What are the responsibilities and job description for the Heavy Equipment Operator (Earthwork) position at Elite Earthworks and Engineering?
Elite Earthworks & Engineering
Heavy Equipment Operator (Earthwork)
Location: Murrieta, CA | Field
Elite Earthworks & Engineering is hiring an Experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to join our high-performance field team. This is not an entry-level position. All candidates will complete a skills assessment before hiring.
At Elite, we invest in developing ELITE professionals who model our core values every day:
Heavy Equipment Operators perform earthwork operations using multiple pieces of equipment with precision, productivity, and an expert understanding of grades, stakes, GPS systems, and plans. Operators are expected to uphold high production standards, maintain equipment, support field crews, and contribute to Elite's culture of safety and excellence. This posting covers all operator levels, including advanced skills equivalent to Operator 3 and Operator 4.
Responsibilities
Elite is a place where your expertise matters, your contributions are valued, and your growth is supported. You'll join a team committed to innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence, while working with people who take pride in what they do.
Elite Earthworks & Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and make employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We maintain a drug- and alcohol-free workplace.
Heavy Equipment Operator (Earthwork)
Location: Murrieta, CA | Field
Elite Earthworks & Engineering is hiring an Experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to join our high-performance field team. This is not an entry-level position. All candidates will complete a skills assessment before hiring.
At Elite, we invest in developing ELITE professionals who model our core values every day:
- Empowerment - Building leaders and encouraging ownership
- Lean - Operating efficiently and minimizing waste
- Innovation - Leveraging technology and expertise
- Transformation - Improving our people and our communities
- Excellence - Delivering top-tier work with integrity
Heavy Equipment Operators perform earthwork operations using multiple pieces of equipment with precision, productivity, and an expert understanding of grades, stakes, GPS systems, and plans. Operators are expected to uphold high production standards, maintain equipment, support field crews, and contribute to Elite's culture of safety and excellence. This posting covers all operator levels, including advanced skills equivalent to Operator 3 and Operator 4.
Responsibilities
- Safely and productively operate multiple types of heavy equipment, including: Skip Loader, Skid Steer, Motor Grader, Dozer, Loader, Excavator, Scraper, Mini Excavator
- Maintain grade to industry-standard tolerances
- Load trucks efficiently during export operations
- Construct curbs, paving sections, sidewalks, basins, and slopes
- Work with lasers, GPS readouts, and grading stakes
- Operate GPS-controlled equipment; adjust files, sections, and settings when needed
- Read and interpret grading stakes, plans, blueprints, and GPS files
- Provide accurate field documentation and update logs as needed
- Identify and communicate production or safety issues
- Assist with process improvements and jobsite solutions
- Perform daily equipment inspections
- Report mechanical issues promptly
- Conduct basic repairs: hoses, filters, fluids, cutting edges, etc.
- Complete routine machine maintenance, lubrication, and cleaning
- Work under the direction of the Grade Checker, Foreman, or Superintendent
- Support pipe laying operations and general field tasks
- Assist in interviewing/testing new operator candidates
- Train and support lower-tier operators when applicable
- Build positive team morale and uphold company values
- Experienced operator; not entry-level
- Ability to operate at least 3 to 4 types of equipment proficiently
- Strong understanding of grading stakes, grades, slopes, and tolerances
- Ability to read plans, GPS data, and blueprints
- Safety-first mindset with strong communication skills
- Must be able to meet the company's drug-free workplace policy and safety standards, including passing any required pre-employment or safety-related screenings in compliance with California law.
- Full-time, Non-Exempt, W-2 position.
- Competitive hourly pay at $30 to $55, based on operator proficiency, certifications, and field performance
- $3k New Hire Journeyman Bonus (must be an official Operating Engineer Journeyman's Card, details provided upon offer)
- Health insurance is covered by the employer at 100% for base plans for you as the employee.
- Dental insurance is covered by the employer at 100% for base plans for you as the employee.
- $25k Life insurance plan covered by employer at 100%.
- Vision insurance is provided as an option (not covered by the employer).
- 401 (k) available for contributions (no matching).
- (2) paid holidays for the field.
- Career growth into advanced operator or leadership roles
- Recognition for high performance and productivity
- A fun, supportive, fast-growing team
- Training opportunities (GPS systems, equipment mastery, advanced grading skills)
Elite is a place where your expertise matters, your contributions are valued, and your growth is supported. You'll join a team committed to innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence, while working with people who take pride in what they do.
Elite Earthworks & Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and make employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We maintain a drug- and alcohol-free workplace.
Salary : $30 - $35