Heavy Equipment Operator – Underground Utilities & Construction

thestaffpad; Mabank (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Holidays

Vacation

Bereavement Pay

Job summary

The Staff Pad partners with a full-service excavation and pipeline construction company to hire an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator in Mabank, TX. You will operate excavators and support trenching, backfilling, grading, and compaction for underground utility projects.

The role requires operating various heavy machines safely, knowledge of trenching safety practices, and compliance with safety and OQ requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience operating heavy equipment on underground utility or dirt projects.
• Proficiency operating heavy equipment in construction or utility settings.
• Equipment-specific certification required.
• OQ required for gas-related work where applicable.
• Knowledge of trenching, shoring, and excavation safety practices.
• Valid driver's license and clean MV record.
• Ability to pass safety trainings and pre-employment screenings.
• Ability to dig to line and grade safely near utilities.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators, backhoes, skid steers, dozers, loaders, trenchers, rollers safely.
• Dig trenches and bell holes to design depths and alignments near utilities.
• Maintain tolerance zones and perform hand digging when near existing facilities.
• Handle spoils, backfill, and compaction per standards; assist density testing.
• Perform rough and finish grading and site prep work.
• Load, unload, transport, and position materials and piping on site.
• Assist with trench safety measures including shoring and slope configurations.
• Conduct daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections and report issues.
• Support crew with pipe laying, tracer wire, general labor, and site cleanup.
• Maintain traffic control devices and good site housekeeping.
• Comply with safety procedures and equipment swing-radius rules.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Underground utilities

OQ certification

Trenching safety

Driver's license

Safety 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