Heavy Equipment Operator
Site Development / Underground Utilities
Position Overview
We are seeking skilled and reliable Heavy Equipment Operators to join our civil construction crews performing site development and underground utility installation. Operators are responsible for the safe, precise, and productive operation of heavy earthmoving and material-handling equipment in support of grading, excavation, utility installation, and site development work.
The ideal candidate has proven experience operating one or more classes of heavy equipment, understands grade and excavation operations, and is comfortable working in a fast-paced field environment in close coordination with grade checkers, pipe layers, spotters, and ground crews.
Operators are expected to maintain production while protecting the safety of the crew, the integrity of underground and overhead utilities, and the quality of finished grade and installed work.
Work Schedule
- Standard Schedule: Monday – Friday, 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Overtime Opportunities: Some Saturday work may be available depending on project needs
- Saturday work is not guaranteed each week
Compensation & Benefits
Pay: $28.00 – $38.00 per hour (based on experience and equipment proficiency)
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- On-the-job training and cross-training
- Opportunities for advancement
- Safety equipment provided
Work Location: Frederick, MD
Equipment Operated & Scopes of Work
Operators may be assigned to one or more of the following machine classes based on experience, certification, and project requirements:
Large Excavators
Operate tracked hydraulic excavators for mass excavation, trenching, and structural excavation on site development and utility projects. Responsibilities include:
- Excavating trenches to line and grade for storm drain, sanitary sewer, and water main installation while protecting existing utilities
- Cutting and shaping slopes, benches, and building pads to plan grades and specified tolerances
- Setting pipe, manholes, catch basins, and precast structures in coordination with pipe crews and rigging/lifting operations
- Loading haul trucks efficiently and safely, balancing loads and maintaining production cycles
- Maintaining safe trench geometry, spoil placement, and adherence to trench protection and shoring requirements
- Using grade control references (lasers, stringline, or machine-guidance systems where equipped) to achieve accurate excavation
Bulldozers
Operate crawler dozers for grading, spreading, and site preparation work. Responsibilities include:
- Rough and fine grading of building pads, roadways, and site areas to plan elevations and cross-slopes
- Pushing, spreading, and stockpiling soil, aggregate, and fill material
- Cutting and filling to balance earthwork and establish subgrade for pavements and structures
- Stripping topsoil, clearing, and grubbing site areas in preparation for construction
- Maintaining haul roads and construction access routes
- Operating GPS/machine-control grading systems to hold grade and slope where equipped
Front-End Tire Loaders
Operate rubber-tired wheel loaders for material handling, loading, and site support. Responsibilities include:
- Loading trucks with soil, stone, aggregate, and recycled material at controlled, productive cycle times
- Moving, stockpiling, and feeding materials to crews, crushers, or placement operations
- Backfilling trenches and structures and placing pipe bedding and stone as directed
- Assisting with site cleanup, material staging, and load-out of excavated or surplus material
- Rough grading and spreading of aggregate base and fill in support of grading operations
Haul Trucks
Operate on-site articulated or rigid haul trucks (and/or tandem/off-road dump trucks) for the transport of earth and materials. Responsibilities include:
- Hauling soil, rock, aggregate, and spoil between excavation, stockpile, fill, and disposal areas
- Positioning under loaders and excavators for safe, efficient loading and dumping
- Following designated haul routes, spotter signals, and site traffic-control plans
- Dumping and spreading material at fill areas in coordination with dozer and grading operations
- Monitoring load limits, tire condition, and vehicle systems to maintain safe operation
Skid Steers
Operate skid-steer loaders and attachments for tight-quarters grading, material handling, and utility support. Responsibilities include:
- Fine grading, backfilling, and material movement in confined or finished areas
- Loading, carrying, and placing pipe bedding, stone, and small material quantities
- Operating attachments such as buckets, forks, augers, breakers, brooms, and grapples as required
- Assisting utility crews with trench backfill, structure setting, and site cleanup
- Site maintenance including snow, debris, and material clearing around active work zones
General Operator Responsibilities
- Perform daily pre-operation and post-operation equipment inspections and complete required inspection logs
- Conduct routine greasing, fueling, and basic maintenance; promptly report mechanical issues
- Work in close coordination with grade checkers, pipe layers, spotters, and ground personnel
- Maintain constant awareness of underground and overhead utilities, excavations, and personnel on foot
- Support installation of storm drainage, sanitary sewer, and water systems through accurate excavation, backfill, and material placement
- Maintain safe work zones, spoil management, and clean, organized operating areas
- Comply with all jobsite safety policies, trench safety requirements, and PPE requirements
Qualifications
Required
- Proven experience operating one or more of the following: large excavators, bulldozers, front-end tire loaders, haul trucks, or skid steers
- Ability to operate equipment safely and productively around excavations, utilities, and ground crews
- Understanding of grade, slope, and excavation operations on sitework or utility projects
- Ability to follow instructions from foremen, grade checkers, and supervisors
- Strong reliability, punctuality, and safety awareness
- Reliable transportation to project sites
Preferred
Candidates with the following experience are strongly encouraged to apply:
- Multi-machine proficiency across excavators, dozers, loaders, haul trucks, and skid steers
- Experience on site development or underground utility crews (storm drain, sanitary sewer, water main)
- Experience with GPS / machine-control grading systems
- Familiarity with trench safety practices and utility protection
- Experience setting pipe, manholes, catch basins, and precast structures
- OSHA 10 certification
Ideal Candidate Profile
We are looking for operators who:
- Take pride in precise, productive work on professional sitework crews
- Are dependable and show up ready to work every day
- Operate safely and communicate effectively with ground crews and spotters
- Understand the balance of safety, production, and quality
- Are willing to cross-train on multiple equipment classes
Physical Requirements
- Ability to mount, dismount, and operate heavy equipment for extended periods
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Ability to perform equipment inspections, greasing, and minor maintenance, including lifting up to 50 lbs
- Ability to work in and around trenches, uneven terrain, and active construction environments
- Sufficient vision, hearing, and coordination to operate equipment safely
Pre-Employment Requirements
- Pre-employment drug screening required
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
- Must comply with all jobsite safety policies and PPE requirements
- Must pass equipment efficiency exam
What You'll Gain
- Opportunity to operate a modern equipment fleet alongside experienced sitework and utility crews
- Hands-on experience across site development and underground utilities
- Opportunity to cross-train and advance across multiple equipment classes and lead operator roles
- Opportunity for advancement to Lead Operator, Foreman, and Beyond.
Pay: $28.00 - $38.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Operator : 4 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
