Heavy Equipment Operator/Driller Trainee (Quarry)

Maine Drilling & Blasting•Middletown, CT

About The Position

Maine Drilling & Blasting (MD&B) is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator/Driller Trainee to join its majority employee-owned team. The role is suited to someone with heavy equipment or construction labor experience who wants to learn the drilling and blasting industry. MD&B emphasizes safety, operational excellence, employee development, and promotion from within. The position pays $20–$22 per hour, plus a travel stipend. The trainee follows job-specific direction from Superintendents, Blasting Supervisors, and Drill Operators while learning drilling practices and equipment operations. The work may involve out-of-town travel, overtime, and varying weather conditions. The employee must meet physical demands, maintain equipment, follow safety procedures, complete required documentation, and complete Driller I training within the designated period.

Requirements

Experience as a construction laborer.
Valid driver’s license and own transportation.
Ability to perform essential functions of the position.
Ability to lift 50–100 pounds 30–40% of the time.
Ability to work on uneven and loose surfaces in varying weather conditions.
Ability to stoop and bend 30–40% of the time.
Physical agility.
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen.
Successful completion of an ATF background screening.
Safety-mindedness and ability to work well in varying weather environments.
Common sense regarding the operation of equipment and machinery.
Dedication, enthusiasm, hard work, integrity, honesty, and responsibility.
Good communication and ability to work effectively with a team.

Nice To Haves

Experience operating heavy construction, earthmoving, farm, or timber-harvesting equipment, such as backhoes, skid steers, excavators, or loaders.
Mechanical aptitude based on experience with equipment, motors, hydraulic systems, or electrical systems.

Responsibilities

Follow job-specific instructions from Superintendents, Blasting Supervisors, or Drill Operators.
Perform daily maintenance needed for safe and efficient operation of assigned equipment.
Follow company safety policies and procedures.
Learn drill patterns and terminology, then execute the drill pattern and layout established by the Blaster Foreman.
Inventory drill accessories, understand their costs, and maintain them.
Communicate problems and terrain conditions to the Blaster or Foreman.
Understand the Field Accounting system and accurately complete and submit drill reports, hole sheets, and signed timecards on time.
Coordinate supplies with the Blaster and carry tools and supplies.
Participate in Foreman’s, safety, job-specific, and daily heads-up meetings as needed.
Complete Driller I training within the designated period.
Work unsupervised while maintaining a sense of urgency.
Perform other duties as assigned.