Position Summary Hartzell General Engineering Contractor, Inc. is seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator with a minimum of five (5) years of experience in heavy civil construction . The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience operating a wide variety of heavy equipment on underground utility, grading, water treatment, wastewater treatment, and other public and private infrastructure projects. This position requires a highly skilled operator capable of safely and efficiently operating equipment in congested work areas, around existing underground utilities, and within trench shoring systems. The successful candidate will understand production goals while maintaining the highest standards of safety, precision, and quality. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Safely operate heavy construction equipment on public and private works projects. Perform excavation for underground utility installation while maintaining proper trench alignment, grade, and safety. Operate equipment within trench boxes, hydraulic shoring systems, slide rail systems, and other excavation support systems. Excavate safely around existing underground utilities, including gas, electric, communication, water, sewer, storm drain, and fiber optic facilities. Perform mass grading, finish grading, site preparation, and earthwork operations. Assist pipe crews with trench excavation, utility installation, bedding, backfill, and compaction. Excavate for water mains, sanitary sewer, storm drain, force mains, fire water systems, and utility structures. Perform excavation for foundations, vaults, wet wells, pump stations, reservoirs, and treatment plant structures. Load trucks and move materials safely and efficiently. Read grade stakes, utilize lasers, and work from project plans and cut sheets. Operate equipment using GPS machine control systems while maintaining design grades and alignments. Perform daily equipment inspections and routine maintenance. Identify mechanical issues and report repairs promptly. Maintain equipment in a clean and safe operating condition. Work closely with supervisors, foremen, survey crews, grade checkers, and underground utility crews. Follow all OSHA regulations, Cal/OSHA standards, company safety policies, and project-specific requirements. Participate in daily safety meetings and promote a strong safety culture. Perform other duties as assigned. Equipment Experience Required Candidates must have demonstrated experience operating most or all of the following equipment: Hydraulic Excavators (Mini through Large Excavators) Backhoes Wheel Loaders Dozers Motor Graders Skid Steers Compact Track Loaders Vibratory Rollers Padfoot Compactors Water Trucks Off-Road Dump Trucks (Articulated and Rigid Frame) Rubber Tire Excavators (Preferred) Telehandlers (Preferred) Minimum Qualifications Candidates must possess the knowledge and abilities expected of an experienced heavy equipment operator with a minimum of five (5) years of heavy civil construction experience , including: Excavating trenches for underground utility installation. Excavating safely within trench boxes and shoring systems. Working safely around existing underground utilities. Installing utilities to line and grade. Reading and interpreting construction plans. Understanding grade stakes, benchmarks, offsets, and cut/fill information. Operating equipment using GPS machine control systems (Topcon). Performing rough and finish grading. Excavating for structures and foundations. Loading trucks efficiently and safely. Working in confined construction sites with multiple trades. Understanding trench safety regulations and excavation best practices. Maintaining proper production while protecting underground utilities. Performing daily equipment inspections and preventative maintenance. Working safely around personnel and other equipment. Ability to recognize changing soil conditions and excavation hazards. Ability to communicate effectively with pipe crews, foremen, surveyors, and supervisors. Preferred Project Experience Preference will be given to candidates with experience constructing: Water Treatment Plants Wastewater Treatment Plants Pump Stations Lift Stations Reservoirs Underground Utility Systems Municipal Infrastructure Projects Public Works Projects Large Diameter Pipelines Heavy Civil Earthwork and Site Development Required Qualifications Minimum 5 years of heavy equipment operating experience in heavy civil construction. Experience performing work on both public works and private construction projects . Valid California Driver's License (required). Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is highly desirable. Experience with GPS machine control systems. Ability to pass pre-employment screening, including drug testing if required. Reliable transportation to various project locations. Ability to work overtime and weekends as project schedules require. Physical Requirements Ability to climb on and off heavy equipment throughout the workday. Ability to lift up to 75 pounds. Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. Ability to sit for extended periods while maintaining focus and awareness. Ability to safely enter and exit excavations and construction areas when necessary. Ability to work around heavy equipment, excavation operations, and active construction zones. Preferred Certifications OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Construction Certification Competent Person - Excavation Safety (Preferred) First Aid/CPR Certification Traffic Control Certification Confined Space Awareness Benefits Hartzell General Engineering Contractor, Inc. offers a competitive compensation package based on experience and qualifications, including: Competitive wages based on experience Medical Insurance (Health, Dental, and Vision) 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match Company-Paid Life Insurance Ongoing Training and Professional Development Opportunities for Advancement Opportunity to work on challenging public works and private heavy civil infrastructure projects throughout California Hartzell General Engineering Contractor, Inc. specializes in the construction of underground utilities, grading, water treatment facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, pump stations, reservoirs, and other complex heavy civil infrastructure throughout the Central Coast of California and surrounding Counties. We are committed to safety, quality, and building exceptional projects while investing in the long-term success of our employees. We are looking for experienced operators who take pride in their workmanship, understand the importance of precision and safety, and want to build a long-term career with a respected heavy civil contractor. Our operators are expected to perform at a level consistent with seasoned professionals and play a key role in the successful delivery of every project.

Pay:

$30.00 - $40.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person