Heavy Equipment Operator

AR Utilities & Excavation • Marion, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

AR Utilities & Excavation LLC is hiring experienced Heavy Equipment Operators for underground utility construction and site development projects in San Antonio, Texas, and surrounding areas. The company installs domestic water, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, and fire protection systems for commercial and civil construction projects. Operators safely and accurately perform excavation and related equipment work while coordinating with utility crews to maintain project schedules and production goals. Compensation is competitive and based on experience, qualifications, skill level, and the types of equipment the applicant can operate. The role is full-time, with opportunities for advancement and increased responsibility.

Operators may use backhoes, mini or large excavators, trenchers, front-end loaders, skid steers, compact track loaders, and other heavy construction equipment. The work includes trench excavation to specified dimensions and grades; precise excavation around existing utilities; assisting with piping and utility structure installation; material handling, backfilling, grading, and placement; and coordinating with foremen, pipe layers, and laborers. Operators are also responsible for equipment inspections and routine care, reporting mechanical issues and unsafe conditions, and following company safety policies and applicable OSHA construction regulations.

The position requires previous heavy equipment operating experience, safe operating practices, and the ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. Underground utility construction experience is strongly preferred. Operators must be able to work independently, follow directions, and travel reliably to designated job sites. Overtime and occasional weekends may be required when project schedules demand them.

Requirements

• Previous heavy equipment operating experience is required.
• Ability to safely and efficiently operate one or more types of heavy construction equipment.
• Experience excavating trenches and working around underground utilities.
• Ability to excavate accurately to specified depths and elevations.
• Understanding of basic construction grades, elevations, and utility layouts.
• Knowledge of excavation safety and proper equipment operating procedures.
• Ability to work independently and follow directions from foremen and superintendents.
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to work overtime and occasional weekends when project schedules require.
• Reliable transportation to designated job sites.

Nice To Haves

• Underground utility construction experience.
• Experience operating multiple types of heavy equipment.
• Experience with commercial site utility construction.
• Proficiency operating excavators for deep utility trench excavation.
• Experience excavating around existing underground utilities.
• Familiarity with laser levels, grade rods, and GPS equipment.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
• Experience with trench safety and excavation protective systems.
• Ability to perform basic equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Safely and efficiently operate assigned heavy construction equipment.
• Excavate trenches for underground water, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, and fire line installations to specified depths, widths, grades, and alignments.
• Perform precision excavation around existing underground utilities and structures.
• Assist with installation of underground piping, manholes, valves, fire hydrants, inlets, and other utility structures.
• Load and unload materials, move spoil piles, and maintain organized jobsites.
• Perform trench backfilling, grading, and material placement; assist with pipe placement, bedding, backfilling, and compaction.
• Read and interpret utility markings, construction stakes, and basic construction plans; use laser levels, grade rods, and other layout equipment when needed.
• Identify potential utility conflicts and notify the foreman before proceeding; follow proper procedures around existing utilities.
• Coordinate equipment work with foremen, pipe layers, and laborers to meet production goals and minimize downtime.
• Conduct daily equipment inspections and routine preventative maintenance, including checking equipment components, greasing, and cleaning.
• Report mechanical problems, equipment damage, unsafe operating conditions, delays, and unforeseen field conditions.
• Maintain assigned equipment and attachments responsibly and minimize unnecessary wear, damage, idling, and movement.
• Follow company safety policies and applicable OSHA construction regulations, including excavation and trench safety requirements.
• Maintain safe distances from personnel, structures, utilities, and overhead power lines; do not allow employees to enter unsafe excavations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment and report jobsite incidents and unsafe conditions.
• Take responsibility for the quality and accuracy of assigned work.

Benefits

• Medical insurance available for employees and eligible family members.
• Dental insurance available for employees and eligible family members.
• Vision insurance available for employees and eligible family members.
• Life insurance benefits.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Opportunities for advancement and increased responsibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed