Job Description

PAYING $28-35/HR WITH TRAVEL EXPENSES COVERED, DAILY PER DIEM FOR FOOD

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating heavy construction equipment to excavate, backfill, and grade land in preparation for civil and erosion control projects across the country. This role involves working in remote locations, supporting pipeline and oil and gas projects, and ensuring strict adherence to engineering designs and safety standards while collaborating with on-site teams and subcontractors.

Responsibilities

Operate heavy equipment such as skid steers, loaders, motor graders, track hoes, excavators, CAT 330, and Volvo equipment to excavate, backfill, and grade land for civil and erosion control projects.
Interpret and follow engineering designs and blueprints accurately to complete construction and pipeline-related work according to specifications.
Lead and guide small crews in remote locations across the country, providing direction and support to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Work safely around active lines and in active pipeline and oil and gas environments, following all safety protocols and regulatory requirements.
Perform earthwork and dirt work activities, including site preparation, grading, and backfilling, ensuring quality and accuracy.
Exit equipment as needed to perform ground work, including assisting laborers, checking grades, inspecting work, and supporting overall site activities.
Maintain inventory of equipment, tools, and supplies, and ensure equipment is properly utilized, stored, and accounted for.
Communicate effectively with other subcontractors and vendors on site to coordinate tasks, schedules, and project requirements.
Support quality standards and project management expectations by completing work on time, within scope, and in alignment with project plans.
Adhere to all company, client, and regulatory safety policies, including DOT requirements, and report any hazards or incidents promptly.
Travel extensively to project sites nationwide and remain on assignment for extended periods as required by project needs.
Essential Skills

Minimum 2+ years of dirt and earthwork experience operating heavy equipment in construction environments.
Demonstrated ability to operate heavy equipment such as skid steers, loaders, motor graders, track hoes, excavators, CAT 330, and Volvo equipment.
Proficiency in reading, understanding, and adhering to engineering designs and blueprints.
Ability to lead and coordinate crews in remote areas across the country.
Experience working around active lines and in active pipeline or oil and gas environments is strongly preferred.
Strong communication skills to work effectively with subcontractors, vendors, and on-site teams.
Ability and willingness to get out of the equipment and perform ground work as needed.
Ability to travel extensively and remain on projects for months at a time.
Ability to pass DOT requirements and maintain compliance with applicable regulations.
Extensive experience working in oil and gas environments, including 15+ years of experience in the oil and gas sector.
10+ years of experience in a supervisory or managerial role overseeing construction or pipeline-related operations.
10+ years of experience in an engineering or design construction capacity for pipeline projects is preferred.
Additional Skills & Qualifications

Experience in the pipeline, oil and gas, or petroleum industry.
Experience or familiarity with quality and project management practices.
Exposure to or certification with NCCER is a plus.
Exposure to or qualification with Veriforce is a plus.
Strong organizational skills to maintain inventory of equipment and supplies.
Ability to adapt to changing site conditions and work demands in remote and varied locations.
Comfort working long hours, including 60+ hour weeks when required by project demands.
Interest in gaining additional oil and gas certifications and training.
Ability to collaborate effectively within a small team environment that includes superintendents, foremen, and laborers.
Why Work Here?

You will join a field-focused organization that offers extensive training opportunities and the chance to build advanced expertise in oil and gas construction and pipeline work. The role provides consistent access to high-volume work, with the opportunity to work 60+ hours per week and earn a daily per diem while on assignment. You will have the ability to gain various industry-recognized oil and gas certifications, enhancing your long-term career prospects. The culture emphasizes hands-on learning, strong teamwork, and supporting employees as they take on complex, large-scale projects across the country.