What are the responsibilities and job description for the Heavy Equipment Operator position at Hunter Excavating Inc.?
Position Summary
The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and skilled operation of heavy construction equipment to support excavation, site work, material handling, snow removal, and related operations. This role plays a critical part in maintaining a safe jobsite, protecting company assets, and ensuring work is completed to plan, schedule, and quality standards. Operators are expected to exercise sound judgment, follow all safety regulations, and communicate effectively with supervisors, ground crews, and other site personnel.
Key Responsibilities
Equipment Operation
- Safely and efficiently operate heavy equipment including, but not limited to:
excavators, front-end wheel loaders, dozers, compactors, snowplows, and other assigned machinery.
- Perform material handling tasks such as loading, unloading, grading, trenching, backfilling, and stockpiling in accordance with job specifications.
- Understand and adhere to equipment capacities, loading requirements, and limitations to prevent overloading, tipping, or mechanical failure.
- Operate equipment with awareness of surroundings, including personnel, utilities, structures, traffic, and environmental conditions.
Safety & Compliance
- Operate all equipment in a manner that minimizes the risk of injury, property damage, and environmental impact.
- Follow all OSHA, MSHA (if applicable), DOT, company safety policies, and site-specific safety plans.
- Participate in jobsite safety meetings, toolbox talks, and required training.
- Immediately report unsafe conditions, near misses, incidents, or equipment concerns to supervision.
Equipment Inspection & Maintenance
- Perform daily pre-operation and post-operation inspections and safety checks on assigned equipment.
- Complete required inspection forms, logs, and documentation accurately and timely.
- Clean and maintain equipment as scheduled and as needed to ensure safe and proper operation.
- Secure equipment properly at the end of shifts, including parking, locking, and storage in designated areas.
- Communicate maintenance needs, defects, or repair requirements promptly to the Project Manager who will relay to the Fleet Manager.
- Assist with routine maintenance activities as directed.
Communication & Teamwork
- Communicate clearly and effectively with site supervisors, foremen, laborers, truck drivers, and other operators.
- Use hand signals, radios, or other communication tools to coordinate work safely and efficiently.
- Work collaboratively with ground crews to maintain productivity and safety.
- Take direction from supervisors while providing feedback on job conditions, sequencing, and equipment needs.
Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain accurate daily logs and timesheets related to equipment usage, fuel, hours, basic maintenance and hours worked.
- Record production data, downtime, and issues as required for job costing and reporting.
General Responsibilities
- Perform all assigned tasks in compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
- Maintain a clean, organized work area and jobsite.
- Support snow removal operations, emergency response, or off-hour work as required.
- Perform other related duties as assigned to support overall operations.
Qualifications & Skills
- Proven experience operating heavy equipment in construction, excavation, or similar environments.
- Strong understanding of safe equipment operation, jobsite hazards, and situational awareness.
- Ability to read and understand basic site plans, grades, and layout stakes (preferred).
- Mechanical aptitude and ability to identify equipment issues.
- Effective verbal communication skills.
- Willingness to work in varying weather conditions and physical environments.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, climb, and operate equipment for extended periods.
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally.
- Exposure to noise, dust, vibration, and moving machinery.
Pay: $25.00 - $28.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40.0 – 60.0 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Are you able to reliably commute to South Londonderry, VT?
Work Location: In person
Salary : $25 - $28