Union - Journeyman Heavy Equipment Operator

DPR GP; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Wellness program

Job summary

DPR Construction is seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to support safe and efficient project execution on our Richmond-area sites. The role involves operating excavators, dozers, and loaders, coordinating with crew members, and ensuring work is completed in the correct sequence according to project plans.

Qualified candidates will have a high school diploma or GED (or equivalent), 2–4 years of relevant experience, and OSHA 10 certification preferred (or completed within 6 months of

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED or equivalent experience required.
• 2–4 years of experience in heavy equipment operations or related field.
• Completion of an accredited operating engineers apprenticeship program is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain heavy equipment (excavators, dozers, loaders) per project specs and safety rules.
• Perform daily inspections and basic maintenance to ensure reliable performance.
• Coordinate with crew and supervision to align work sequencing.
• Follow project plans and adjustments for site conditions.
• Report equipment issues or unsafe conditions promptly.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety compliance

Team coordination

Education

High School Diploma/GED or equivalent

Job description

Job Description At DPR, roles and responsibilities are more than describing a job title—they are a commitment to building great things together. The job description(s) below defines core responsibilities and the scope of the role and is a starting point. Every employee is expected to lead from where they are, take ownership of outcomes, and always act in the best interest of the team, customer, project and organization. As a purpose-driven organization on a journey to be most admired, we rely on trust, shared leadership, open communication, disciplined action and a deep respect for the individual to drive exceptional performance. Success is not just about what we build, but who we build and how we build it: with integrity, enjoyment, uniqueness and an ever-forward mindset.

Job Summary

Performs standard and moderately complex heavy equipment operations to support safe and efficient project execution. Operates and maintains assigned construction equipment, such as excavators, dozers, and loaders, for site preparation, grading, and material movement in accordance with project specifications and safety requirements. Collaborates with crew members and supervision to coordinate work sequencing, inspect equipment, and identify and resolve minor issues encountered during daily operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Operates a variety of heavy construction equipment to complete assigned grading, trenching, and material handling tasks safely and accurately.
• Conducts daily inspections and basic maintenance on assigned equipment to ensure reliable performance and compliance with safety standards.
• Follows project plans and direction from supervision to execute assigned work efficiently and in proper sequence.
• Adjusts equipment operation as needed to respond to changing site or soil conditions.
• Collaborates with other crew members to maintain clear communication and organized site logistics.
• Maintains clean and hazard-free work areas and ensures proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Reports equipment issues, incidents, or unsafe conditions promptly to supervision.

Education Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED or equivalent experience required.

Work Experience

• Completion of an accredited operating engineers apprenticeship program or 2–4 years of experience in heavy equipment operations or a related field required.

Certifications and Licenses

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-Hour Construction certification preferred.
• OSHA 10 program completion within 6 months of hire is required.

Anticipated starting pay range

Anticipated starting pay range: Nothing is more important than your health and wellness.

Benefits

• DPR offers a variety of medical, dental, vision and wellness benefits to keep you healthy.

Company Overview

DPR Construction is a forward-thinking, self-performing general contractor specializing in technically complex and sustainable projects for the advanced technology, life sciences, healthcare, higher education and commercial markets. Founded in 1990, DPR is a great story of entrepreneurial success as a private, employee-owned company that has grown into a multi-billion-dollar family of companies with offices around the world. Working at DPR, you'll have the chance to try new things, explore unique paths and shape your future. Here, we build opportunity together—by harnessing our talents, enabling curiosity and pursuing our collective ambition to make the best ideas happen. We are proud to be recognized as a great place to work by our talented teammates and leading news organizations like U.S. News and World Report, Forbes, Fast Company and Newsweek.

The DPR family of companies is closing the gap between design and construction with an integrated collection of products and services to build smarter, move faster and achieve strong results. Our approximately 11,000 employees share a commitment to growth, innovation and building great things—great teams, great careers and great projects that change the world.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity

DPR is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.

All employment decisions at DPR are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical or mental disability, HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, medical history or genetic information, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

DPR will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Read more in our EEOE Policy.

Accommodation

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application or any step in the process: In the US, call Human Resources at 650-474-1450 In Europe, email [e-mail]

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