Ferreira Construction is a 400 million+ a year privately held first-rate heavy civil construction company. Since 1988, Ferreira has enjoyed steady growth throughout its history.

We specialize in:

Underground Utilities (Gas, Water, Sewer, Fiber Optic, Electrical), Foundations, Bridges, Highways, Airports, Sitework;

Power/Utility:

Substations, Power Plants, Transmission & Distribution, Sitework;

Emergency Management:

Reconstruction, 24-Hour Storm Response, Storm Hardening, Shoreline Restoration/Stabilization, Debris Removal; Solar Installation and Construction Management. We are dedicated to constructing quality infrastructure through innovation and sustainability, never compromising our integrity-the foundation of our success for more than two decades. Ferreira is a nationally recognized company with headquarters in New Jersey and regional offices in New York, Florida, California and Rhode Island. We are currently seeking a Utility Equipment Operator to work out of our Hobe Sound office. Key Responsibilities & Duties Operate excavators, front‑end loaders, backhoes, skid steers, and other heavy machinery to dig trenches, pits, ditches, and holes for installation or repair of underground utilities (water, sewer, gas, electrical, telecom, storm drainage). Required Qualifications Valid driver's license; clean driving record - a CDL is a plus Proven experience (typically 2+ years) in operating heavy equipment (excavator, front‑end loader) in a construction or utility environment. Strong knowledge of excavation and trenching safety practices (benching, sloping, shoring, trench boxes). Ability to read blueprints, plans, and utility drawings. Good physical condition — able to stand, walk, climb, and maneuver around uneven terrain, lift up to 50 lbs (or more with assistance), and work in confined spaces. Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions (heat, rain, cold) and in noisy environments. Good communication skills, ability to work in a team, follow direction, and adapt to changing site conditions. Ability to pass a pre‑employment drug screen and background check.

Preferred / Desirable

Qualifications Previous experience in underground utility construction (water, sewer, storm, telecom, gas). OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification. Experience with GPS/grade control systems, laser levels, or machine control systems. Familiarity with confined space entry and rescue protocols. Load and unload materials (pipe, conduit, gravel, spoils) onto trucks or into designated staging areas. Backfill trenches, compact soils, grade surfaces to specifications, and restore work areas (pavement, sidewalks, lawns) as needed. Read and interpret construction plans, site layouts, grade stakes, and utility drawings. Use utility locate markings (paint/flags) and coordinate with one‑call (811) services to avoid damaging existing infrastructure. Hand‑dig or "daylight" around existing utilities where necessary to avoid damage. Conduct daily inspections and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment (check fluid levels, greasing, minor repairs) and report defects or damage. Assist in rigging, changing attachments (buckets, breakers, thumbs, etc.), and securing equipment for transport. Maintain accurate equipment logs, time sheets, maintenance records, and daily job reports. Participate in safety meetings, job hazard assessments (JHAs), toolbox talks, and enforce safe work practices on site. Communicate with crew members, foremen, and supervisors regarding work progress, obstacles, or safety concerns. Comply with all OSHA, federal, state, and local rules related to construction, excavation, confined space, shoring, trench safety, and machinery operations. Perform other related tasks as assigned by management to support project or site needs. Ferreira provides a generous benefit program which includes Medical, Dental and Vision insurance, Health Savings Account, 401k with company match. Seven paid holidays and Paid Time Off Ferreira Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a

Drug Free Workplace Job Type:

Full-time Benefits:

401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Health savings account Paid time off Vision insurance

License/Certification:

Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person