Operator

Wharton-Smith•Jacksonville, FL

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Wharton-Smith, Inc. is seeking an Operator to work in Jacksonville, Florida. The Operator safely operates heavy construction equipment—including backhoes, material handlers, excavators, dozers, and loaders—to support foundation excavation, site grading, material placement, pipe laying, and other construction activities. The role involves equipment inspections and routine maintenance, safe and efficient job site operations, and communication with supervisors and other job site personnel. Crane operation is excluded and covered by the separate Crane Operator position.

Requirements

Minimum of three years of related construction experience.
Current equipment certifications or qualifications as required by company, project, or regulatory standards.
Knowledge of safe equipment operation, basic maintenance procedures, and construction site safety practices.
Ability to safely and efficiently operate heavy construction equipment in accordance with established procedures.
Ability to perform routine equipment inspections and identify potential maintenance needs, mechanical issues, or safety hazards.
Familiarity with equipment safety features, operational controls, and proper equipment handling techniques.
Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions, including safety guidelines and operating procedures.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively with Craft Foremen, Field Coordinators, Project Superintendents, and other job site personnel.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a construction team.
Ability to obtain and maintain required equipment certifications and qualifications.
Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to job site safety signs, instructions, alarms, and warnings.
Ability to work in varying environmental conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, noise, and dust.
Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including prolonged standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, climbing, crawling, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
Ability to safely navigate uneven surfaces, ladders, scaffolding, stairs, ramps, and elevated work areas.
Ability to operate equipment hand and foot controls while maintaining coordination and awareness of surrounding job site activities.
Ability to handle heavy or bulky construction materials and occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds.
Availability to work a full-time, non-exempt schedule, with flexibility for overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays as project needs require.
Willingness to travel to and between project job sites based on business needs.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Experience operating heavy construction equipment or working in a related construction field preferred.
Experience operating multiple types of heavy construction equipment preferred.

Responsibilities

Safely operate assigned heavy equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications, project requirements, and company safety procedures.
Operate equipment for foundation excavation, site grading, material placement, pipe laying, and other construction activities.
Demonstrate knowledge of equipment controls and proper operation of each assigned piece of equipment.
Change and install equipment attachments using equipment-specific mechanical methods, including quick-release systems, manual attachments, and manual rod forks.
Connect hydraulic hoses, belts, mechanical linkages, power takeoff shafts, and other equipment components as required to operate attachments.
Understand job site task requirements and select and operate equipment appropriately to complete assigned work.
Use safety features and controls properly on assigned equipment.
Perform daily pre-operation inspections to ensure equipment is in safe and proper working condition.
Perform routine daily equipment maintenance and report maintenance needs, defects, or malfunctions to the appropriate supervisor.
Complete required equipment inspection, maintenance, and operating reports.
Follow company, project, and OSHA safety requirements and procedures.
Communicate equipment-related issues, job site conditions, and work status to the appropriate supervisor.
Perform other duties related to operating heavy construction equipment as assigned.