Heavy Equipment Operator

BLS Electrical Inc • Laredo, TX

8d • $20 - $40

About The Position

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of heavy and light construction equipment to support earthwork, material handling, and site preparation. The role includes ensuring machinery is maintained in good working order, identifying and mitigating site hazards, and meeting project objectives on schedule and within budget.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 2–3 years of experience operating heavy construction equipment in commercial, industrial, or civil construction settings.
• Proven track record of safe equipment operation and minimal downtime due to equipment incidents.
• Valid Class A or B driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Equipment-specific certifications, such as NCCER, OSHA 10-hour, or forklift operator certification, or willingness to obtain them upon hire.
• Strong understanding of hydraulic, mechanical, and safety systems on a variety of equipment.
• Ability to identify ground conditions, overhead hazards, and personnel proximity to prevent accidents.
• Precise control of equipment levers, pedals, and joysticks for grading, digging, and material placement.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment issues in the field and implement basic corrective measures.
• Clear communication with crew members, supervisors, and spotters using radios and hand signals.
• Ability to plan work sequences to maximize productivity while accommodating shift changes, weather delays, and project milestones.
• Proactive hazard recognition, risk mitigation, and enforcement of safety protocols.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse crews under varying site conditions.
• Flexibility to operate multiple types of equipment and adapt to changing project requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Technical or vocational training in heavy equipment operations.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate assigned machinery, including excavators, backhoes, dozers, loaders, skid-steers, and forklifts, in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and site requirements.
• Perform daily equipment inspections, document findings, and report defects or maintenance needs.
• Perform basic maintenance tasks, such as lubrication, filter changes, and battery checks, and coordinate repairs beyond the operator’s scope with maintenance teams.
• Assist with grading, trenching, backfilling, stockpiling, and site cleanup to maintain safe, organized work areas.
• Use equipment to load, unload, and stockpile materials in compliance with load-securement and weight-distribution standards.
• Coordinate with spotters, laborers, surveyors, and supervisors on equipment positioning, alignment, and work sequencing.
• Follow company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and site-specific procedures; participate in toolbox talks, hazard assessments, and incident investigations as needed.
• Maintain equipment logs, complete timecards, and submit daily activity reports.
• Provide feedback on equipment performance, suggest efficiency improvements, and participate in training on new equipment and technologies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED