Heavy Equipment Operator - Excavation

Thornapple Excavating
Grand Rapids, MI
Position: Dozer Operator
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
FT / PT Status: Full-Time

Who is Thornapple Excavating?
Over the last 40 years, Thornapple Excavating has expanded to become one of the most well-known names in commercial excavating in West Michigan. The organization strives to be a leader in earthwork, utility installation, and other commercial excavating services. With a strong work ethic and attention to detail, customers can count on Thornapple Excavating, Inc. to deliver a high-quality product the first time, every time.

Job Responsibilities:
  • Operate a dozer, excavator, or other heavy equipment safely and efficiently.
  • Ability to operate proficiently and at a “finish grade” level.
  • Read and understand blueprints to understand the site plan.
  • Set up rotary lasers and use for site grading.
  • Communicate with site supervisor or foreman about the site-specific specifications or requirements or general plans.
  • Communicate with laborers, truck drivers, and other employees to help keep the site running safely and efficiently.
  • Perform general maintenance on equipment including inspecting, fueling, greasing, and cleaning tracks daily.
  • Clean and maintain equipment inside and out.
  • Adjust to seasonal weather conditions and work for up to 12 hours per day.
  • Willingness and ability to do what it takes to help get the job done, including operating a different piece of equipment or helping laborers when a situation demands it.
  • Knowledge and understanding of commercial excavating and grades.
  • Consistently show up on time and ready to work.
  • Desire to keep safety in the front of your mind at all times.
Job Qualifications:
  • Applicants should have a minimum of 5 years of experience operating heavy equipment.
  • Must have a firm understanding grades and commercial earthwork.
  • Prior experience with operating with GPS is encouraged, but not required.
  • Ability to perform your work with limited direction / supervision and have the knowledge of how to prepare, install, and maintain the work and equipment.
  • Comfortable working in a high-stress environment.
  • Be willing and able to work with crew members and open to alternative ways of getting things done.
  • Must be safety-minded and have a strong work ethic.

Job Type: Full-time

Experience:

  • 1-5 years excavation (preferred) or construction experience operating heavy equipment

Involves the operation of small equipment and tools, including:

  • Pavement breakers and jackhammers
  • Cement, plaster, and mortar mixers
  • Saws
Benefits Our Employees Enjoy:
  • 401(k) with company match
  • 100% paid company paid Health, Dental and Vision insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Year-end bonuses
  • Company events and outings
  • Referral bonus
Schedule:
  • Day shift with OT opportunity
  • Monday - Friday, no weekends
  • Work Location - 50 mile radius of Grand Rapids, MI
Education:
  • High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Posted 2026-05-15

Recommended Jobs

Assembler - Now Hiring

Saline, MI

Ready to expand your horizons in a safe, collaborative and highly productive work environment? Ready for weekly pay, employee perks and full benefits, too? We're hiring (and training) assemblers for b…

View Details
Posted 2026-07-23

Key Account Manager - Ford

Rheinmetall Group
Auburn Hills, MI

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR POSITION SUMMARY: Account Manager with proven track record of leading multidisciplinary internal teams to determine costs and sales pricing. Continuous customer communicati…

View Details
Posted 2026-07-30

Outside Sales Professional

Tom James Company
Detroit, MI

Job Description Job Description Outside Sales Professional  Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to your growth and success. We believe that our greatest asset is our people. By being 100%…

View Details
Posted 2026-07-11

Team Lead

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea
Ann Arbor, MI

Job Description Job Description Benefits: Opportunity for advancement Training & development Employee discounts Flexible schedule Job description Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea is loo…

View Details
Posted 2026-07-14

Caregiver

Care More LLC
Waterford, MI

Job Description Job Description We are a growing home care company dedicated to providing compassionate, reliable, high-quality care to seniors and individuals who want to remain safe, comfortabl…

View Details
Posted 2026-06-29

CDL-A Truck Driver Recent Graduate OK

10-4 Logistics USA
Whitmore Lake, MI

Job Description Job Description Position summary: 10-4 Logistics USA seeks CDL-A Truck Drivers (recent graduates welcome) to operate regional dry van routes east of I-35. This role offers predic…

View Details
Posted 2026-07-11

Field Service Technician II (Low/High Voltage, CCTV )

K Group Companies
Grand Rapids, MI

Job Description Job Description Field Service Technician Level II Overview:   We are seeking a dedicated Field Service Technician II to join our team and serve our clients in the Minneapoli…

View Details
Posted 2026-08-07

Retail Customer Experience Coordinator Full Time with benefits

Traverse City, MI

TJ Maxx At TJX Companies, every day brings new opportunities for growth, exploration, and achievement. You’ll be part of our vibrant team that embraces diversity, fosters collaboration, and prioritiz…

View Details
Posted 2026-08-09

CIPP Install Laborer

Corby Energy Services Inc
Whitmore Lake, MI

Job Description Job Description Description: Position Details Position Title: Utility Construction Laborer Reports To: Foreman/Project Manager Department: Field Operations FLSA: …

View Details
Posted 2026-06-25

Compensation and Classification Specialist

Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI

: Ypsilanti, Michigan, United States University Human Resources Business & Finance Staff Full Time Opening on: Jan 25 2024 Closing on: Feb 9 2024 Employee Classification: AP - Administrative Pr…

View Details
Posted 2026-08-06