Heavy Equipment Operator – Underground Utilities & Construction

Heavy Equipment OperatorThe Staff Pad is proud to partner with a full-service excavation and pipeline construction company providing comprehensive solutions for pipeline and infrastructure projects in Mabank, TX and we are looking to hire an experienced and qualified Heavy Equipment Operator to join their team and contribute to safe, efficient and successful project completion. The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery to support excavation, trenching, backfilling, grading, and compaction activities. This role involves operating excavators, backhoes, skid steers, dozers, loaders, trenchers, and rollers on underground utility and dirt projects, including work in confined or challenging areas near active utilities.What You'll Do Key Responsibilities:Operate assigned heavy equipment, including excavators, backhoes, skid steers, dozers, loaders, trenchers, rollers, and vacuum excavators safelyDig & excavate trenches and bell holes to required depths, grades, and alignments while carefully working around marked utilitiesMaintain required tolerance zones and complete hand digging when working near existing facilitiesHandle spoils, bedding, backfill, and compaction in accordance with specified standards and support density testingPerform rough and finish grading, site preparation, and restoration as assignedLoad, unload, transport and position materials, piping, and equipment throughout the job siteAssist with trench safety measures, including shoring, trench boxes, and proper slope configurations, as directedConduct daily pre trip & post trip equipment inspections, greasing, and fluid checks and report any defects & maintenance concernsAssist crew members with hand work, pipe laying, tracer wire, general labor, and site cleanup as neededMaintain traffic control devices, barricades, and site housekeepingComply with all job site safety procedures & requirements, including excavation, spotter, and equipment swing-radius requirementsWhat We Are Looking For Required Qualifications:Previous heavy equipment operating experience on underground utility, gas distribution, or site and dirt projectsProficiency in operating heavy equipment in construction or utility environmentEquipment-specific certification Operator Qualification (OQ) required when assigned to gas-related work, with covered tasks varying by gas companyKnowledge of trenching, shoring, and excavation safety practicesValid driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle recordAbility to complete required safety training provided by the organizationAbility to excavate to specified line and grade while safely working around existing underground utilitiesAbility to pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check, including a 10-panel non-DOT or 5-panel DOT drug screen and 10-year background checkPreferred Qualifications:Class A CDL with equipment-hauling experience preferred, but not requiredExperience using GPS or machine-control grading systemsOSHA 10 and Competent Person training preferred, but not requiredExperience with pipe laying, grade checking, or crew supervisionBilingual in English and Spanish preferredPhysical Demands and Work Environment:Work outdoors year-round in varying weather conditionsLift, carry, push, and pull up to 50-75 poundsFrequently climb on and off equipment and operate controls for extended periodsStand, walk, bend, kneel, and work around open excavationsWear required personal protective equipment, including flame-resistant clothing when applicableWhat You Can Expect:Competitive hourly compensationOvertime paid at time and a halfLife, dental, and vision insurance available the first of the month following 60 days of employmentAfter 1 year: 3 paid holidays, 1 week of vacation, and bereavement payAfter 4 years: 2 weeks of vacation