Concrete Substation Operator

Emery Sapp & Sons is seeking an experienced and safety-focused Substation Heavy Equipment Operator to support the construction of electrical substations and related infrastructure projects. This position will primarily operate track hoes/excavators, skid steers, and small dozers to perform excavation, grading, site preparation, material handling, and other earthwork associated with substation construction.

The ideal candidate has existing heavy equipment operating experience in a construction environment and is comfortable working around crews, utilities, foundations, and active jobsites.

This is a full-time travel position.

Responsibilities

• Operate track hoe/excavator, skid steer, small dozer, and other construction equipment in support of substation construction
• Perform excavation, grading, backfilling, site preparation, and general earthwork
• Excavate for foundations, equipment pads, trenches, conduit, grounding systems, and underground installations
• Fine grade and prepare areas for concrete foundations, pads, access roads, and other substation improvements
• Backfill and compact excavated areas after underground or foundation work is completed
• Load, move, spread, and stockpile dirt, rock, aggregate, and other construction materials
• Operate equipment safely around ground personnel, existing utilities, structures, and other equipment
• Read grade stakes and follow established elevations and excavation limits
• Perform daily equipment inspections and basic preventative maintenance
• Identify equipment issues and communicate needed repairs to supervision
• Assist with general construction and labor activities when equipment operation is not required
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment
• Follow all company safety policies and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Work closely with foremen, operators, and craft personnel to ensure projects are completed safely and efficiently
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in construction practices
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Ability and willingness to travel full-time required
• Experience operating track hoe/excavator, skid steer, and/or dozer required
• Construction, heavy civil, utility, industrial, or substation experience preferred
• Experience performing excavation, grading, trenching, backfilling, and site preparation
• Ability to safely operate equipment in tight areas and around ground crews
• Ability to understand grade stakes, elevations, and basic construction plans
• Knowledge of safe excavation practices and equipment operating procedures
• Ability to perform daily equipment inspections and basic maintenance
• Strong safety awareness and good communication skills
• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting up to 50 pounds, climbing, bending, kneeling, and standing for extended periods
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Willingness to work overtime and travel as project needs require
• Valid driver's license preferred
• Preferred Experience
• Concrete foundations and structural concrete
• Utility, industrial, or substation construction
• Earthwork, grading, and excavation support
• Heavy civil construction projects
• OSHA 10 or other construction safety certifications
• Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
• The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)