintenance needs, unsafe conditions, and operational concerns to project supervision.
• Follow daily procedures, work plans, safety plans, project protocols, and instructions provided during orientation and training.
• Assist with the installation and maintenance of traffic-control devices.
• Control traffic by flagging or following flagger direction when required.
• Assist as a laborer or field technician when requested to support project operations.
• Participate in required training related to excavation, trenching, shoring, sloping, equipment operation, and project safety.
• Follow all KEMRON, OSHA, client, and site-specific safety policies and procedures.
• Immediately report incidents, injuries, property damage, equipment damage, and safety concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
• Perform other related project duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:

• Minimum of five years of experience operating heavy construction equipment.
• At least two years of experience related to environmental construction, remediation, earthwork, or similar field construction preferred.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record meeting KEMRON vehicle insurance requirements.
• Sufficient education and experience to perform basic arithmetic calculations and complete required written documentation.
• Considerable knowledge of heavy-equipment operating principles and safe operating practices.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment safely under varying terrain, weather, and site conditions.
• Working knowledge of methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in environmental remediation and construction.
• Working knowledge of hazards and safety precautions associated with heavy-equipment operations.
• Ability to establish grades and cuts and work from construction specifications, plans, blueprints, and grade stakes.
• Ability to perform equipment inspections and identify basic maintenance or repair needs.
• Ability to understand and carry out written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to maintain dependable and consistent attendance.
• Ability to work independently and closely with other site personnel without continuous supervision.
• Good judgment and the ability to remain alert and observant of surrounding personnel, vehicles, equipment, and site conditions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Work is performed primarily at active outdoor construction and environmental remediation sites.
• May be exposed to rain, extreme heat, cold, wet conditions, humidity, dust, mud, asphalt, vibration, hazardous materials, moving equipment, vehicles, and loud or continuous noise.
• Must have adequate eyesight, depth perception, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to operate hand and foot controls simultaneously.
• Must be able to remain constantly alert and aware of surrounding equipment, vehicles, personnel, and changing site conditions.
• Must be able to sit and operate equipment for prolonged periods.
• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, climb, reach, talk, listen, and use hands to operate equipment, tools, and controls.
• Must be able to safely enter and exit heavy equipment repeatedly throughout the workday.
• Must be able to walk safely over uneven, muddy, unstable, or sloped terrain.
• Must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.
• Must be able to safely perform manual work requiring periods of physical exertion.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment and hearing protection for extended periods.
• Must be able to work closely and safely with other employees and site personnel without continuous supervision.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequent overnight and out-of-state travel is required.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, holidays, extended shifts, and adjusted schedules based on project requirements.
• Current Commercial Driver's License preferred.
• Current 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER training preferred.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification preferred.
• Current sloping and shoring training preferred.
• Current equipment-operator safety training preferred.
• FEMA ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800 training may be required for certain projects.
• Must pass required medical monitoring and HAZWOPER physical examinations.
• For specific project tasks, must pass medical requirements for work involving respiratory protection, including air-purifying and supplied-air respirators.
• Must read, understand, and follow KEMRON Corporate and worksite Health and Safety Plans.
• Must understand and follow KEMRON standard operating procedures and all project-specific safety requirements.