Equipment Operator

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Since its foundation in 1986, Thompson Construction Group, Inc. has grown from a small, local company into one of the largest privately held companies based in South Carolina. Our diverse services portfolio includes capital projects, power services, maintenance services, disaster recovery, hydro consulting, and commercial construction. We believe in investing in our employees to help them reach their professional goals, as well as their personal goals. Thompson promotes a work environment that fosters learning, leadership, and development, along with a safety culture that never waivers. Thompson is headquartered in Sumter, South Carolina, with offices spanning the United States, primarily the southeast and central United States.

Position Description

Operate several types of power construction equipment to excavate, lift, move, and grade earth, fill materials, machines, products, or supplies, erect structural and reinforcing steel, and pour concrete or other hard surface paving materials, and do so in a safe and timely manner with the highest quality possible.

Job Responsibilities

There are several classes of Equipment Operator. The equipment and duties/responsibilities of each class of Equipment Operator are defined below:

Light Equipment Operator

• Operates several types of power construction equipment, such as:
  • Backhoe
  • Bobcat
  • Compactor (towed)
  • Elevator
  • Farm Tractor
  • Forklift (smooth surface, battery or propane powered, stand-up or sit-down)
  • Hand Truck
  • Scissor Lift
  • Power Broom
  • Water Wagon
• Duties and responsibilities include:
  • Tow, drive, move and load or off-load material for construction purposes

Medium Equipment Operator

• Operates several types of power construction equipment such as:
  • Bulldozer (less than D-6)
  • Compactor (self-propelled)
  • Forklift (rough terrain)
  • Front-End Loader (rubber tire, less than 1 yard bucket)
  • Truck (over 2 tons, dump, multi-axle)
• Duties and responsibilities include:
  • Must be knowledgeable in OSHA regulations regarding excavation methods and practices, swing barricades, and backup alarms.
  • Excavation equipment operators must have the ability to read survey stakes for alignment and grading.
  • Drott operators must be able to verify load weights, understand standard hand signals, operate within the equipment manufacturer’s specified limits, and be able to read and interpret load charts.

Heavy Equipment Operator

• Operates several types of power construction equipment, such as:
  • Batch plant
  • Backhoe (Track)
  • Bulldozer (D-6 and above)
  • Dragline
  • Drum Hoist (Exclusive of air electric tugger)
  • Front-End Loader (Track and rubber tire; one-yard bucket and above)
  • Gradall
  • Motor Grader
  • Scraper
• Duties and responsibilities include:
  • Excavate, move, and grade earth for construction purposes.
  • May direct workers engaged in placing blocks and outriggers on cranes.
  • Must be knowledgeable in OSHA regulations regarding excavation methods and practices, swing barricades and back up alarms.
  • Excavation equipment operators must have ability to read survey stakes for alignment and grading.

All Equipment Operators

• Duties and Responsibilities include:
  • Move hand levers, adjust hand wheels and depress pedals to drive machines and control attachments such as trailers.
  • May maintain equipment using grease gun and oil can and inspect tires and fluid levels.
  • Fasten attachments; connect hydraulic hoses, belts and linkages.
  • May perform minor repairs.
  • May maintain radio contact with supervisor.
  • Inspect equipment on a daily basis to ensure safe operation before use.
  • Responsible for observing and complying with all safety and project rules.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in the field.
• May require a CDL, Class A or B.
• May require an annual physical examination.
• May be necessary to pass certification prior to operating some equipment.
• Truck operators may be required to have a valid state motor vehicle operator’s license.
• Must be able to read, write, and communicate clearly with supervisor/co-workers and understand direction from supervisor.
• Utilize basic math to calculate load weights and balance points.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, climb, bend, twist, stand, and reach repetitively, operate moving equipment, and work in hot/cold/damp/cramped environments.
• Candidate may be required to pass a drug test and criminal background check based on job location/requirements.

Thompson Construction Group, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Thompson Construction Group, Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.