Equipment Operator Drop Crew - Moose Lake, MN

Local work, home nightly! Midco is hiring Equipment Operators to work out of the Moose Lake, MN area. $24 - $31/hr DOE. Must have experience operating heavy equipment.

$2,250 bonus! Seasonal, full-time with the potential for year-round employment. Monday - Friday, 40 hrs/week minimum. Overtime higher through peak summer months. Career advancement with pay increases. Annual merit increases. Full benefits including PTO, paid holidays, 401k w/match, medical, dental & vision, paid paternal leave, free cable & internet, and much more!

This position can be located in Cromwell, Hinckley, McGregor or Moose Lake, MN.

Job Summary

As an Equipment Operator - Drop Crew (DC), you will operate underground construction equipment to perform the installation, maintenance, and repair of telecommunications drop infrastructure from the mainline to the customer premises. Responsibilities include operating trenchers, plows, and mini-excavators; performing site assessments; ensuring proper utility clearances; and maintaining equipment safety and performance standards. Specific duties may vary based on position level, ranging from Equipment Operator - DC to Equipment Operator III - DC, depending on experience and certifications.

Responsibilities

• Operate various equipment including, but not limited to, mini-excavator, skid steer, and directional bore machine, to support drop installations and maintenance of underground service lines to individual premises.
• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of assigned equipment, including checking fluid levels and conducting visual inspections to ensure safe and efficient operation. Complete all required pre-trip and post-trip inspections and documentation.
• Conduct site assessments and walk-throughs to verify drop paths and confirm alignment with project specifications and local regulations.
• Ensure proper clearances and utility locates are confirmed prior to installation, adhering to industry standards and company policies.
• Execute assigned tasks as directed by the drop crew lead or supervisor, maintaining productivity and safety standards.
• Demonstrate a positive customer experience by delivering high-quality service, promptly addressing concerns, and effectively handling challenging situations under pressure.
• Represent the company positively by engaging respectfully with property owners and community members, clearly communicating work being performed and timelines.
• Maintain a clean environment by clearing all debris and materials upon completion of service request.
• Safely load, unload, and transport drop-related excavation equipment to and from job sites.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Midco’s safety program by enforcing safety rules and procedures, wearing appropriate safety apparel (e.g., hard hats, safety vests, OSHA-approved boots), and operating all equipment safely.
• Operate and drive a company vehicle in compliance with all Midco policies and procedures, ensuring safety, efficiency, and adherence to traffic laws. Maintain vehicle cleanliness and ensure regular maintenance and repairs are conducted as scheduled to uphold a professional image
• Model Midco’s mission, vision, values, ethos, and Leadership Success Drivers, and inspire others to do the same.
• Ensure customer privacy by adhering to Midco’s privacy guidelines while actively following Midco policies and procedures.
• Maintain reliable and predictable attendance as required by the position.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Note: Management reserves the right to assign or reassign functions and responsibilities to this job description at any time.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) or a minimum of 2 years of equivalent work experience.
• Complete Construction First Time Right certification within 60 days of hire and consistently apply principles in all aspects of work.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and meet all applicable Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements for the state(s) in which the team member operates. This may include the ability to obtain and maintain a DOT Medical Card if required by law or company policy. A DUI conviction within the past 5 years will result in disqualification from employment in these positions.
• Must develop working knowledge of construction, the National Electrical Code, OSHA regulations, state and local regulations and general safety standards.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working on the installation of underground telecommunications or utility infrastructure.
  
  

Note: Team Members will be assigned a level based on the required experience and training. Advancement is sequential and contingent upon successful completion of all requirements at the preceding level, certifications, demonstrated proficiencies and time-in-role or equivalent experience where applicable.

Equipment Operator-DC

• 2 years’ experience as a Laborer working on the installation of underground telecommunications or utility infrastructure.
• Less than 1 year operating drop-related equipment (e.g., mini-excavator, skid steer).
• Operate basic equipment under limited supervision for residential drop installations.
• Comply with equipment maintenance and safety check procedures.
• Assist with site prep, restoration, and utility locate verification.
  
  

Equipment Operator I-DC

• 2 years in role or equivalent experience.
• Excavation and Trenching Certification required.
• Perform routine equipment inspections and minor maintenance.
• Read and interpret drop paths, site plans, and scope of work documents.
• Independently execute drop installations and confirm utility locates.
• Maintain safety and quality standards on residential job sites.
  
  

Equipment Operator II-DC

• 4 years in role or equivalent experience.
• Independently operate multiple types of equipment used in drop installations.
• Confirm utility locates and clearances before excavation.
• Provide guidance and support to less experienced crew members.
• Demonstrate ability to learn and adapt to new equipment as project needs evolve.
• Efficiently manage jobsite logistics and crew coordination.
  
  

Equipment Operator III-DC

• 6 years in role or equivalent experience.
• Lead small drop crew teams in the absence of formal leadership.
• Coordinate site readiness, equipment logistics, and task assignments.
  
  

Train and mentor junior operators.

• Troubleshoot site or equipment issues and escalate as needed.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and installation standards.
• Demonstrate ability to quickly and safely learn new equipment.
  
  

Work Environment

• The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud.
• Frequent exposure to outside weather conditions.
• Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, high, precarious places, risk of electrical shock, and risk of radiation and vibration.
• May be required to work more than 40 hours per week and outside normal business hours, such as holidays, evenings, and weekends as business demands.
• May be required to travel up to 50% of flexible scheduled hours per business needs.
  
  

Physical Demands

• Required to reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Must occasionally lift and carry loads up to 80 lbs. and separately handle a 75 lbs. ladder.
• Be able to safely use a ladder rated for a maximum load of 375 lbs., including the combined weight of the individual, fall protection equipment, and any tools being carried.
• Ability to stand or sit for long periods of time and maneuver in small tight areas.
  
  

Mental Demands

• Capable of ensuring tasks are completed accurately and maintaining a clean and safe work environment.
• Possess problem-solving skills to address unexpected issues and find efficient solutions during various tasks.
• Capable of understanding and following safety regulations and procedures to mitigate risks.
• Effectively communicating with team members and understanding instructions.