Heavy Equipment Operator

Position Summary

Petry Excavating is seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to join our construction crews. This position operates large construction equipment used for excavation, grading, site preparation, utility work, and other earthmoving operations.

We are looking for someone with hands-on experience operating full-size construction equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, loaders, and similar heavy earthmoving equipment.

This is not a forklift operator position. Forklift, skid-steer, or warehouse equipment experience alone does not meet the experience requirements for this position.

Primary Responsibilities

• Safely and efficiently operate large construction equipment, including:

  • Excavators

  • Bulldozers

  • Wheel loaders

  • Other large earthmoving and site-preparation equipment

• Perform excavation, grading, trenching, backfilling, and site preparation according to project specifications.

• Read and follow grade stakes, plans, and direction from the foreman.

• Perform daily equipment inspections and identify maintenance or safety concerns.

• Operate equipment safely around workers, utilities, trucks, structures, and other job-site hazards.

• Assist with loading, unloading, and positioning equipment as needed.

• Maintain a clean and organized work area.

• Communicate effectively with the foreman and other crew members.

• Follow all company safety policies and job-site procedures.

• Perform general labor and other construction duties when equipment operation is not required.

• Properly care for and maintain company equipment.

Required Experience

• Previous experience operating large construction/heavy earthmoving equipment is required.

• Experience operating excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, or comparable heavy construction equipment is strongly preferred.

• Ability to operate equipment accurately and safely in an active construction environment.

• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

• Reliable transportation and dependable attendance.

Important Experience Requirement

Applicants should have actual job-site experience operating large construction equipment. Forklift experience alone will not qualify an applicant for this position.

Experience with forklifts, warehouse equipment, or small equipment may be considered an additional skill, but it does not substitute for experience operating large excavators, bulldozers, loaders, or comparable heavy construction equipment.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an experienced construction equipment operator who takes pride in doing quality work, understands the importance of precision and safety, takes care of equipment, and works well as part of a construction crew.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and operate heavy equipment for extended periods.

• Ability to climb on and off construction equipment safely.

• Ability to perform physical labor when needed.

• Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, bend, stoop, and walk as required on a construction site.

• Ability to work outdoors in heat, cold, rain, and other weather conditions.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive pay based on experience and qualifications

• Full-time employment

• Opportunities for overtime based on workload

• Company benefits available to eligible employees

Petry Excavating, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.