Equipment Operator - Dirt

Team Elmer's
Petoskey, MI

Job Description

Job Description

Equipment Operator - Dirt

Team Elmer's seeks to fill a position for a skilled equipment operator for a spring start . This position may operate several different equipment to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, digging sewer lines, or making roads.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Operate or tend machinery equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets, to excavate and load loose materials.
  • Will operate a variety of hand and power tools.
  • Dig dirt using shovels and machinery.
  • Move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders, or backhoes.
  • Set up or inspect the equipment before operation.
  • Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities, limitations, and efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application.
  • Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines so that work can be performed to specifications.
  • Operate machinery to perform various activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, digging sewer lines, or making roads.
  • Receive written or oral instructions regarding material movement or excavation.
  • Move materials over short distances, such as around a construction site.
  • May clean and prepare sites, dig trenches, set braces to support the sides of excavations, clean up rubble and debris, and remove waste materials.
  • Read grades, lift and carry objects & materials of various weights.
  • Help maintain equipment by keeping it clean and in proper working order. Report any damaged or unsafe equipment to the foreman immediately.
  • Lubricate, adjust or repair machinery and replace parts, such as gears, bearings, or bucket teeth.
  • Handle slides, mud, or pit cleanings or maintenance.
  • Direct workers engaged in placing blocks or outriggers to prevent the capsizing of machines when lifting heavy loads.
  • Measure and verify levels of rock or gravel, bases, or other excavated material.
  • Direct ground workers engaged in activities such as moving stakes or markers, or changing positions of towers.
  • Adjust dig face angles for varying overburden depths and set lengths.
  • Drive machines to work sites.
  • Perform manual labor to prepare or finish sites, such as shoveling materials by hand.
  • Know and follow all company safety policies including OSHA, MIOSHA, MSHA, and ANSI regulations.
  • Practice safety at all times including driving company vehicles or use of equipment. Use PPE while on the job site e.g. hard hat safety glasses, ear protection, high visibility vest, steel toe boots, pants, and gloves.
  • Take initiative and anticipate what needs to be done.
  • Work in conjunction and as a team with your crew.
  • May assist other craft workers.
  • Other duties as assigned

The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope of the position.

Qualifications:

  • Valid license, CDL preferred, or the ability to obtain within one year
  • High School Diploma or GED preferred
  • Clean driving record for the past 5 years
  • Ability to pass pre-employment physical and drug screen
  • Previous experience as an operator required the ability to demonstrate skill in operating: an excavator, loader, and dozer
  • Ability to read stakes and grades
  • Ability to read and understand blueprints and drawings
  • Competent in construction math
  • Ability to complete tasks like handling power tools, running heavy equipment, raking, and shoveling as needed.
  • Ability and willingness to learn and understand your role on the team.
  • Ability to work long hours and perform repetitive lifting, carrying, climbing, and walking. Repetitive lifting could be 40 or more pounds at any one time.
  • Ability to work long hours 5-6 days a week in all environmental conditions.
  • Good work ethic, punctuality, and alertness.
  • Mechanical -- Knowledge of equipment, machines, and tools including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • Building and Construction-- Knowledge of materials, methods, and tools involved with the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
  • Ability to follow all company, DOT, OSHA, and MiOSHA safety rules.

"The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope of the position."

EEO/AA

Posted 2026-03-20

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