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ME
MTM Enterprises
Expert Excavator Operator
Career Insights for Operating Engineer / Heavy Equipment Operator
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Based on Kentucky data
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What they do
An Operating Engineer or Heavy Equipment Operator drives and operates heavy equipment used in quarries, construction sites, landfills, refuse and recycling centers, or ports. Heavy Equipment may include, but is not limited to, bulldozers, excavators, paving equipment and pile drivers.
$55,396 / year median in Kentucky
+9% projected growth
Job Description
Overview MTM Environmental is a stream restoration and heavy civil contractor. This role builds in-stream rock and boulder structures on an active stream restoration project — precision work in tight, constrained-access conditions along the creek. Only experienced, expert-level excavator operators should apply. Key Responsibilities Operate an excavator to place and set boulder toe and in-stream rock structures to design grade Work in tight quarters along the streambank, including confined and awkward-access areas Move and place rock and material staged at the reach Work with the project's Leica 3D machine control system (training provided if you don't already have experience with it) Coordinate with the field crew on daily structure-building sequencing Maintain safe, efficient operation in and around active water Requirements This is expert-level work. Do not apply without significant, real excavator operating experience. Proven ability to build precise structures in tight, constrained-access conditions Must pass a hands-on skills evaluation (see below) Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to the jobsite Must pass a pre-employment drug screen Punctual and dependable; this is in-person field work Preferred Qualifications Experience with Leica 3D machine control systems How We Evaluate Candidates This role is filled through a three-step process, not a resume review. Every applicant goes through all three steps before being hired for real: Basic competency check (~10 minutes). A quick, informal check to confirm you can safely operate an excavator. Skills test (about 1 hour). You'll run a machine through a set of tasks in tight quarters designed to mirror the actual work: precise placement, working in confined space, and control under real conditions. This is part of the interview and is not paid. Paid trial period, up to one week. If you pass the skills test, you're brought on for a paid trial in the field, up to one week. You're paid for any time worked during the trial, but it can end at any point if your work isn't meeting the standard. Completing the full week is not a guarantee of hire; it's a chance to prove you can do the work. Come ready to demonstrate real, hands-on excavator skill. If it's not clear during the skills test that you can operate the machine, you will not move forward to the trial week. Physical Requirements Ability to sit and operate machine controls for extended periods Frequent climbing in and out of equipment Ability to lift up to 50 lbs Comfortable working near and around water Manual dexterity for fine machine control in confined spaces Working Conditions Outdoor fieldwork in all weather conditions Active stream restoration site with uneven, wet, and confined terrain Work performed near flowing water Some tasks require close coordination with ground crew MTM Environmental is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.