Heavy Equipment Operator – Underground Utilities & Construction

The Staff Pad; Mabank (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

OT 1.5x

Insurance: health dental vision

Paid holidays & vacation

Paid time off after years

Job summary

The Staff Pad in Mabank, TX is seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to support excavation, trenching, backfilling, grading, and compaction on underground utility projects. You will operate excavators, backhoes, skid steers, dozers, loaders, trenchers, and rollers with a focus on safety and efficiency.

Join a dependable crew and contribute to successful project delivery by following site safety procedures, performing pre/post inspections, and assisting with trench safety measures and

Qualifications

• Experience operating heavy equipment on utility or dirt projects.
• Proficiency with excavators, backhoes, skid steers, dozers, and loaders.
• Knowledge of trenching, shoring, and excavation safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment safely on excavation, trenching, backfilling, grading and compaction tasks.
• Dig and excavate trenches to required depths and alignments near utilities.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections and report maintenance needs.
• Assist with trench safety measures and site cleanup as needed.
• Load, transport, and position materials and equipment across the site.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety awareness

Pre/post inspection discipline

Ability to read plans

Tools

GPS/machine-control systems

Competent Person training

Job description

The Staff Pad is proud to partner with a full-service excavation and pipeline construction company providing comprehensive solutions for pipeline and infrastructure projects in Mabank, TX and we are looking to hire an experienced and qualified Heavy Equipment Operator to join their team and contribute to safe, efficient and successful project completion.

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery to support excavation, trenching, backfilling, grading, and compaction activities.

This role involves operating excavators, backhoes, skid steers, dozers, loaders, trenchers, and rollers on underground utility and dirt projects, including work in confined or challenging areas near active utilities

What You’ll Do

Key Responsibilities

• Operate assigned heavy equipment, including excavators, backhoes, skid steers, dozers, loaders, trenchers, rollers, and vacuum excavators safely
  
• Dig & excavate trenches and bell holes to required depths, grades, and alignments while carefully working around marked utilities
  
• Maintain required tolerance zones and complete hand digging when working near existing facilities
  
• Handle spoils, bedding, backfill, and compaction in accordance with specified standards and support density testing
  
• Perform rough and finish grading, site preparation, and restoration as assigned
  
• Load, unload, transport and position materials, piping, and equipment throughout the job site
  
• Assist with trench safety measures, including shoring, trench boxes, and proper slope configurations, as directed
  
• Conduct daily pre trip & post trip equipment inspections, greasing, and fluid checks and report any defects & maintenance concerns
  
• Assist crew members with hand work, pipe laying, tracer wire, general labor, and site cleanup as needed
  
• Maintain traffic control devices, barricades, and site housekeeping
  
• Comply with all job site safety procedures & requirements, including excavation, spotter, and equipment swing-radius requirements
  

What We Are Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Previous heavy equipment operating experience on underground utility, gas distribution, or site and dirt projects
  
• Proficiency in operating heavy equipment in construction or utility environment
  
• Equipment-specific certification
  
• Operator Qualification (OQ) required when assigned to gas-related work, with covered tasks varying by gas company
  
• Knowledge of trenching, shoring, and excavation safety practices
  
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle record
  
• Ability to complete required safety training provided by the organization
  
• Ability to excavate to specified line and grade while safely working around existing underground utilities
  
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check, including a 10-panel non-DOT or 5-panel DOT drug screen and 10-year background check
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Class A CDL with equipment-hauling experience preferred, but not required
  
• Experience using GPS or machine-control grading systems
  
• OSHA 10 and Competent Person training preferred, but not required
  
• Experience with pipe laying, grade checking, or crew supervision
  
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred
  

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Work outdoors year-round in varying weather conditions
  
• Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50-75 pounds
  
• Frequently climb on and off equipment and operate controls for extended periods
  
• Stand, walk, bend, kneel, and work around open excavations
  
• Wear required personal protective equipment, including flame-resistant clothing when applicable
  

What You Can Expect

• Competitive Hourly Compensation
  
• Overtime paid at Time and a Half
  
• Life, dental, and vision insurance available the first of the month following 60 days of employment
  
• After 1 year: 3 paid holidays, 1 week of vacation, and bereavement pay
  
• After 4 years: 2 weeks of vacation
  

If you are an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator who takes pride in quality work, values safety, and enjoys working as part of a dependable team, we encourage you to apply. Join a company where your skills and experience can make a meaningful impact on every project.

Location/Region: Mabank, Texas Posted on Broadbean Programmatic 2026-09-08