Heavy Equipment Operator (5 Years Experience)

Job Description

Job Description

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

Experienced in Earthwork and Civil Construction Projects
Locations: Tucson, AZ
Pay: $22.00–$32.00/hour | Based on Experience
Type: Full-time | Hourly | Field-Based
Benefits: 401(k) match, health/dental/vision, life insurance, HSA, PTO, referral program, EAP, paid holidays

About the Opportunity:

Meridian Contracting is a trusted contractor delivering critical infrastructure across Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. With expertise in earthwork, flood control, road building, and mining-related civil work, we’re expanding our team of skilled operators to support growing project needs in Tucson. As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you'll be a key player on site—safely and efficiently running equipment that drives project progress.

✅ Successful Team Members in This Role Will...

• Safely operate a range of heavy equipment including excavators, bulldozers, loaders, graders, and backhoes
• Prepare construction sites by clearing, grading, trenching, and backfilling to spec
• Perform daily pre-operation inspections and routine maintenance on assigned machines
• Monitor equipment performance and promptly report any mechanical issues
• Load, unload, and transport materials using appropriate attachments and techniques
• Follow project plans and layout markings accurately
• Work in coordination with foremen, laborers, and engineers to meet job site goals
• Maintain a clean and organized work area that aligns with site safety standards

️ A Day in the Life of a Heavy Equipment Operator:

• Begin with a safety meeting and pre-shift inspection of assigned equipment
• Review project plans or layout instructions from the site supervisor
• Execute trenching, grading, or excavation activities for roadwork or infrastructure
• Coordinate with ground crews to safely load or place materials
• Troubleshoot minor equipment issues or coordinate service needs with the maintenance team
• Wrap up with documentation of equipment use and daily progress reporting

Measurements of Success:

• Consistent safe operation with no incidents or jobsite safety violations
• Daily production goals met or exceeded through efficient equipment use
• Accurate execution of site grading, trenching, or hauling tasks
• Equipment well-maintained and downtime minimized
• Strong collaboration with crew and foreman on site

Qualifications:

• 5+ years' experience
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Proficiency operating at least 2–3 types of heavy civil equipment (e.g., dozer, loader, excavator, grader)
• Strong knowledge of safe work practices and construction site protocols
• Ability to perform minor maintenance and safety inspections
• Experience reading and interpreting construction drawings or grade stakes
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Physically able to work outdoors in changing weather and terrain conditions
• Preferred: Heavy Equipment Operator certification or NCCCO

Company Description

Meridian Engineering / Meridian Contracting
Safety | Quality | Schedule

At Meridian, we’re more than a general contractor — we’re builders of infrastructure that matter. Since 2003, we’ve been driven by a simple mission: deliver critical civil and industrial construction with integrity, technical excellence, and a relentless focus on safety. Based in the Southwest and with offices across Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado, we are uniquely positioned to take on projects that shape communities and enable growth.

What We Do

+ We specialize in large-scale infrastructure across sectors such as:
+ Flood control and stormwater systems
+ Heavy civil roadways and earthwork
+ Industrial and specialty infrastructure
+ Municipal, state, and federal projects

Whether it’s a complex industrial installation, a municipal waterway, or large earthmoving mobilization, we deliver turnkey infrastructure solutions from concept through execution.

Why Meridian Is a Great Place to Work

+ Impactful Work — You’ll contribute to projects that literally move communities forward.
+ Growth & Learning — We pursue challenging, diverse scopes that push our teams to develop new skills and technical depth.
+ Core Values That Matter — Safety is foundational. Quality is nonnegotiable. We hold schedule commitments seriously.
+ Team & Culture — You’ll be part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team empowered to take ownership.
+ Stability & Ambition — With more than two decades in business, deep industry partnerships, and expanding operations, we combine the security of an established company with the momentum of a growing enterprise.

Southwest Roots, Statewide Reach — Our roots are in Tucson, AZ, but our work spans multiple states. That gives team members exposure to varied environments and project types.

Join Us

At Meridian, we value integrity, grit, and craftsmanship. If you’re someone who wants to build meaningful infrastructure, improve communities, and be part of a team that takes pride in every project, we’d love to hear from you.

Company Description

Meridian Engineering / Meridian Contracting\r\nSafety | Quality | Schedule\r\n\r\nAt Meridian, we’re more than a general contractor — we’re builders of infrastructure that matter. Since 2003, we’ve been driven by a simple mission: deliver critical civil and industrial construction with integrity, technical excellence, and a relentless focus on safety. Based in the Southwest and with offices across Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado, we are uniquely positioned to take on projects that shape communities and enable growth.\r\n\r\nWhat We Do\r\n\r\n+ We specialize in large-scale infrastructure across sectors such as:\r\n+ Flood control and stormwater systems\r\n+ Heavy civil roadways and earthwork\r\n+ Industrial and specialty infrastructure\r\n+ Municipal, state, and federal projects\r\n\r\nWhether it’s a complex industrial installation, a municipal waterway, or large earthmoving mobilization, we deliver turnkey infrastructure solutions from concept through execution.\r\n\r\nWhy Meridian Is a Great Place to Work\r\n\r\n+ Impactful Work — You’ll contribute to projects that literally move communities forward.\r\n+ Growth & Learning — We pursue challenging, diverse scopes that push our teams to develop new skills and technical depth.\r\n+ Core Values That Matter — Safety is foundational. Quality is nonnegotiable. We hold schedule commitments seriously.\r\n+ Team & Culture — You’ll be part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team empowered to take ownership.\r\n+ Stability & Ambition — With more than two decades in business, deep industry partnerships, and expanding operations, we combine the security of an established company with the momentum of a growing enterprise.\r\n\r\nSouthwest Roots, Statewide Reach — Our roots are in Tucson, AZ, but our work spans multiple states. That gives team members exposure to varied environments and project types.\r\n\r\nJoin Us\r\n\r\nAt Meridian, we value integrity, grit, and craftsmanship. If you’re someone who wants to build meaningful infrastructure, improve communities, and be part of a team that takes pride in every project, we’d love to hear from you.