Heavy Equipment Operator
Lafayette, IN
Our client is seeking a skilled Heavy Equipment Operator to join its construction team. This position is responsible for safely operating a variety of heavy equipment used in site development, roadway construction, utility installation, excavation, grading, and other civil construction projects. The ideal candidate is safety-focused, dependable, and experienced operating multiple types of construction equipment while working efficiently with field crews to complete projects on schedule.
Heavy Equipment Operator Responsibilities
- Safely operate heavy equipment including: Excavators, Dozers, Wheel loaders, Motor graders, Skid steers, Backhoes, Rollers/Compactors, Off-road haul trucks and articulated dump trucks
- Perform excavation, grading, trenching, backfilling, and material handling according to project specifications.
- Read and interpret grade stakes, blueprints, site plans, and construction drawings.
- Work around underground utilities while maintaining safe excavation practices.
- Perform finish grading and rough grading with attention to elevations and tolerances.
- Conduct daily equipment inspections and complete pre- and post-trip inspections.
- Perform basic preventative maintenance including checking fluid levels, lubricating equipment, and reporting mechanical issues.
- Assist with loading, unloading, and transporting equipment as needed.
- Maintain a clean and organized work area.
- Follow OSHA regulations, company safety policies, and project-specific safety requirements.
- Communicate effectively with supervisors, foremen, laborers, and other equipment operators.
- Assist with general construction tasks when equipment operation is not required.
- Work overtime and occasional weekends as project schedules require.
Heavy Equipment Operator Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- 3+ years of heavy equipment operating experience in civil construction, site development, road construction, or utility projects.
- Experience operating multiple types of heavy construction equipment.
- Ability to read grade stakes and understand construction plans.
- Knowledge of excavation safety and trenching practices.
- Strong understanding of equipment maintenance and daily inspections.
- Valid driver's license required; CDL is a plus.
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification is a plus.
- GPS machine control experience (Topcon, Trimble, Leica, or similar) is preferred.
- Ability to sit for extended periods while operating equipment.
- Frequently climb on and off heavy equipment.
- Lift up to 50 pounds.
- Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to work on uneven terrain and around active construction sites.
Candidates with experience in any of the following are encouraged to apply:
- Roadway and highway construction
- Underground utilities (storm, sanitary sewer, water main)
- Site development
- Commercial construction
- Earthwork and mass grading
- GPS-guided machine control systems
- Finish grading and precision excavation
Pay: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Are you comfortable commuting to job sites in the Lafayette, IN area? (Yes/No)
- Which specific pieces of heavy equipment (e.g., Bulldozers, Compactors, Dump Trucks, Excavators, GPS & Robotic Total Sanitation, Haul Trucks, Hydro Excavation Truck, Loaders, Scrapers, Skid Steers, Trenchers) do you have the most hours operating?
- Do you have experience operating machinery utilizing GPS or robotic total station grading systems? If yes, please specify which systems.
- Which types of construction projects have you primarily worked on? (Select all that apply.)
Site Development
Roadway/Highway Construction
Underground Utilities
Commercial Construction
Earthwork & Mass Grading
Residential Development
Industrial Construction
Other
- Do you have experience using GPS machine control systems? (Select all that apply.)
Trimble
Topcon
Leica
Other GPS Machine Control
No GPS experience
- Are you willing to work overtime and occasional weekends when required?
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
- Heavy Equipment Operation: 3 years (Required)
- operating heavy equipment on civil construction projects: 3 years (Preferred)
- reading grade stakes, site plans, or construction drawings: 3 years (Preferred)
- performing finish grading and precision excavation: 3 years (Preferred)
- underground utilities such as storm sewer and sanitary sewer: 3 years (Preferred)
- water main installations: 3 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
Work Location: In person
