What are the responsibilities and job description for the Equipment Spotter & Utility Laborer (Path to Equipment Operator) position at MMI Utility Construction?
Company: MMI Utility Construction Location: Huntsville, AL 35805 (Construction Yard)
Pay: Starting at $18.00 per hour (Depending on experience)
Job Type: Full-time Schedule: Monday-Friday, typically 6:30 AM – 4:00 PM
About the Role & Your Career Path
MMI Utility Construction is seeking a reliable and safety-focused Equipment Spotter & General Laborer to join our Huntsville team. We specialize in underground utility installation, working on critical infrastructure and high-volume government contract work. Looking to get into underground utilities or learn how to operate heavy equipment? This is the perfect place to start! We do not just hire laborers; we train future Operators and Crew Leads.
In this role, you will act as the "eyes and ears" for our heavy equipment operators, ensuring safe excavation around live utilities. By working directly alongside our skilled operators, you will get a front-row seat to our operations, learn essential trenching and directional drilling skills, and earn your way into the machine operator's seat. Key Responsibilities
Precision Spotting: Act as the primary guide for operators using excavators, directional drills, and hydrovacs to prevent utility strikes and ensure site safety.
Ground Support: Assist the main crew with all aspects of underground utility work, from site prep to final restoration.
General Labor: Step in to perform physical tasks when not actively spotting, including hand-digging, potholing to expose existing utilities, and site cleanup.
Safety & Skill Building: Maintain expert awareness of trench safety, actively protect your crewmates while working around "live" lines, and learn the tools of the trade (locators, demo saws, and power tools). What We Expect From You
Hunger to Learn: No prior experience is required, but you must be ready to listen, learn, and take initiative every day. (Previous construction or utility experience is a strong plus!)
Team Mindset: You must be willing to "grab a shovel" and help out with hard work today to earn the seat in the machine tomorrow.
Crew Reliability: Our crews depend on one another; we show up on time, every time, for the team. Mandatory Driving & Background Requirements (Non-Negotiable) We perform a high volume of government contract work, and our insurance requires strict driver eligibility. An MVR will be checked every 6 months. You are considered "Prohibited" and should not apply if you have any of the following on your record from the past 5 years:
● DUI/DWI: One or more convictions within the last 5 years.
● Moving Violations: 3 or more moving violations (including speeding tickets).
● Accidents: 2 or more accidents.
● Combined Record: A combination of 3 moving violations and 1 or more accidents. Other Requirements
● Drug Test: Must pass a pre-employment drug screen.
● Reliability: Daily commute to our Huntsville yard by 6:30 AM.
● Physicality: Ability to lift up to 80 lbs and work outdoors in all Alabama weather conditions.
● Hiring Process: Candidates must complete an initial interview, followed by a Second Interview which includes an in-person skills assessment.
Benefits
● 401(k) Retirement Plan (with company match)
● Paid Time Off (PTO)
● Earned Sick Leave
● Career Advancement: We prioritize promoting from within; your pay increases as your skills increase.
Pay: $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
Salary : $18