Equipment Operator

Anderson Underground
Equipment Operators are responsible for operating specialized construction equipment used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of utilities.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- None
Key Responsibilities:
- Equipment Operation
- Operate various types of heavy equipment such as excavators, plows, dozers, trenchers, skid steers, and hydro-vacs.
- Ensure equipment is operated safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company and industry standards.
- Load and unload equipment from trailers safely.
- Utility Installation Support
- Perform digging, trenching, grading, and backfilling for utility installation.
- Use utility locating tools to identify and avoid existing underground utilities.
- Hand dig around existing utilities when necessary.
- Safety & Compliance
- Follow all OSHA, DOT and company safety guidelines.
- Use proper PPE and ensure crew adherence to safety protocols.
- Participate in job site safety meetings and job hazard assessments prior to each task.
- Documentation & Communication
- Complete daily equipment logs and job reports accurately.
- Read and interpret construction plans and layouts.
- Communicate effectively with crew members, foreman, and supervisors.
- Report issues, incidents, and near-misses to supervisors promptly.
- Training & Mentorship
- Assist in training and mentoring laborers.
- Participate in ongoing training and certifications as required.
Required Qualifications:
- Education & Certification:
- Valid Driver’s License with clean driving record.
- Experience:
- Minimum 1 year of experience operating heavy equipment in utility construction or a related field.
- Skills & Competencies:
- Ability to read and understand utility maps, blueprints, and job plans.
- Must possess good verbal communication skills.
- Ability to operate at least one piece of equipment we utilize on the job.
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Class A Driver’s License
- High School Diploma or GED
- Vocational school training or apprenticeship
- OSHA 10
Work Environment:
- Work outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, or snow.
- Exposure to dust, mud, insects, and loud equipment.
- Regularly exposed to construction hazards such as open trenches, moving equipment, and vehicular traffic.
- May require overtime or weekend work depending on project needs.
Physical Requirements:
- Skills & Competencies:
- Must have physical strength, balance, hand-eye coordination, and stamina necessary to endure the daily activity involved on the job site.
- Perform continuous physical labor for extended periods (8–12 hours per day).
- Frequently lift, carry, push, or pull objects weighing up to 80 pounds unassisted.
- Occasionally lift items over 80 pounds with assistance.
- Mobility and Flexibility
- Stand, walk, and move over uneven terrain, construction sites, and confined areas for the majority of the workday.
- Bend, squat, kneel, climb, reach, twist, and crawl into trenches, under structures, or within tight enclosures.
- Climb ladders, steps, or equipment to access elevated or underground work zones.
- Must be able to drive or ride in a vehicle for up to 11 hours to travel to and from job sites.
- Manual Dexterity and Coordination
- Use hand tools and power tools with precision and control.
- Repetitive motion tasks such as digging, raking, or using wrenches and pliers.
- Ability to work with small components such as fiber cable and splicing equipment.
- Visual and Auditory Requirements
- Visual acuity sufficient to read labels, identify cables, and operate tools and vehicles.
- Color vision to distinguish wire or cable types.
- Hearing sufficient to recognize warning signals, equipment alarms, or instructions.