Heavy Equipment Operator - Construction Services

Transportation Partners & Logistics; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 661,000 - 1,101,000; Full time

Job summary

Transportation Partners & Logistics seeks an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to support construction and earthmoving activities. The role requires operating multiple machines safely in a field-based setting and adhering to strict safety standards.

The candidate should have 3+ years of hands-on experience with heavy equipment, read construction plans, and perform daily inspections. This is a field-based, on-site position with varying weather and terrain conditions.

Qualifications

• Minimum high school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience operating multiple heavy construction machines is essential.
• Strong knowledge of safety requirements on job sites.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment such as excavators, dozers, loaders, graders, compactors, scrapers, and haul trucks.
• Perform site grading, trenching, excavation, backfilling, and material placement.
• Read and interpret site plans, grades, and stake layouts.
• Conduct pre-operation inspections and complete daily equipment checklists.
• Identify mechanical issues and report maintenance needs promptly.
• Work closely with superintendents, survey crews, and ground personnel.
• Follow all OSHA, MSHA (if applicable), and company safety policies.
• Maintain productivity while ensuring safe equipment operation.
• Assist with general site tasks as needed when equipment is idle.
• Operate equipment in varying weather and terrain conditions.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Site plans reading

Safety compliance

Pre-operation inspections

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

GPS machine control

Job description

Description

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for safely operating heavy machinery to support construction, earthwork, and infrastructure activities. This role requires experience with multiple types of equipment, a strong commitment to safety, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, field-based environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment such as excavators, dozers, loaders, graders, compactors, scrapers, and haul trucks
• Perform site grading, trenching, excavation, backfilling, and material placement
• Read and interpret site plans, grades, and stake layouts
• Conduct pre-operation inspections and complete daily equipment checklists
• Identify mechanical issues and report maintenance needs promptly
• Work closely with superintendents, survey crews, and ground personnel
• Follow all OSHA, MSHA (if applicable), and company safety policies
• Maintain productivity while ensuring safe equipment operation
• Assist with general site tasks as needed when equipment is idle
• Operate equipment in varying weather and terrain conditions

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 3+ years of experience operating heavy construction equipment
• Demonstrated proficiency in operating multiple equipment types
• Valid driver’s license; CDL preferred (or required, depending on equipment)
• Strong understanding of job site safety requirements
• Ability to read basic construction plans and grade stakes
• Physically capable of working long hours in outdoor environments

Preferred Qualifications

• NCCER certification or equivalent equipment training
• Experience in civil, utility, renewable energy, or large-scale infrastructure projects
• GPS machine control experience (Topcon, Trimble, etc.)
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification

Pre-Employment Requirements

Candidates must successfully complete a background check and drug screening prior to hiring. This role is considered safety-sensitive and may be subject to ongoing drug and testing in compliance with company policy and regulatory requirements.

Salary Description

$30-$50