Front End Loader Operator – Pipe Crew

Front End Loader Operator – Pipe Crew

Location: Jacksonville, FL
Employment Type: Full-Time

At Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors, Inc., precision, teamwork, and accountability drive everything we build. We’re looking for an experienced Front End Loader Operator with pipe crew experience who takes pride in supporting underground utility installation and maintaining safe, efficient operations on our civil construction projects.

If you’re a skilled operator who wants to work for a company where the owner knows you by name and your work truly matters, this is the opportunity for you.

Why You’ll Love This Role

As a Front End Loader Operator on our pipe crew, you’ll play a crucial role in keeping projects on schedule — supporting material delivery to the trench, assisting with backfill, and ensuring every installation meets Petticoat-Schmitt’s high standards for safety and quality.

You’ll gain hands-on experience across all aspects of underground utility construction while developing leadership skills that can take your career to the next level.

At Petticoat-Schmitt, we don’t just build infrastructure — we build people.

What You’ll Do

• Safely operate a front end loader to transport, load, and distribute pipe, bedding, and other materials for underground utility installation.

• Support the pipe crew with backfilling, trench prep, and material handling.

• Maintain full awareness of trench safety, crew positioning, and communication signals.

• Load, unload, and stage pipe, fittings, and materials in coordination with the foreman.

• Perform daily equipment inspections, complete pre-operation checklists, and report maintenance needs.

• Assist with dewatering systems (sump pumps, well points, sock drains, etc.).

• Use hand tools as needed and assist crew members with setup, cleanup, and layout.

• Follow direction from the Pipe Foreman or Superintendent to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and to spec.

What We’re Looking For

Experience & Skills

• Minimum 6 months of experience operating a front end loader on a pipe crew required.

• Experience loading and staging pipe, bedding material, and backfill in tight work zones.

• Understanding of safe trenching practices, slope checks, and ladder placement.

• Ability to read grade stakes, perform basic construction math, and measure accurately.

• Familiarity with rigging, hoisting, and underground utility safety.

• Team-oriented, reliable, and communicative with a positive attitude.

Requirements

• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel within a 70-mile radius of Jacksonville (including Nassau, Clay, Duval, St. Johns, and surrounding counties).

• Must pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen.

• Must provide and wear required PPE: hard hat, steel-toed boots, safety vest, and orange shirt.

• Availability for overtime and occasional weekend work as needed.

You’ll Love It Here If You Live Our A.C.T. Values

• Accountability: Safety first, communicate expectations, execute the plan, own the outcome.

• Character: Integrity, respect, trustworthiness, humility — no jerks allowed.

• Team: Shared goals, servant leadership, and determination to help others succeed.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation & Incentives

• Competitive hourly pay based on experience.

• Company Performance Incentive: After meeting minimum standards, 30% of company profits are shared among employees.

• Monthly Safety Bonus for recordable-incident-free performance.

• PTO available 6 Paid Holidays.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Coverage Options: Multiple plans available, including a 100% company-paid High Deductible Health Plan (employee-only coverage).

• Dental, Vision, Short- and Long-Term Disability.

• Up to $50,000 employer-paid life insurance.

• 401(k) with 100% match on the first 4%.

• Training, certification, and development programs for advancement.

• Employee-Owned (ESOP): Every team member has a direct stake in the company’s success.

Hours Information

• Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Hours may extend based on production needs.

• Some Saturdays as necessary; Sundays off.

• Expect 40–45 hours per week; overtime possible but not guaranteed.

About Petticoat-Schmitt

Headquartered in Jacksonville, FL, and in business since 2007, Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors, Inc. is a privately owned, employee-owned civil contracting firm specializing in site development, underground utilities, grading, roadway, and water/wastewater treatment plant construction throughout the Southeast.

Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.