Journeyman Equipment Operator

DPR Construction; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

DPR Construction in Durham, NC seeks an Equipment Operator to handle light- to medium-duty equipment for site prep and material movement. You will perform pre-operation checks, assist with loading and transporting materials, and enforce safety protocols to ensure timely project completion.

Responsibilities include coordinating with crew, maintaining logs, and adapting operations to changing site conditions.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Completion of an accredited operating engineers apprenticeship program or 2–4 years of general equipment experience.
• OSHA 10-Hour Construction certification preferred; OSHA 10 program completion within 6 months of hire may be required.

Responsibilities

• Operates light- to medium-duty construction equipment to support daily site activities per specifications.
• Performs pre-operation checks and maintenance for safe, reliable operation.
• Assists with loading, unloading, and transporting materials around the site.
• Observes and reports safety hazards and incidents; maintains accurate equipment usage logs.
• Adjusts operation based on site conditions and project changes to maintain productivity.

Skills

General equipment operation

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma/GED

OSHA 10-Hour Construction certification (preferred)

Tools

Light- to medium-duty equipment

Job description

At DPR, roles and responsibilities are more than describing a job title—they are a commitment to building great things together. The job description(s) below defines core responsibilities and the scope of the role and is a starting point. Every employee is expected to lead from where they are, take ownership of outcomes, and always act in the best interest of the team, customer, project and organization.As a purpose-driven organization on a journey to be most admired, we rely on trust, shared leadership, open communication, disciplined action and a deep respect for the individual to drive exceptional performance. Success is not just about what we build, but who we build and how we build it: with integrity, enjoyment, uniqueness and an ever-forward mindset.Job Summary:Operates a variety of general construction equipment to perform site preparation, material movement, and support standard and non-standard tasks for safe and efficient project completion. Utilizes working technical knowledge and hands-on expertise to operate and maintain assigned equipment for activities such as grading, trenching, lifting, and transporting materials under established guidelines and instructions. Collaborates with crew members to coordinate general equipment use, safely clear work areas, and follow established safety procedures, ensuring timely completion of each project phase. Responds to changing site conditions, including unexpected ground conditions or material obstructions, based on general supervision and works with the team to identify and implement safe, effective solutions during equipment operations.Key Responsibilities:Operates a variety of light- to medium-duty construction equipment to support both standard and non-standard daily site activities in accordance with specifications.Performs pre-operation checks and maintenance on assigned equipment to ensure safe and reliable operation.Assists with loading, unloading, and transporting materials around the job site, ensuring proper handling and placement.Observes all general site safety protocols and promptly reports any hazards, malfunctions, or incidents to the appropriate personnel.Keeps accurate daily logs of equipment usage, maintenance performed, and any issues encountered during operation.Adjusts equipment operation based on site conditions and project changes to maintain productivity.Reports equipment malfunctions or hazards promptly to support timely resolution and prevent delays.Education Qualifications:High School Diploma/GED or equivalent experience required.Work Experience:Completion of an accredited operating engineers apprenticeship program or 2 - 4 years of experience in general equipment operations, maintenance, or a related field required.Certifications and Licenses:Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-Hour Construction certification preferred. OSHA 10 program completion within 6 months of hire is required.Equipment Operator Certification preferred.DPR Construction is a forward-thinking, self-performing general contractor specializing in technically complex and sustainable projects for the advanced technology, life sciences, healthcare, higher education and commercial markets. Founded in 1990, DPR is a great story of entrepreneurial success as a private, employee-owned company that has grown into a multi-billion-dollar family of companies with offices around the world.Working at DPR, you'll have the chance to try new things, explore paths and shape your future. Here, we build opportunity together—by harnessing our talents, enabling curiosity and pursuing our collective ambition to make the best ideas happen. We are proud to be recognized as a great place to work by our talented teammates and leading news organizations like U.S. News and World Report, Forbes, Fast Company and Newsweek.Explore our open opportunities at www.dpr.com/careers .