Heavy Equipment Operator – Residential Construction
Job Summary
The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for safely operating heavy machinery on residential construction and home-building sites. This position supports excavation, grading, site preparation, material movement, backfilling, servicing, and general construction activities while maintaining a safe and organized jobsite.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate heavy construction equipment such as excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, loaders, skid steers, compactors, and other machinery as required.
- Perform excavation for foundations, basements, footings, utilities, drainage systems, driveways, and other residential construction work.
- Complete rough and final grading according to site plans, elevations, and project specifications.
- Backfill foundations, trenches, and utility installations while ensuring appropriate compaction.
- Load, move, stockpile, spread, and remove soil, gravel, stone, and other construction materials.
- Assist with site preparation, including clearing, stripping topsoil, excavation, grading, and preparing lots for home construction.
- Work around underground and above-ground utilities while following required safety procedures and locate markings.
- Read and follow site plans, grading plans, drawings, stakes, elevations, and instructions from supervisors.
- Conduct daily equipment inspections and report mechanical problems, damage, leaks, or required maintenance.
- Perform basic equipment maintenance, including greasing, cleaning, checking fluid levels, and maintaining equipment in good operating condition.
- Safely load and unload equipment when required.
- Coordinate with site supervisors, labourers, truck drivers, subcontractors, and other equipment operators.
- Maintain safe operating distances from workers, structures, vehicles, utilities, property lines, and neighbouring properties.
- Follow company policies and all applicable occupational health and safety requirements.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
- Assist with general jobsite duties when equipment operation is not required.
- Complete work efficiently while minimizing damage to finished surfaces, curbs, sidewalks, roads, utilities, and surrounding properties.
- Report unsafe conditions, incidents, equipment concerns, or site issues to the Site Supervisor immediately.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Previous experience operating heavy equipment in construction, excavation, subdivision development, or residential home building preferred.
- Experience operating excavators, loaders, skid steers, backhoes, bulldozers, and/or similar equipment.
- Knowledge of excavation, grading, backfilling, compaction, drainage, and residential site preparation.
- Ability to understand site plans, elevations, stakes, and grading requirements.
- Strong understanding of construction-site safety practices.
- Ability to work safely around underground utilities and other trades.
- Valid driver's licence and reliable transportation.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and site conditions.
- Ability to perform physically demanding work when required.
- Strong communication skills and ability to follow instructions.
- Dependable, punctual, safety-conscious, and able to work independently or as part of a construction crew.
Working Conditions
This position involves working primarily outdoors on active residential construction sites. The operator may be exposed to dust, mud, noise, vibration, heavy equipment traffic, uneven terrain, and changing weather conditions. Hours may vary depending on construction schedules, weather, and project requirements.
Reports To: Site Supervisor / Construction Manager
Department: Construction / Site Operations
Position Type: Full-Time
Pay: $40.00-$60.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
