Heavy Equipment Operator – Experienced
Reports To: Plant Foreman
Pay Range: $21.00–$26.00 per hour, based on experience and qualifications
Position Summary
The Experienced Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating heavy equipment in an active quarry and aggregate production environment. This position requires hands-on experience operating multiple types of equipment, maintaining quarry roadways, supporting gravel plant operations, and completing work in accordance with production priorities and established safety standards.
The successful candidate will be safety-minded, dependable, organized, and capable of managing multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment.
Essential Job Responsibilities
- Safely operate heavy equipment, including rock trucks, excavators, track hoes, dozers, road graders, and front-end loaders.
- Demonstrate proficiency operating large loaders, including the Komatsu WA500, John Deere 844, or comparable equipment.
- Excavate, load, move, stockpile, and grade earth, rock, gravel, and other materials.
- Grade, construct, and maintain quarry and plant roadways to support safe and efficient vehicle traffic.
- Inspect equipment before and after operation and accurately complete required inspection documentation.
- Perform routine equipment care, including cleaning, fueling, and lubricating equipment.
- Promptly report equipment damage, mechanical concerns, and required maintenance or repairs.
- Organize daily priorities and manage multiple projects or assignments simultaneously.
- Work closely with the Plant Foreman and other plant personnel to meet production goals.
- Assist with gravel plant operations, maintenance activities, and material-handling needs as assigned.
- Maintain clean, safe, and organized equipment, roadways, and surrounding work areas.
- Follow all company safety procedures, including PPE, lockout/tagout, traffic-control, and incident-reporting requirements.
- Immediately report safety hazards, near misses, equipment damage, and workplace incidents.
- Remain flexible and willing to operate different equipment or assist with changing operational needs.
- Perform other duties as assigned by management.
Qualifications
- Previous heavy-equipment operating experience in a quarry, aggregate, mining, construction, excavation, or similar industrial environment is required.
- Demonstrated ability to safely operate several types of heavy equipment.
- Experience operating large front-end loaders, particularly a Komatsu WA500, John Deere 844, or comparable equipment, is strongly preferred.
- Experience grading and maintaining unpaved roadways is required.
- Ability to prioritize assignments, manage multiple projects, and respond to changing production needs.
- Working knowledge of equipment inspections and routine preventative care.
- Strong safety awareness with a good driving and equipment-operation record.
- Dependable attendance and willingness to work as part of a team.
- Effective communication skills and the ability to work well with plant personnel, contractors, drivers, and management.
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation may be required.
Working Conditions
- Work is performed in an active quarry, aggregate plant, and construction environment.
- Regular exposure to dust, dirt, mud, noise, vibration, uneven terrain, and moving equipment.
- Work is performed outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.
- The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, with Saturdays required as needed during the construction season.
- Second-shift assignments may include evenings or overnight hours.
- Overtime and schedule flexibility are required when production demands dictate.
- Required PPE must be worn at all times in designated work areas.
Physical Requirements
This position requires the ability to:
- Frequently climb into and out of heavy equipment.
- Sit for extended periods while operating equipment.
- Safely walk and work on uneven, rocky, or slippery terrain.
- Bend, reach, push, pull, and perform repetitive hand and foot controls.
- Work around loud equipment and active vehicle traffic.
- Lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
Safety, reliability, and teamwork are essential to success in this position. Employees are expected to operate equipment responsibly, care for company property, and contribute to a safe and productive work environment.
Pay: $21.00 - $26.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
