Journeyman Heavy Equipment Operator

DPR Construction; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

DPR Construction is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to support safe, efficient project execution. You will operate and maintain excavators, dozers, and loaders for site prep, grading, and material movement in line with project specs and safety rules.

Collaborate with crew and supervision to align work sequencing, inspect gear, and address minor issues daily. This role requires a high school diploma/GED and 2–4 years of related experience, with OSHA 10 preferred and training within six months

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Completion of an apprenticeship or 2–4 years of heavy equipment experience preferred.
• OSHA 10-Hour Construction certification preferred; OSHA 10 within 6 months of hire is required.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy construction equipment safely to grade, trench, and move materials.
• Perform daily inspections and basic maintenance for reliable performance.
• Follow project plans and supervision directions to ensure efficient work sequencing.
• Adjust equipment as site or soil conditions change to maintain progress.
• Communicate with crew to maintain organized site logistics.
• Keep work areas clean and enforce proper PPE use.
• Report equipment issues or unsafe conditions promptly to supervision.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety compliance

Site coordination

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

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

Performs standard and moderately complex heavy equipment operations to support safe and efficient project execution. Operates and maintains assigned construction equipment, such as excavators, dozers, and loaders, for site preparation, grading, and material movement in accordance with project specifications and safety requirements. Collaborates with crew members and supervision to coordinate work sequencing, inspect equipment, and identify and resolve minor issues encountered during daily operations.

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

Performs standard and moderately complex heavy equipment operations to support safe and efficient project execution. Operates and maintains assigned construction equipment, such as excavators, dozers, and loaders, for site preparation, grading, and material movement in accordance with project specifications and safety requirements. Collaborates with crew members and supervision to coordinate work sequencing, inspect equipment, and identify and resolve minor issues encountered during daily operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Operates a variety of heavy construction equipment to complete assigned grading, trenching, and material handling tasks safely and accurately.
• Conducts daily inspections and basic maintenance on assigned equipment to ensure reliable performance and compliance with safety standards.
• Follows project plans and direction from supervision to execute assigned work efficiently and in proper sequence.
• Adjusts equipment operation as needed to respond to changing site or soil conditions.
• Collaborates with other crew members to maintain clear communication and organized site logistics.
• Maintains clean and hazard-free work areas and ensures proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Reports equipment issues, incidents, or unsafe conditions promptly to supervision.

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 heavy equipment operations 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.

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.