What are the responsibilities and job description for the Equipment Operator position at Saber Power Services?
Equipment Operator
Saber Power Services, a portfolio company of Greenbelt Capital Partners, is a fully integrated electrical power system services firm providing end-to-end solutions across utility, renewables and battery storage, industrial, petrochemical, and other markets. Based in Houston, Texas, Saber Power offers deep subject matter expertise and uses an engineering-led approach to designing, installing, testing, and maintaining medium and high-voltage electrical infrastructure. Saber serves clients locally, nationally, and abroad.
Position Summary:
The Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating a variety of heavy construction equipment used in excavation, grading, hauling, and site preparation activities. This position supports construction and infrastructure projects by moving earth, loading materials, and preparing surfaces according to project specifications. The operator must maintain constant awareness of safety practices, job site conditions, and coordination with crew members to ensure efficient and hazard-free operations. Work is typically performed in outdoor construction environments and may involve exposure to dust, uneven terrain, noise, and varying weather conditions.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Operate a variety of heavy construction equipment including dump trucks, bulldozers, front-end loaders, motor graders, tracked excavators, water trucks, and other machinery used in excavation, grading, and site development.
- Perform earthmoving operations such as excavating, grading, trenching, loading, hauling, and spreading materials including dirt, sand, gravel, rock, and debris.
- Follow all established safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements to ensure a safe work environment for self and others.
- Identify and take proactive steps to avoid hazards such as underground utilities, overhead power lines, unstable ground conditions, nearby workers, and moving equipment.
- Locate and verify underground utilities and services such as water lines, gas lines, electrical conduits, and communication cables prior to beginning excavation activities.
- Monitor machine operations continuously to ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.
- Conduct routine equipment checks including inspection of fuel levels, hydraulic systems, fluid levels, tires or tracks, and safety features before and during operation.
- Adjust and operate machine controls such as hand wheels, pedals, switches, throttles, and levers to control equipment attachments including blades, buckets, scrapers, and swing booms.
- Start and shut down machinery safely while maintaining awareness of surrounding personnel and equipment.
- Coordinate equipment movements with ground personnel and other equipment operators using hand signals, radio communication, or verbal instructions.
- Position machinery accurately to lift, load, move, and place materials according to job specifications and supervisor direction.
- Drive and maneuver heavy equipment across construction sites, making multiple passes over work areas to clear vegetation, remove topsoil, level ground, or shape terrain.
- Load trucks or other transport vehicles with soil, gravel, rock, or debris for hauling and disposal.
- Assist with job site preparation, including clearing land, preparing foundations, digging trenches, and grading surfaces for roads, utilities, or structures.
- Maintain awareness of changing site conditions including weather, ground stability, and nearby construction activity.
- Report equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, or site issues promptly to supervisors.
- Ensure adequate fuel supply and coordinate refueling activities to minimize downtime.
- Perform basic preventive maintenance tasks such as cleaning equipment, lubricating parts, and checking filters when required.
- Support other crew members and participate in general construction activities when equipment operation is not required.
- Perform other job-related duties as requested by management.
Qualifications:
- Strong understanding of construction site safety practices and procedures.
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and meet established performance standards.
- Skill in operating and controlling heavy construction equipment safely and efficiently.
- Ability to judge distances, slopes, grades, and clearances accurately.
- Ability to make decisions based on established procedures, job plans, and safety standards.
- Strong situational awareness and attention to surroundings while operating machinery.
- Effective communication skills for coordinating with crew members and supervisors.
- Basic mechanical knowledge to identify equipment issues and perform routine checks.
Work Conditions:
- Work is primarily performed outdoors on active construction sites.
- Exposure to dust, dirt, noise, vibration, and changing weather conditions is common.
- Work may involve uneven terrain, confined work areas, and proximity to heavy machinery.
- Physical demands may include climbing equipment, sitting for extended periods, and performing repetitive machine controls.
Safety is a Core Value with our organization. We work SAFELY or not at all.
Benefits:
We offer an excellent benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and financial future. Our Total Rewards Plan includes a choice of two comprehensive medical plans, dental and vision coverage, and company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance. We also provide company-paid basic life insurance for employees and their dependents. Additional benefits include a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and more. Beyond our benefits, we pride ourselves on fostering an outstanding work environment where employees feel valued and supported. Learn more about our Total Rewards Plan here.
Saber Power Services is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.