(1) Lowboy/Equipment Operator

Regular, Full-Time

Job Description

The Equipment Operator / Lowboy Driver is responsible for safely and efficiently operating heavy equipment, commercial motor vehicles, lowboy trailers, and support vehicles utilized by USSC Operations Support. This position performs excavation, grading, loading, hauling, transportation, drainage, and roadway maintenance activities while ensuring compliance with all company safety policies, DOT regulations, and operational requirements.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform assigned duties and responsibilities in a timely, safe, and cost-effective manner.
• Prepare, maintain, and accurately complete all required job-related documentation.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Comply with all applicable company policies, procedures, rules, and regulatory requirements.
• Safely and efficiently operate heavy equipment including, but not limited to, excavators, dozers, graders, loaders, and other support equipment.
• Perform ditch cleaning, ditch excavation, culvert installation, grading, leveling, stockpiling, backfilling, road construction, road maintenance, and related field operations.
• Operate hydraulic excavators ranging from approximately 44,000 to 144,000 pounds operating weight.
• Safely transport heavy equipment and oversized loads using lowboy trailers and other approved transport vehicles.
• Load, secure, transport, and unload heavy equipment, agricultural equipment, construction equipment, and other materials in accordance with DOT regulations and company standards.
• Operate gooseneck trailers and other support trailers as required.
• Perform and document pre-trip, mid-trip, and post-trip inspections of assigned vehicles and trailers.
• Perform daily maintenance of assigned equipment including greasing, fluid checks, cleaning, inspections, and other preventive maintenance activities.
• Assist with filter changes, minor repairs, implement changes, and routine maintenance functions as required.
• Identify material types and calculate quantities necessary to complete assigned work.
• Utilize hand tools including shovels, rakes, hoes, and similar tools as needed to support field operations.
• Assist on the ground when necessary to support operational and maintenance activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must successfully pass the TOST/Ramsay assessment.
• No active disciplinary action and a satisfactory work history.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Must be able to read and understand safety procedures, work schedules, design plans, elevations, equipment operator manuals, and DOT requirements.
• Demonstrated commitment to safe work practices and housekeeping standards.
• Ability to work assigned schedules and overtime as required.
• Must be available to work nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours when necessary.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and effectively communicate job-related information.
• Ability to work throughout company operations and in varying weather and environmental conditions.
• Must successfully complete Operations Support field test(s) applicable to the position.
• Must possess a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with current DOT Medical Certification.
• Hazmat endorsement preferred; must be obtained within 90 days of job award.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience operating heavy equipment, including excavators, dozers, loaders, and graders.
• Experience performing ditch cleaning, excavation, culvert installation, grading, and road maintenance.
• Experience transporting oversized loads and heavy equipment on DOT-regulated roadways preferred.
• Experience loading, securing, transporting, and unloading heavy equipment preferred.
• Ability to safely operate a lowboy trailer and maneuver equipment in confined areas, field roads, and public roadways.
• Ability to perform pre-trip, mid-trip, and post-trip inspections in accordance with company and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to identify material types and calculate quantities needed to perform assigned tasks.
• Must furnish and utilize basic hand tools necessary to perform routine maintenance and job responsibilities.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

The following working conditions and physical requirements are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily outdoors and requires regular operation of vehicles and heavy equipment in varying weather and environmental conditions.
• Employees may be exposed to adverse environmental conditions including heat, cold, humidity, rain, dust, mud, fog, and other seasonal weather conditions.
• Noise levels are typically moderate to high due to the operation of heavy equipment, vehicles, and machinery.
• Work may be performed on uneven terrain, agricultural properties, construction sites, roadways, and remote locations.
• Occasional work may be required in standing water up to four (4) feet in depth.
• Extended periods of vehicle and equipment operation may be required.
• This position may require travel throughout company operations.
• Some duties may be performed in an office or administrative setting.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, crawling, climbing, balancing, reaching, and the use of hands and arms to operate tools, equipment, and controls.
• Ability to work at moderate heights.
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, squatting, and climbing as required to perform job duties.
• Ability and willingness to assist with ground work when necessary.
• Visual abilities must include distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment, commercial motor vehicles, trailers, tools, and standard office equipment.
• Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 75 pounds
• Ability to safely move, handle, and position materials, equipment, and tools weighing up to 75 pounds on a routine basis.