Excavation Operator

Location: Various Projects, as assigned

Employment Type: Non-Exempt, Regular 

Manager Position: No

Reports To: Construction Manager or Superintendent 

Summary of Functions

Operate and maintain heavy, motorized equipment used in earth moving operations in a safe and efficient manner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Embrace Forgen’s Core Values in all aspects of the job.
• Participate in a drug-free workplace with a random drug testing program.
• Responsible for driving a safety culture which promotes Incident and Injury Free Performance.
• Operate heavy, motorized equipment used in earth moving operations, including, but not limited to, dozers, scrapers, loaders, excavators, compactors, etc. and other equipment to support a variety of operations.
• Excavation, grading and compaction of land surfaces using heavy, motorized construction equipment.
• Excavate soil and other material from job sites into trucks for transportation to appropriate location for stockpiling or disposal.
• Use hand-held mobile radio units to coordinate tasks and resources.
• Read and comply with safety plans, rules, maintenance instructions, training materials, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), warning tags, traffic signs and procedure manuals.
• Perform additional assignments and special projects as directed.

Experience/Education

• High school diploma/GED or equivalent.
• The following experience is required:

• Operator 1:  10 years of heavy equipment operation/maintenance experience.
• Operator 2:  5 years of heavy equipment operation/maintenance experience.
• Operator 3:  2 years of heavy equipment operation/maintenance experience.

• Valid Driver’s License and ability to drive on behalf of company business.

• The following safety training is preferred, but not mandatory. Company will provide additional training, as necessary.
  • 40 Hour HAZWOPER training.
  • Competent Person Safety Training
  • 8-Hour Supervisory Training
  • 30-Hour OSHA Construction Safety Training
  • First Aid and CPR

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Operational characteristics of a variety of heavy, power-driven equipment.
• Maintenance requirements of heavy, power-driven equipment.
• Methods and materials used in general construction and maintenance work.
• Principles and techniques of field maintenance activities.
• Traffic laws, ordinances, and rules involved in heavy equipment operation.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Ability to embrace a culture of safety.
• Experience working in an environment which demands outstanding safety performance a plus.
• Operate heavy power-driven equipment.
• Ability to perform a variety of skilled construction and maintenance tasks.
• Ability to perform a variety of manual tasks for extended periods in unfavorable weather conditions.
• Ability to understand field survey markers.
• Ability to work on slopes and uneven surfaces.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Work extended hours, including evenings and weekends as required.
• Highly motivated, with a demonstrated passion for excellence and taking initiative.
• Strong work ethic, willing to do what it takes to get the job done right the first time.
• Demonstrated commitment to ethics and integrity.
• Passion for safety, with the ability to help us ensure that nobody gets hurt.
• Team player with the ability to work independently to meet deadlines, goals and objectives.
• Strong organization, time management, and attention to detail.
• Excellent computer skills including knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Excel.
• Above average oral and written communication skills.
• Highly proactive and responsive to internal and external customers.
• Ability to work independently.
• Good problem-solving skills/decision-making skills. 

Physical Demands

The following physical activities or abilities are commonly, but not always, associated with the performance of this position.  The actual requirements of this position will vary.

• Lift, carry and push/pull at least 50 pounds without difficulty.
• Be able to stand or walk on a project site for extended durations.
• Climb in and out of equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with vendors, management, and other co-workers, both individually and in front of a group is important.
• Ability to prepare, inspect and review documents is a critical component of this role.
• Regular use of the telephone and email for communication is also essential.
• Sitting for extended period is common.
• Good manual dexterity for the use of common office equipment such as computers, calculator, copiers, and fax machines.
• Good reasoning ability and decision-making is important.
• Able to understand and utilize management reports, memos, and other documents to conduct business.

The following physical activities or abilities are commonly, but not always, associated with field project sites. 

• Be able to stand or walk on a project site for extended durations.
• Climb in and out of equipment.
• When on project sites or if performing some types of work activity wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including, but not limited to, earplugs, protective eyewear, gloves, hard hat, steel toed work boots, and high visibility safety apparel.

Work Environment

The following environmental/atmospheric working conditions are commonly, but not always, associated with the performance of this position.  The actual working conditions will vary.

• Job Site environment, including, but not limited to, machines, tools, heavy equipment, chemicals, solvents, dust, fumes, noise, toxic materials; waste and infectious materials; work in inclement weather conditions.
• Occasional exposure to extreme weather conditions.
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities such as heavy lifting and climbing; work in confined spaces; work at heights, work around heavy construction equipment.
• Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties.

Perks and Benefits

Forgen offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, a retirement plan, employer paid short-term disability, accident insurance, and more. We also reward our employees’ hard work with bonuses, vacation, and paid holidays. We believe in a flexible work environment work model for most non-craft positions. As an added bonus, we also offer an awards program, education assistance program, and a robust wellness program.

DEI Statement

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Forgen, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles here at Forgen, and Forgen is committed to hiring the best candidates for all positions.