Heavy Equipment Operator

We are seeking a safety-focused Heavy Equipment Operator with Vac Truck experience to support underground natural gas utility construction projects. This position is responsible for operating a variety of heavy equipment while safely performing excavation, daylighting, trenching, and utility support activities around existing underground infrastructure.

The ideal candidate has experience working in the natural gas, utility, pipeline, or underground construction industries and understands the importance of protecting existing utilities while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, quality, and productivity.

This position requires working outdoors in varying weather conditions and may require travel depending on project needs.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Safely operate vacuum excavation trucks (hydro vac or air vac) to expose underground utilities and support excavation activities.
• Operate heavy construction equipment including excavators, skid steers, mini excavators, backhoes, loaders, dozers, and other equipment as assigned.
• Perform daylighting operations to locate underground gas mains, electric, water, telecommunications, and other buried utilities.
• Read utility locates, construction drawings, and project plans to safely perform excavation activities.
• Assist with natural gas distribution and transmission construction projects, including new installations, maintenance, repairs, and replacements.
• Perform trench excavation while maintaining required OSHA trench safety standards.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip equipment inspections and complete required documentation.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and report mechanical issues promptly.
• Maintain equipment cleanliness and ensure proper operating condition.
• Work closely with foremen, supervisors, locators, laborers, and project management to complete work safely and efficiently.
• Assist crews with general labor duties when equipment operation is not required.
• Follow all company, OSHA, DOT, client, and environmental safety regulations.
• Participate in daily job safety analyses (JSA), tailgate meetings, and safety briefings.
• Maintain accurate daily production reports and equipment logs.
• Promote a culture of safety, teamwork, professionalism, and operational excellence.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of heavy equipment operating experience in underground utility or pipeline construction.
• Minimum 1 year of Vac Truck (Hydro Vac or Air Vac) operating experience preferred.
• Experience working around underground natural gas facilities strongly preferred.
• Ability to safely operate multiple types of heavy construction equipment.
• Knowledge of underground utility locating and excavation best practices.
• Strong understanding of OSHA excavation and trench safety requirements.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining excellent communication with field leadership.
• Must be dependable, safety-conscious, and quality-driven.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in natural gas distribution or transmission construction.
• CDL Class A or B license. Must be able to drive a manual transmission.
• NCCCO or other heavy equipment certifications are a plus.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Construction certification preferred.
• Pipeline construction experience.
• Experience working with utility locates and one-call systems.
• Mechanical aptitude for equipment troubleshooting and preventative maintenance.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds on a regular basis.
• Frequently climb, kneel, bend, stoop, crawl, and work in trenches.
• Ability to enter and exit heavy equipment multiple times throughout the workday.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and uneven terrain.
• Ability to stand, walk, and perform physically demanding work for extended periods.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive hourly pay with overtime opportunities.
• Weekly pay.
• Day One Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability Benefits.
• 401(k) with Company Match.
• Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Career advancement opportunities.
• Safety training and ongoing professional development.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

About Hire Virtue:

An RPO firm that hires and secure talent for EPC, AEC, and MEP projects in the US and abroad.