Operator

Wharton-Smith; Sanford (FL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Wharton-Smith, Inc. is seeking a qualified Operator to safely operate heavy construction equipment in Central, FL.

The role supports foundation excavation, site grading, material placement, and pipe laying while maintaining safe, efficient job site operations. The ideal candidate has a minimum of three years of related construction experience, knowledge of safety practices, and the ability to work with diverse teams on active job sites.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of related construction experience.
• Experience operating heavy construction equipment preferred.
• Current equipment certifications or qualifications as required by company or project safety standards.
• Knowledge of safe equipment operation and construction site safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate heavy equipment per manufacturer specs and safety procedures.
• Perform foundation excavation, site grading, material placement, and pipe laying support.
• Demonstrate knowledge of equipment controls and proper operation of each piece.
• Install and detach attachments using appropriate methods and tools.
• Perform daily pre-operation inspections and routine maintenance.
• Report defects or malfunctions to the supervisor and complete reports.
• Follow all OSHA safety requirements and communicate issues to supervisors.
• Travel to project sites as needed and work OT when required.

Skills

Safety-conscious

Communication

Physical stamina

Independence

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Wharton-Smith, Inc., a highly regarded General Contractor throughout the Southeast, is seeking qualified candidates for the position ofan Operator. We are currently seeking someone who is willing to work inCentral, FL.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Operator safely operates heavy construction equipment, including but not limited to backhoes, material handlers, excavators, dozers, and loaders. This position performs equipment operations supporting foundation excavation, site grading, material placement, pipe laying, and other construction activities while maintaining safe and efficient job site operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Safely operate assigned heavy equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications, project requirements, and company safety procedures.
• Operate equipment for foundation excavation, site grading, material placement, pipe laying, and other construction activities.
• Demonstrate knowledge of equipment controls and the proper operation of each assigned piece of equipment.
• Change and install equipment attachments using equipment-specific mechanical methods, including quick-release systems, manual attachments, and manual rod forks.
• Connect hydraulic hoses, belts, mechanical linkages, power takeoff shafts, and other equipment components as required to operate attachments.
• Understand jobsite task requirements and select and operate equipment appropriately to complete assigned work.
• Demonstrate knowledge and proper use of all safety features and controls for assigned equipment.
• Perform daily pre-operation inspections to ensure equipment is in safe and proper working condition.
• Perform routine daily equipment maintenance and report maintenance needs, defects, or malfunctions to the appropriate supervisor.
• Complete required equipment inspection, maintenance, and operating reports.
• Follow all company, project, and OSHA safety requirements and procedures.
• Communicate equipment-related issues, jobsite conditions, and work status to the appropriate supervisor.
• Perform other duties as assigned that are related to the operation of heavy construction equipment.
• Crane operation is excluded from this job description and is covered under the separate Crane Operator position.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of related construction experience.
• Experience operating heavy construction equipment or working in a related construction field preferred.
• Experience operating multiple types of heavy construction equipment preferred.
• Current equipment certifications or qualifications as required by company, project, or regulatory standards.
• Knowledge of safe equipment operation, basic maintenance procedures, and construction site safety practices.
• Ability to safely and efficiently operate heavy construction equipment in accordance with established procedures.
• Ability to perform routine equipment inspections and identify potential maintenance needs, mechanical issues, or safety hazards.
• Familiarity with equipment safety features, operational controls, and proper equipment handling techniques.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions, including safety guidelines and operating procedures.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to coordinate effectively with Craft Foremen, Field Coordinators, Project Superintendents, and other job site personnel.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a construction team.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required equipment certifications and qualifications.
• Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to job site safety signs, instructions, alarms, and warnings.
• Ability to work in varying environmental conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, noise, and dust.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including prolonged standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, climbing, crawling, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
• Ability to safely navigate uneven surfaces, ladders, scaffolding, stairs, ramps, and elevated work areas.
• Ability to operate equipment hand and foot controls while maintaining coordination and awareness of surrounding job site activities.
• Ability to handle heavy or bulky construction materials and occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Availability to work a full-time, non-exempt schedule, with flexibility for overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays as project needs require.
• Willingness to travel to and between project job sites based on business needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disability

Wharton‑Smith provides equal opportunity to qualified disabled veterans, Pre-JVA special disabled veterans and individuals with disabilities to online application systems by making reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access for submitting to job openings. (i.e., wheelchair accessibility, website accessibility, etc).