Heavy Equipment Operator

Thompson Excavation; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-owned excavation company seeks an experienced Operator III to operate heavy machinery for construction and demolition projects. Candidates should have 8 to 10+ years of experience, proficiency in equipment operation, and a valid driver's license. Responsibilities include preparing sites, performing equipment maintenance, and ensuring safety compliance. This position offers training for OSHA certification and a focus on teamwork and community values.

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of heavy equipment operation and capabilities.
• Knowledge of utility installation and cut/fill operations.
• 10-hour OSHA certification (training available).
• Valid driver’s license or State ID.
• CPR and First Aid training available from Thompson.
• 10-hour OSHA certification training available from Thompson.

Responsibilities

• Operate machinery for construction and excavation projects.
• Prepare construction sites for building or demolition.
• Perform routine maintenance and repairs on equipment.
• Perform routine maintenance and repairs.
• Attends morning huddle and follows safety guidelines and PPE.
• Dig for mainline utility installation and finish grading with GPS or stakes.

Skills

Expert in all laborer duties

Ability to work independently

Effective communication

Basic math skills

Mechanical skills

Communication

Flexible hours

GPS interpretation

Mechanical aptitude

Blueprint reading

Education

8 to 10+ years of dirt/utility experience

Valid driver’s license or State ID

Tools

High Vis shirt or Vest

Utility knife

Weather-appropriate clothing

Job description

The Operator III will operate machinery for construction, demolition, or excavation projects and other duties as assigned.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Follows Values, Vision and Mission
• Works with a team
• Operate equipment including excavators, dozers, rock trucks, skid steers, roller, and tractors with pan
• Prepares construction sites for building, demolition, or excavation
• Uses equipment to prepare building sites for construction
• Ensures loads are secured properly
• Grease and fuel equipment prior to beginning/end of shift
• Cleans equipment and performs daily inspections
• Performs routine maintenance and repairs
• Attends and participates in morning huddle
• Dig for mainline utility installation
• Finish grading of building pads and roadway with GPS instruments or stakes, with topo shots
• Helps keep crew on task and proper production
• Sets Safety example by following safety guidelines at all times and complies with proper safety procedures and PPE
• Performs other related duties as assigned/needed up to and including all laborer duties

Required Skills/Abilities

• Expert in all laborer duties
• Expert Ability to work independently
• Ability to listen, understand, and follow directions
• Ability to effectively communicate and problem solve
• Ability to remain flexible in job hours worked as specific assignments change
• Ability to perform basic math (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division)
• Knowledge of utility installation and cut/fill operations
• Mechanical Skills
• Ability to read construction blueprints and calculate run, rise, percentage, GPS, as-builds, etc.
• Ability to read cut sheets, grade stakes and GPS station
• Proper instrument set up of GPS base with equipment, pipe laser, rotary laser, line/surface level, etc.

Education and Experience

• 8 to 10+ years of dirt/utility experience
• Expert knowledge of heavy equipment operation and capabilities
• Expert knowledge of construction
• Valid driver’s license or State ID
• CPR and First Aid (Thompson will train if necessary)
• 10-hour OSHA certification (Thompson will train if necessary)

Physical Requirements

• Must have physical strength, balance, hand-eye coordination, and stamina necessary to complete jobs in various areas
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds
• Must be able to operate machinery for prolonged periods of time
• Must be able to operate equipment in a variety of environments including but not limited to concrete, dirt, fumes, and loud noise levels
• Must be able to work long hours and Saturdays when needed

Required Tools

• High Vis shirt or Vest
• Utility knife
• Clothes with no large holes or cut offs for varying weather conditions

Vision, Mission, Values

• By honoring God, we will become nationally preferred concrete and excavation provider
• To entrust and empower our team to create the best experience for clients, communities, and families
• We will build lasting relationships based on
• Faith – Walk the path of obedience with a conviction for giving back to our community near and afar
• Safety – Commit to the health and wellbeing of ourselves and those around us through adherence to our safety policies to ensure every team member goes home safely to their families every day
• Integrity – Live a “no excuses” existence, taking responsibility for our actions while appropriately recognizing others for their contributions
• Quality – Stive for continuous improvement to ensure the highest level of long-lasting craftsmanship
• Teamwork – Recognize the exponential value of “many “over “individual” to reach out goals
• Trust – Be loyal to our teammates to the degree they know we are dedicated to having their backs
• Respect – Treat others the way they deserved to be treated, lifting them up in times of need and appreciating their efforts
• Empowerment – Entrust and equip our team members to reach their full leadership potential through mentorship, training, and patience