Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator – Environmental Remediation

Department: Field Operations

Reports To: Crew Leader / Project Manager / Operations Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Heavy Equipment Operator – Environmental Remediation is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of heavy equipment to support environmental cleanup, restoration, and construction projects. This position performs a combination of excavation, grading, and material handling activities and assists with field labor when not operating equipment. The Operator plays a key role in ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with environmental and regulatory standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment such as excavators, loaders, dozers, and skid steers in support of soil excavation, grading, backfilling, and site restoration.

• Support remediation and construction activities including trenching, waste removal, grading, and site preparation under the direction of the Crew Leader or Project Manager.

• Perform daily equipment inspections, preventative maintenance checks, and report mechanical issues immediately.

• Load, move, and spread materials such as soil, gravel, and debris using proper operating techniques.

• Maintain compliance with all safety, health, and environmental policies, including spill prevention and contamination control.

• Assist with setup and removal of containment systems, erosion control barriers, and job site preparation when not operating equipment.

• Work closely with environmental and field crews to execute site-specific work plans.

• Maintain accurate and legible equipment logs and field reports as required.

• Participate in daily safety meetings, job hazard analyses, and tailgate talks.

• Perform other related duties as assigned to support safe and efficient project completion.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficient in operating multiple types of heavy equipment safely and efficiently.

• Understanding of environmental remediation and construction site operations.

• Basic knowledge of soil management, excavation safety, and erosion control practices.

• Ability to interpret site plans, grades, and instructions from supervisors.

• Strong commitment to safety, teamwork, and environmental compliance.

• Ability to perform physical labor and assist field teams as needed.

• Effective communication and situational awareness on active job sites.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience operating heavy equipment in construction or environmental remediation.

• Valid Driver’s License with a clean 5-year MVR.

• Ability to pass pre-employment and random drug/alcohol screenings.

• Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

• Willingness to travel to various job sites and work extended hours or weekends as needed.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions.

• Exposure to soil, dust, vibration, hazardous materials, and uneven terrain.

• Frequent standing, climbing, bending, lifting (up to 75 lbs), and manual labor in addition to operating heavy machinery.

• Must be able to safely enter and exit heavy equipment multiple times per day.

Safety and Compliance

All duties must be performed in accordance with company Health & Safety standards, OSHA regulations, and environmental remediation requirements. Employees are required to attend safety meetings, use required PPE, and immediately report unsafe conditions, incidents, or equipment deficiencies to their supervisor.