Senior Heavy Equipment Operator

Elmington; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Elmington Construction in Nashville seeks a Senior Heavy Equipment Operator to support multiple projects. You will manage excavation, grading, trenching, and material movement while coordinating with superintendents and field teams to ensure safety and efficiency on site.

The role requires 5+ years of experience operating heavy equipment, a strong safety focus, and the ability to work with diverse crews. We offer a stable, safety-driven environment with opportunities for growth in a

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 5+ years experience operating heavy equipment.
• Experience with equipment such as excavators, dozers, skid steers, loaders, backhoes.
• Valid driver's license when operating company vehicles.
• Equipment-specific training, certifications, or licenses may be required depending on project needs.
• Ability to understand and follow jobsite safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate heavy construction equipment based on project and site needs.
• Operate equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, skid steers, loaders, backhoes, compactors.
• Perform excavation, grading, trenching, backfilling, loading, site preparation, and material-moving activities.
• Follow project plans, grade requirements, construction layouts, and instructions provided by field leadership.
• Perform daily walk-around inspections and routine equipment checks before operation.
• Identify and promptly report equipment deficiencies, unsafe conditions, maintenance needs, or mechanical concerns.
• Ensure equipment safety components remain operational and are never bypassed or disabled, consistent with Elmington Construction safety requirements.
• Maintain equipment in clean and safe operating conditions.
• Follow established procedures when equipment requires maintenance or must be taken out of service.
• Work safely around underground and overhead utilities and immediately communicate potential hazards to field leadership.
• Maintain awareness of employees, subcontractors, pedestrians, vehicles, structures, and other equipment operating within the work area.
• Safely load, move, stockpile, and place construction materials as required.
• Assist with general sitework and project needs when equipment operation is not required.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe jobsite.
• Follow all company safety policies, jobsite requirements, and applicable safety regulations.
• Wear required personal protective equipment and participate in required safety meetings and training.
• Communicate effectively with superintendents, foremen, project teams, subcontractors, and other field personnel.
• Demonstrate Elmington Construction's core values in daily work and interactions.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Site safety

Multiple equipment types

Grading & excavation

Safety awareness

Equipment inspection

Coordination

Follow instructions

Independent worker

Teamwork

Dependability

Adaptability

Ownership

Driving license

Education

High school diploma or GED

Driver's license

Equipment certifications (if required)

Tools

Excavators

Bulldozers

Skid steers

Loaders

Backhoes

Compactors

Job description

Elmington Construction is a Nashville-based general contractor and construction management company providing comprehensive residential and commercial services with a partnership approach. We specialize in affordable and multi-family housing and have completed 36 projects with 21 more under construction in states across the US.

Our experienced leadership team understands market dynamics and has refined our processes to minimize typical construction conflicts, delivering exceptional results that provide clients confidence and peace of mind throughout their journey with the Elmington family.

All activities will be performed in support of the values of Elmington Construction.

Integrity ~ Precision ~ Growth ~ Driven ~ Relationships

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating heavy construction equipment in support of Elmington Construction projects. This position will perform a variety of sitework activities, including excavation, grading, trenching, loading, material movement, site preparation, and other construction-related tasks.

The ideal candidate is safety-focused, dependable, experienced with heavy equipment, and able to work effectively with superintendents, field teams, subcontractors, and other project personnel. .

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Strong knowledge of heavy equipment operation and construction-site safety.
• Ability to safely operate multiple types of construction equipment.
• Understanding of grading, excavation, trenching, backfilling, and general sitework.
• Ability to recognize unsafe working conditions and respond appropriately.
• Basic understanding of equipment inspections and preventative maintenance.
• Strong hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to the larger project team.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Dependable, punctual, and safety conscious.
• Ability to adapt to changing job-site conditions and priorities.
• Take ownership of assigned responsibilities.
• Driven to complete work accurately, safely, and efficiently.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Safely operate heavy construction equipment based on project and site needs.
• Operate equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, skid steers, loaders, backhoes, compactors, and similar construction equipment.
• Perform excavation, grading, trenching, backfilling, loading, site preparation, and material-moving activities.
• Follow project plans, grade requirements, construction layouts, and instructions provided by field leadership.
• Perform daily walk-around inspections and routine equipment checks before operation.
• Identify and promptly report equipment deficiencies, unsafe conditions, maintenance needs, or mechanical concerns.
• Ensure equipment safety components remain operational and are never bypassed or disabled, consistent with Elmington Construction safety requirements.
• Maintain equipment in clean and safe operating conditions.
• Follow established procedures when equipment requires maintenance or must be taken out of service.
• Work safely around underground and overhead utilities and immediately communicate potential hazards to field leadership.
• Maintain awareness of employees, subcontractors, pedestrians, vehicles, structures, and other equipment operating within the work area.
• Safely load, move, stockpile, and place construction materials as required.
• Assist with general sitework and project needs when equipment operation is not required.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe jobsite.
• Follow all company safety policies, jobsite requirements, and applicable safety regulations.
• Wear required personal protective equipment and participate in required safety meetings and training.
• Communicate effectively with superintendents, foremen, project teams, subcontractors, and other field personnel.
• Demonstrate Elmington Construction's core values in daily work and interactions.

The above description covers the principal duties and responsibilities of the job. The description shall not, however, be construed as a complete listing of all miscellaneous, incidental, or similar duties which may be required from day-to-day.

SPECIFIC EDUCATION OR EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience operating heavy equipment in commercial, residential, civil, or site-development construction.
• Demonstrated experience operating equipment such as excavators, dozers, skid steers, loaders, backhoes, or similar machinery.
• Experience with equipment maintenance preferred.
• Valid driver's license required when operating company vehicles or equipment where applicable. Elmington's current safety program requires employees operating company vehicles to maintain a valid driver's license.
• Equipment-specific training, certifications, or licenses may be required depending on project needs and applicable regulations.
• Ability to understand and follow jobsite safety requirements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Must be able to work outside on construction sites including all types of weather (extremes of hot/cold)
• You will be working in a temporary facility/structure.
• Able to stand; crawl; climb ladders & stairs; balance; stoop and kneel; etc. (physical activities associated with construction sites)
• You must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• You frequently work near moving mechanical parts. You occasionally work in high, precarious places and are occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. You should be able to recognize these hazards or potential hazards and react accordingly to protect the workforce and provide OSHA compliant safeguards.

The Elmington Construction Experience

At Elmington Construction, we foster an entrepreneurial mindset, compensating for the value our team members bring to the table. We provide an environment that encourages room for advancement and career succession, recognizing and rewarding contributions to our collective success. With a team collaboration ethos, constant improvement is not just encouraged but embedded in our culture, offering autonomy to individuals who thrive on innovation.

Elmington Construction is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Elmington Construction makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.