Heavy Equipment Operator
Civil Excavation & Site Work | BC Excavating | Rockbridge, OH — $32–$38/hr + OT | Travel Required
POSITION SUMMARY
BC Excavating is seeking experienced Heavy Equipment Operators with a strong civil background to join our growing team. You will operate a wide range of machinery from skid steers to 93,000-lb dozers on mass earthwork and substation site work projects across Ohio, Indiana, and West Virginia. We are a non-union contractor, which means our operators work alongside the crew, labor when needed, and take full ownership of their machine and their site.
If you have civil experience, GPS operating skills, and a work ethic that doesn't quit at 40 hours, we want to talk to you. We pay above market, offer per diem for travel, and build long-term relationships with the people on our crews.
ABOUT BC EXCAVATING
BC Excavating is a family owned civil excavation and site work company based in Rockbridge, Ohio. We specialize in earthmoving, underground utilities, land clearing, and grading delivering quality site work for residential, commercial, and municipal projects across Central Ohio. We pride ourselves on showing up, doing the work right, and building long-term relationships with clients and crew alike.
We are growing and we are looking for people who take ownership, show up ready to work, and want to build something with a team that has each other's backs.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
- Operating all assigned equipment safely, efficiently, and in alignment with site plans from day one no hand-holding once you're oriented.
- Reading grades accurately and operating GPS systems with confidence on substation site work.
- Completing Daily Task Hazard Analysis (DTHA) forms and pre-shift equipment inspections every day without prompting.
- Stepping into labor when the crew needs it — this is a non-union shop and everyone contributes.
- Communicating clearly with the site foreman about progress, machine condition, and any safety concerns.
- Advancing through the 'Ladder to Success' performance reviews and building toward a senior or foreman track.
OBJECTIVES
- Operate heavy equipment including excavators, dozers, graders, and skid steers (up to 93,000 lbs) across mass earthwork, substation, and civil excavation projects in OH, IN, and WV.
- Execute grading plans using GPS machine control systems, reading grades in tenths and working to spec with minimal oversight.
- Complete daily pre-shift equipment inspections, DTHA forms, and job briefings as part of the morning planning window (7–8 AM).
- Perform labor tasks alongside crew as needed — loading, unloading, trenching, pipe support, or other site requirements when not in the cab.
- Maintain equipment in clean, operational condition and immediately report mechanical issues or safety hazards to the site foreman.
- Meet project milestones and quality tolerances as assigned by the foreman or superintendent on each site.
COMPETENCIES
Heavy Equipment Operation
- Proficient in operating civil excavation equipment including excavators, dozers, graders, scrapers, and skid steers. Understands machine load limits, ground conditions, and safe operating parameters for each piece.
GPS Machine Control
- Experienced using GPS grade control systems in a civil or earthwork environment. Comfortable learning and adapting to system updates and site-specific configurations.
Grade Reading & Math
- Able to read grades in tenths, understand slope calculations, and work to tolerances specified in civil drawings and site plans. Construction math fluency required.
Safety & DTHA Compliance
- Understands and follows OSHA and site-specific safety protocols. Completes required daily documentation equipment inspection forms, task hazard analysis without exception.
Laborer Flexibility (Non-Union)
- Willing and able to perform general labor tasks on site when the crew needs support. This is a non-union shop operators work the whole site, not just the cab.
Travel Readiness
- Comfortable working away from home across Ohio, Indiana, and West Virginia for extended project durations. Responsible for own transportation, housing, and meals within per diem allowance.
Communication & Team Orientation
- Communicates clearly with site foreman and crew. Asks questions when uncertain rather than guessing. Takes feedback seriously and acts on it.
REQUIREMENTS
Required:
- 1+ year of civil excavation operating experience (substations, grading, earthwork, utility corridors, or similar)
- Demonstrated GPS machine control experience — Trimble, Topcon, or equivalent
- Ability to read grades and work in tenths
- Willingness to travel across OH, IN, and WV — overnight stays required
- Willing and able to labor on-site when needed (non-union requirement)
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to meeting point / shop
Preferred:
- Experience operating machines 50,000 lbs and above (dozers, large excavators)
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification
- Experience on substation, transmission, or utility-scale civil projects
- CDL (Commercial Driver's License) or experience hauling equipment
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Pay Rate
$32–$38/hr based on experience | Overtime common (40+ hrs/week typical)
Schedule
Monday–Thursday | 4×10-hour days | Overtime as required by project
Health Insurance
65% of premium covered — employee and dependents | Effective after 90 days
401(k)
Company match | 100% vested after 5 years
Paid Holidays
Eligible after 90 days of employment
PTO
1 week paid vacation after 1 year (does not carry over)
Per Diem
$115/day | $140/day — based on distance zone from Rockbridge, OH
Work Location
Meet on job site | Travel required OH / IN / WV
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Prolonged periods operating heavy equipment in varying weather and terrain conditions
- Ability to perform manual labor tasks including lifting up to 60 lbs, bending, climbing, and working in trenches or on slopes
- Comfortable working at construction sites with active equipment, energized zones, and variable footing
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $32.00 - $38.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
