Traveling Operator (Utilities)

Description

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for operating one or more types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front‑end loaders. Duties include excavating, moving, grading earth, erecting structures, and pouring concrete or hard‑surface pavement, with additional responsibilities for equipment repair and maintenance as needed.

A typical day involves operating heavy equipment of various sizes on site or highway construction projects while adhering to company and OSHA safety procedures. The operator reports problems to the project foreman, superintendent, or safety director, follows daily protocols, performs routine inspections and preventative maintenance, and assists in training entry‑level employees on maintenance tasks.

The role also requires identifying underground and overhead utilities before excavation, reviewing trenching requirements with the superintendent, and ensuring appropriate protective measures are in place. Continuous communication with supervisors about any actions that could affect task performance or company operations is essential.

• Operate heavy construction equipment (e.g., bulldozers, graders, loaders) to excavate, move, grade, erect structures, or pour concrete.
• Perform routine inspections and preventative maintenance; report defects to foreman or superintendent.
• Follow OSHA and company safety procedures; maintain OSHA 10, First Aid/CPR certifications.
• Communicate effectively with management, vendors, and crew; read grade stakes and site plans.
• Assist in training entry‑level employees on equipment maintenance and repair.
• Identify and protect underground and overhead utilities before excavation; review trenching requirements.
• Meet attendance and schedule requirements; work 8‑12‑hour days, including occasional evenings/weekends.

Requirements

Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and six to twelve months of construction equipment operating experience, or a comparable education‑experience mix. They need a solid understanding of heavy equipment operating principles, OSHA 10 certification, First Aid/CPR, and the ability to read grade stakes and site plans, as well as strong oral and written communication skills.

Additional qualifications include the ability to apply basic mathematical concepts, consistent attendance, willingness to travel, and a minimum age of 18. Union affiliation or willingness to join the union is required, and the employee must be able to work 8 to 12‑hour days, Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends.

Physical demands involve manual work with periods of extensive exertion, exposure to adverse weather, and the ability to lift or move up to 50 pounds. Employees must frequently sit, stand, walk, bend, stretch, stoop, kneel, talk, and hear while performing their duties.

The work environment includes exposure to construction site noise, machinery, variable weather conditions (rain, snow, wind, heat, cold), and uneven terrain. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Lift/move up to 50 lb; endure physical exertion and adverse weather conditions.
• Be at least 18 years old, willing to travel, and join/maintain union affiliation.

Benefits

Compensation is based on a union scale hourly rate that varies by geographic location, applicant skills, and prior experience. Benefits for union craft workers include a 401(k) plan and an Employee Assistance Program, with additional variations possible under collective bargaining agreements.

• Receive union‑scale hourly pay, 401(k), Employee Assistance Program; benefits may vary by collective bargaining.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance