Heavy Equipment Operator Job at Royal Ridge Construction in Fort Smith

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator
Reports To: Foreman
Compensation: $19-$30/hr + OT, benefits
Position Overview

The Heavy Equipment Operator is charged with efficiently and safely operating a variety of large machinery-such as bulldozers, backhoes, loaders, excavators, graders, rollers, and cranes-to support excavation, site preparation, utility installation, and material handling across construction and utility projects.

• Operate heavy machinery including-but not limited to-dozers, excavators, front-end loaders, backhoes, graders, rollers, and cranes to move, grade, and place earth and construction materials.
• Perform routine equipment checks: oil, fluids, tires, functional inspections, and timely reporting of any malfunctions.
• Handle loading and unloading of materials, debris, and supplies, coordinating with spotters or crew signaling methods to maintain safety. Read and interpret blueprints, survey staking, or grade plans to ensure accurate excavation and alignment.
• Uphold safety protocols for trenching, shoring, excavations, and traffic control; observe OSHA standards and internal safety procedures.
• Conduct hand or audio signaling to navigate the equipment and communicate effectively with the crew amidst noisy environments.
• Assist with manual labor tasks such as digging, backfilling, sweeping, or site cleanup as required.

Qualifications & Experience

• High school diploma or GED; vocational training or completion of a Heavy Equipment Operator course is advantageous.
• Proven experience operating heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, loaders, backhoes, graders, or cranes.
• Valid driver's license: a CDL (Class A or B) with air brake endorsement is preferable for roles involving transport.
• Capability to read and interpret construction plans and perform grade control tasks.
• Strong attention to detail, mechanical aptitude for basic maintenance, and excellent teamwork communication skills.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Must tolerate outdoor fieldwork in varied weather conditions and on uneven terrain.
• Capable of lifting up to 50-70 lbs routinely, with occasional heavier loads up to 100 lbs.
• Prolonged periods of sitting, operating machinery, crawling, and performing physically demanding tasks.

Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to all safety protocols including OSHA standards; perform proactive hazard assessments and behavior adjustments as needed.
• Participate in regular safety meetings and trainings; apply trenching, excavation, and Traffic Control best practices.
• Utilize hand signals effectively when operating in high-noise environments or with limited visibility