Heavy Equipment Operator

About This Role

Heavy Equipment Operator needed in Oak Ridge, TN to operate excavators, dozers, graders, skid steers and other construction machinery on industrial projects. You’ll work on earthmoving, grading, site prep and concrete/pavement tasks — heavy industrial experience preferred. This is a hands-on role requiring at least 3 years of equipment operation experience, a strict commitment to safety, and the ability to perform basic equipment maintenance. Competitive pay based on experience, overtime available, and typical jobsite hours with potential for extended shifts on turnaround work. Pre-employment drug screen and background check required.

What You'll Do

• • Operate excavators, backhoes, dozers, skid steers, vibratory compactors and motor graders to excavate, move and grade earth
• • Perform site preparation, place/grade base material, assist with formwork and pour concrete or hard-surface pavement as directed
• • Inspect, service and perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on assigned equipment; report defects promptly
• • Follow site plans, grade stakes and supervisor instructions to meet project specifications
• • Enforce and follow safety protocols, participate in toolbox talks, and report hazards or unsafe conditions
• • Assist crew with traffic control, material handling and other general labor tasks as needed

What We're Looking For

• • Minimum 3 years operating heavy construction equipment; industrial construction experience preferred
• • Proven ability to operate excavator, dozer, grader, backhoe and skid steer safely and efficiently
• • Basic heavy equipment maintenance skills (fluid checks, greasing, minor adjustments)
• • Ability to read grade stakes, follow plans and take direction from a foreman
• • Physically able to climb on/off equipment, work in variable weather, and lift moderate weights
• • Must pass pre-employment drug screen and adhere to a drug-free workplace policy

Qualifications

• • Valid driver's license required; reliable transportation to jobsite
• • OSHA 10-hour (preferred) or OSHA 30-hour certification
• • NCCER or other heavy equipment operator certification preferred
• • CDL (Class A or B) preferred but not always required
• • Ability to pass DOT physical/medical card when required
• • Able to pass background check and drug screen; English required for safety communication (Spanish a plus)

What We Offer

• • Competitive pay based on experience; overtime pay for extra hours
• • Health insurance options (medical/dental/vision) available
• • 401(k) or retirement savings plan with employer match (where offered)
• • Paid time off and holiday pay for eligible employees
• • On-the-job safety training and equipment certification support
• • Stable work on industrial projects with potential for steady hours and project-based bonuses

Not Another Job Board

Skillit connects craft workers directly with contractors hiring for your trade. No resumes, no chasing listings. Build your profile once and let jobs find you.

• Get discovered automatically: Contractors search for talent like you every day.
• No more chasing listings: Skillit surfaces your profile when a job matches your skills and certs.
• Sam does the legwork: Your craft hiring assistant works 24/7 to connect you with active hiring contractors.