Long Haul Heavy Equipment Operator

Star Construction LLC; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 37,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly Paychecks

Paid Time Off

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Education reimbursement

Stock Purchase Plan

Legal Insurance

Gym discounts

Job summary

Star Construction is seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to join our Underground Utility Construction team based out of Tennessee locations (Chattanooga, Knoxville, Nashville). This role travels regionally with overnight travel required.

You will operate excavators, backhoes, trenchers and loaders, read plans and locates, perform maintenance, and support from project start to completion. We offer competitive pay and strong safety culture.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of heavy equipment operating experience.
• Experience with underground utility construction preferred.
• Valid Class A CDL required or ability to obtain.
• Must be able to travel overnight for the majority of the work schedule.
• Strong commitment to safety and quality workmanship.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate excavators, backhoes, trenchers, plows, loaders, and related equipment.
• Read utility locates and job plans and follow supervisor instructions.
• Perform trenching, grading, backfilling, and restoration of disturbed areas.
• Load/unload and transport equipment and materials to job sites.
• Travel with crews and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Assist with traffic control and jobsite cleanup as needed.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety compliance

Overnight travel

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Excavators

Backhoes

Trenchers

Loaders

Job description

Discover a more connected career

Star Construction is looking for an experienced, safety-driven Heavy Equipment Operator to join our Underground Utility Construction team based out of our Tennessee locations (Chattanooga, Knoxville, Nashville). This position is ideal for a motivated professional who takes pride in operating equipment efficiently, working safely, and delivering high-quality work on schedule.

This is not a "go home every night" position. Our crews travel throughout the region, and overnight travel is required for the majority of this role. If you enjoy working with a dedicated crew, operating modern equipment, and building critical underground utility infrastructure, we'd like to talk with you.

Connecting You To Great Benefits

• Weekly Paychecks
• Paid Time Off, Parental Leave, and Holidays
• Insurance (including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, disability, life insurance)
• 401(k) w/ Company Match
• Stock Purchase Plan
• Education Reimbursement
• Legal Insurance
• Discounts on gym memberships, pet insurance, and much more!

What You’ll Do

As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you\'ll play a key role in installing underground utility systems while supporting the crew from project start to completion.

Responsibilities Include

• Safely operate excavators, backhoes, trenchers, plows, loaders, and other heavy equipment.
• Excavate and install underground utility infrastructure while protecting existing utilities.
• Read and work from utility locates, job plans, and supervisor instructions.
• Perform trenching, grading, backfilling, and restoration of disturbed areas.
• Load, unload, and transport equipment and materials.
• Operate CDL-required company vehicles and haul equipment to and from job sites.
• Perform daily inspections and basic preventative maintenance on equipment.
• Maintain clean, organized equipment, trucks, trailers, and job sites.
• Work closely with ground crews using established hand signals and communication protocols.
• Assist with traffic control, jobsite setup, and cleanup.
• Travel with the crew to project locations and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You’ll Need

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States for this company.
• High School Diploma, GED equivalent, or a combination of relevant work experience.
• Minimum 2 years of heavy equipment operating experience, preferably in underground utility construction.
• Experience operating excavators, backhoes, trenchers, plows, loaders, and similar construction equipment.
• Valid Class A Commercial Driver\'s License (CDL) required with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to operate and safely transport equipment and materials.
• Working knowledge of underground utility construction, trenching, grading, restoration, and excavation safety.
• Knowledge of OSHA trench safety standards and utility locating practices.
• Ability to perform daily equipment inspections, preventative maintenance, and basic service on equipment.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a traveling construction crew.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions while maintaining productivity and quality standards.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, dependable attendance, and on-time performance.
• Ability to travel overnight for the majority of the work schedule.

Physical Abilities & Exposures

• Routinely: work alone in remote locations with arms above shoulder level, operate vehicle and heavy machinery, squeeze, fine hand motions, bend, stoop, stand, walk, climb stairs and lift greater than 55 pounds
• Occasionally: work in confined spaces, use ladder, keyboard and mouse

The wage range for Long Haul Heavy Equipment Operator is $27.00 - $35.00.

Why work with us

Your career here is more than just a job — it's your pathway to opportunity. Our hands-on training, supportive environment, and responsive leadership connect you to work with purpose. Our commitment to you extends beyond professional development to a safety-first culture that ensures you can do what you do best, with peace of mind.

Building stronger solutions together

Our company is an equal-opportunity employer — we are committed to providing a work environment where everyone can thrive, grow, and feel connected.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.