Job Description

Overview

UIC Sanatu seeks a Heavy Equipment Operator who is responsible for operating a variety of heavy construction equipment, including excavators, shovels, tractors, scrapers, and motor graders, to excavate, move, and grade earth and materials. The role requires skilled manipulation of controls such as joysticks, pedals, and hand-wheels to operate attachments like blades, buckets, and booms. This position also involves supervising other operators and laborers, and coordinating work activities with other trades and subcontractors to ensure safe and efficient project execution.

Responsibilities

Essential functions to include:

• Excavate to specified grades using appropriate heavy equipment.
• Supervise material delivery and export by coordinating with trucking operators and suppliers.
• Coordinate and schedule earthmoving operations with the Project Superintendent to support progress of other trades.
• Complete work within established timeframes and budget constraints.
• Tend pumps, compressors, or generators to power tools, machinery, or equipment, or to heat/move materials.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Project Superintendent.

Knowledge and Critical Skills/Expertise:

• Ability to read and interpret construction plans and specifications.
• Skilled in setting up and assembling rigging and hoisting equipment.
• Proficient in operating motor graders, front-end loaders, backhoes, and excavators.
• Skilled in using basic construction equipment, including forklifts and skid steers.
• Performs all duties and operates tools in strict compliance with OSHA safety standards.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Proven ability to manage earthwork operations, with at least 5 years of supervisory experience and 10 years of heavy equipment operating experience
• Demonstrated excavator experience
• Previous experience with non-residential construction projects
• Prior experience installing sewers, water lines, and other underground utilities
• Ability to perform operations in compliance with contract specifications and construction drawings
• Skilled in using lasers, levels, and related equipment, with the ability to perform mathematical calculations to control grade and depth of excavation
• Must be eligible to access and work on U.S. military installations
• Possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a clean driving record
• Must be able to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat (100°+) and cold, windy environments; construction sites may include irregular surfaces, open excavations, and temporary structures

Working Conditions:

• Ability to withstand extreme temperatures (cold and hot).
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, and outside weather conditions.
• The employee is frequently exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles
• The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.
• The wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment mitigates risks associated with these conditions and is mandatory.
• Work environment is that of a construction site.
• May be working in close proximity to moving equipment.