Overview
We're looking for a highly experienced heavy equipment operator who can lead a site development project team! This important role for our car wash and multi-family apartment projects will require someone who can proficiently read and interpret civil plans, operate a variety of construction machinery to perform excavation, grading, and utility installation tasks, and provide leadership for our site construction team. This is not an entry- or mid-level role. We are seeking someone who has done this work long enough to catch problems before they happen and can be trusted to run the site development on a project. We are based in Portland, Oregon with active and upcoming projects ranging from northern California to Washington, so a willingness to travel is important. Your expertise will ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards, contributing to the successful delivery of our overall ground up construction projects. We value proactive professionals eager to help us continue to grow our business and help lead our site construction team.
Responsibilities
- Independently read, interpret, and work directly from civil/site plans (grading plans, utility plans, cross-sections), set and verify elevations, etc.
- Operate heavy equipment such as excavators, skid steers, loaders, forklifts, compactors, etc.
- Perform site preparation activities including clearing, demolition, rough and fine grading to meet project specifications.
- Lead underground utility installation: trenching, pipe laying (storm, sewer, water), utility locating, and backfill, ensuring proper depths, slopes, and compaction.
- Take the lead on job sites with minimal day-to-day oversight — making sound calls on sequencing, equipment use, and problem-solving in the field.
- Coordinate directly with project managers, engineers, and other trades to execute tasks efficiently while adhering to construction timelines.
- Conduct routine maintenance and safety checks on all machinery to ensure optimal performance and compliance with equipment safety procedures.
- Follow all safety regulations and construction safety protocols to maintain a safe working environment for yourself and team members.
- Willingness to travel for 1 to 2 weeks at a time based on project location which could range from northern California to Washington.
Experience
- 7–10+ years of hands-on experience operating heavy equipment on excavation, utility, and grading projects — this is a lead-level position
- Highly proficient reading and interpreting civil plans — grading plans, utility plans, cross-sections, and site details
- Strong understanding of construction grading, excavation techniques
- Strong background in underground utility installation (storm, sewer, water, or similar) including trenching, shoring/trench safety, and pipe-laying to spec
- Demonstrated ability to set and hold elevations/grade independently, translating plan information directly into fieldwork
- Knowledge of federal construction safety regulations and equipment safety procedures is essential.
Pay: $40.00 - $50.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
