Per Diem

Heavy Equipment Operator — CAT 395 Excavator

Rayville, LA Up to $40/hr

About This Role

Operate a CAT 395 (~90-ton) on civil construction jobs in and around Rayville, LA. You’ll handle deep excavation, mass digging, grading, trenching, and truck loading while using onboard Cat technology to hit grades and track payloads. This is a per diem assignment paying up to $40/hr. Daily tasks include pre-shift inspections, routine basic maintenance, operating Cat Grade with Assist, Cat Payload and 2D E-Fence systems, and maintaining strict site safety practices. Expect multi-week projects, possible travel, and overtime when needed.

What You'll Do

  • Operate CAT 395 for deep excavation, mass earthmoving, grading, trenching, and efficient haul truck loading
  • Use onboard tech: Cat Grade with Assist for grading, Cat Payload for load tracking, and 2D E‑Fence for safety boundaries
  • Perform pre-shift walk-around inspections checking fluids, hoses, pins, and Ground Engaging Tools (GET) and document findings
  • Conduct routine basic maintenance and monitor machine condition; report faults and coordinate repairs
  • Maintain strict site safety: 3-point contact, seatbelt use, awareness of workers in hazard zones, and follow site traffic/flagging procedures

What We're Looking For

  • 3+ years operating large hydraulic excavators (experience on ~90-ton class like CAT 395 preferred)
  • Hands-on use or quick learning of Cat Grade with Assist, Cat Payload, and 2D E‑Fence systems
  • Able to read and follow civil drawings, site layout, and grade stakes
  • Perform daily inspections and basic maintenance; report defects and follow lockout/tagout as required
  • Able to work long shifts, travel to project sites, pass drug screen, and follow site safety rules

Qualifications

  • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
  • OSHA 10-hour (preferred) or willingness to obtain on hire
  • Equipment operator credential preferred (NCCER or equivalent)
  • Ability to pass pre-employment drug screen and background check
  • English proficiency for safety communication

What We Offer

  • Pay up to $40.00/hr (DOE)
  • Per diem for travel assignments
  • Multi-week civil projects with steady hours and overtime opportunities
  • Paid travel or travel reimbursement between home and project
  • On-site support and hands-on training for Cat Grade/Payload systems when needed

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