Operator - Heavy Civil Construction

Clarkson Construction Co.; Missouri; On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Clarkson Construction Co. is seeking a skilled Operator to safely operate heavy equipment on road, bridge, and infrastructure projects in the Midwest. You will ensure precise grading, excavation, and material movement in alignment with project plans and safety standards.

The role requires experience with heavy machinery, strong teamwork, and a commitment to maintaining a safe, efficient jobsite. Union full-time status and field-based work are part of the position.

Qualifications

• Experience operating heavy equipment on heavy civil construction sites.
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform demanding tasks.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators, bulldozers, loaders, graders, and cranes on heavy civil projects.
• Perform daily inspections to ensure safe operation and reliability.
• Coordinate with crew to excavate, move, and grade earth and pave roads.
• Adhere to safety protocols and report hazards or incidents promptly.
• Maintain attendance and productive collaboration with team members.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Aerial Lift MEWP

Excavation Cert-Comp Pers

Hearing Conservation

Heat & Cold Stress

Lockout/Tagout-Comp Pers

OSHA 10

Safety Orientation

Vehicle Safety

Job description

Company Overview: Clarkson Construction Company is a leader in delivering innovative solutions to some of the biggest infrastructure projects in the Midwest. Now in its sixth generation, family-owned Clarkson is one of the largest and most diverse contractors in the Kansas City region and proudly performs highway construction, site development and grading, bridge construction, parking garage construction, concrete paving, and airfield paving operations with its own labor and equipment forces.

Position: Operator

Reports to: Foreman or Superintendent

Job Type: Full-time, Union

Job Summary:

The Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating heavy equipment such as excavators, dozers, graders, loaders, and other machinery used in road, bridge, and infrastructure construction. This role ensures precise grading, excavation, and material movement in accordance with project plans and specifications. Operators play a critical part in maintaining productivity, supporting crew operations, and upholding safety and quality standards on site.

Essential Functions / Key Responsibilities:

• Operate heavy machinery and equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, loaders, graders, and cranes on heavy civil construction projects.
• Perform daily equipment inspections to ensure operational safety and reliability.
• Coordinate with the construction team to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, and pave roads and highways.
• Adhere to and promote safety protocols, ensuring a safe working environment for yourself and your team.
• Identify and report potential safety hazards, concerns, or incidents immediately.
• Communicate and work with team members to coordinate tasks and maintain a productive work environment.
• Regular and punctual attendance.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Experience operating heavy vehicles in a construction environment.
• Additional certifications for specialized equipment may be required (crane, boom truck).
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Ability to walk, stand, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, sit, climb, work in challenging environments and on uneven surfaces, and perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting heavy materials (up to 50 pounds).
• Ability to remain alert and see, hear, and respond to team members and the surrounding environment in highly safety sensitive working conditions and near large heavy civil equipment and/or live traffic.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Excellent teamwork, communication skills and ability to follow instructions.
• Reliable transportation to and from construction sites.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe working environment for yourself and others.

Required Certifications:

• Aerial Lift MEWP
• Excavation Cert-Comp Pers
• Hearing Conservation
• Heat & Cold Stress
• Lockout/Tagout-Comp Pers
• OSHA 10
• Safety Orientation
• Vehicle Safety

Clarkson Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran or disabled status or any other legally recognized status entitled to protection under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.