Underground Track Hoe Operator - Employee-Owned

ESS Companies; Muskogee (OK); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. (ESS) seeks an experienced Underground Utility Operator to support heavy civil construction on water, sewer, and storm drain projects in Muskogee, OK.

You will operate bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and related equipment, read plans, and coordinate with pipe crews to install underground systems while maintaining safety and quality.

Join a 100% employee-owned team delivering complex infrastructure solutions; ESS values hands-on expertise, reliability, and teamwork.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; vocational training in heavy equipment operation preferred.
• 3+ years of experience operating heavy equipment in heavy civil construction, with a strong underground utility focus.
• Experience excavating around utilities and trenching for water, sewer, and storm drain installations.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans and specs.
• Knowledge of GPS machine control and grade systems is a plus.
• Strong communication skills and ability to coordinate with diverse crews.
• Understanding of trench safety and underground utility installation best practices.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment, including bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and other utility construction equipment to support underground installations.
• Safely excavate trenches while maintaining grade and trench safety requirements.
• Work with pipe crews during utility installation, backfilling, and compaction operations.
• Maintain equipment and perform basic repairs as needed.
• Communicate with crew members and subcontractors to stay on schedule and budget.
• Develop relationships to ensure awareness of project schedules and deadlines.
• Ensure equipment is well-maintained and safety procedures are followed at all times.
• Identify and resolve issues during construction projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Reading plans & specs

GPS machine control

Effective communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Vocational training in heavy equipment operation

Tools

GPS machine control systems

Job description

Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. (ESS) seeks an experienced Underground Utility Operator to support heavy civil construction on water, sewer, and storm drain projects in Muskogee, OK.

You will operate bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and related equipment, read plans, and coordinate with pipe crews to install underground systems while maintaining safety and quality.

Join a 100% employee-owned team delivering complex infrastructure solutions; ESS values hands-on expertise, reliability, and teamwork.