Machine Operator / Laborer (CDL Class A)

About the Role

The Machine Operator/Laborer (CDL Class A) primarily performs construction equipment operation and general labor duties in support of underground utility and telecommunications projects. The employee operates specialized machinery, including mud vacuum systems, mini excavators, drills, skid steers, compactors, and related equipment. A valid Class A Commercial Driver's License is required to transport company vehicles, trailers, machinery, materials, and crew equipment to the job site at the beginning of the workday and return them to the designated yard or facility at the end of the workday. Commercial driving supports the employee's primary machine-operator and laborer responsibilities and is not the sole function of the position.

Core Responsibilities

• Operate mud vacuum systems, mini excavators, drills, skid steers, compactors, and other assigned construction equipment safely and efficiently.

• Use equipment to excavate, drill, trench, remove mud and debris, expose utilities, backfill, compact soil, and support conduit, cable, and underground utility installation.

• Perform general labor duties, including site preparation, hand digging, potholing, material handling, conduit placement, traffic control, cleanup, restoration, and other crew-support activities.

• Safely operate commercial motor vehicles requiring a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License to move company vehicles, trailers, machinery, tools, and materials to the job site at the beginning of the workday and return them at the end of the workday.

• Transport assigned vehicles and equipment between company yards, project locations, vendors, and service facilities when operationally required.

• Load, unload, position, and secure machinery, materials, and equipment using approved cargo-securement methods.

• Verify vehicle and trailer weight limits, load distribution, height, clearances, route restrictions, and permit requirements before transport.

• Conduct and document required pre-trip, en-route, post-trip, and daily equipment inspections; promptly report defects or unsafe conditions.

• Maintain required driver logs, inspection reports, mileage records, fuel receipts, delivery documentation, and other company or regulatory records.

• Comply with applicable Department of Transportation requirements, traffic laws, hours-of-service rules, company policies, and jobsite safety procedures.

• Confirm utility markings, excavation limits, equipment clearances, and supervisor instructions before drilling, trenching, or excavating.

• Maintain awareness of underground and overhead utilities, employees, pedestrians, traffic, structures, and changing jobsite conditions.

• Use a designated spotter when backing, excavating, drilling, loading, unloading, or working near employees, utilities, structures, or traffic.

• Establish and maintain safe work areas using required cones, barricades, signs, traffic-control devices, and personal protective equipment.

• Clean, fuel, grease, and perform routine operator-level maintenance on assigned vehicles, trailers, and equipment.

• Immediately report accidents, injuries, utility strikes, spills, citations, property damage, vehicle or equipment malfunctions, and other safety incidents.

• Support the crew throughout the workday as a machine operator and laborer when commercial driving is not required.

• Communicate professionally with supervisors, dispatchers, crew members, inspectors, customers, property owners, and the public.

• Perform other related duties as assigned, consistent with the position's qualifications and operational needs.

Key Deliverables

• Daily driver logs, vehicle inspection reports, mileage records, fuel receipts, and delivery documentation.

• Safe and timely transport of company vehicles, trailers, machinery, and equipment to and from project sites.

• Completion of daily excavation, trenching, mud vacuuming, and underground utility installation tasks per site standards.

• Routine operator-level equipment maintenance, cleaning, fueling, and greasing of assigned machinery.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License maintained in good standing.

• Current DOT medical certification, when required for the assigned driving duties.

• Acceptable motor vehicle record and ability to satisfy company and insurance driving requirements.

• Ability to pass and remain compliant with required DOT and company drug and alcohol testing programs.

• Knowledge of commercial vehicle inspections, safe driving practices, cargo securement, and basic vehicle and equipment maintenance.

• Demonstrated ability, or ability to successfully complete company training, to safely operate assigned construction equipment.

• Ability to understand and follow written instructions, safety procedures, maps, work orders, equipment manuals, and utility markings.

• Ability to communicate clearly, work effectively as part of a crew, and exercise sound judgment in changing field conditions.

• Ability to work outdoors, travel to project locations, and work overtime, nights, weekends, or extended shifts as project schedules require.

• Must meet the minimum age and other eligibility requirements applicable to the assigned commercial driving duties.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience driving commercial vehicles and transporting construction equipment on trailers.

• Previous experience operating mud vacuum systems, mini excavators, drills, skid steers, compactors, or similar construction equipment.

• Experience in telecommunications, underground utility, excavation, drilling, conduit placement, or outside-plant construction.

• Applicable endorsements, equipment certifications, traffic-control training, OSHA training, or first-aid/CPR certification.

Key Skills & Attributes

• Safe and defensive commercial driving practices.

• Proper loading, unloading, tie-down, and cargo-securement techniques.

• Safe operation of heavy and compact construction equipment.

• Basic understanding of utility locating marks, excavation hazards, trench safety, and work-zone traffic control.

• Ability to identify mechanical defects and complete routine operator-level maintenance.

• Strong situational awareness, attention to detail, dependability, and time-management skills.

• Ability to follow directions while working independently or as part of a field crew.

Performance Expectations

This position is designated as safety-sensitive. The employee must follow all company safety rules, equipment-manufacturer instructions, jobsite requirements, and applicable regulatory standards. The employee may operate only those vehicles and machines for which they are properly licensed, trained, qualified, and authorized. Required personal protective equipment must be worn and maintained at all times.

• Frequently sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, reach, push, pull, and use hands and feet to operate vehicles, controls, tools, and equipment.

• Regularly enter and exit commercial vehicles and construction equipment, including climbing steps and maintaining three points of contact.

• Lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds independently and heavier items with assistance or approved lifting equipment.

• Maintain sufficient vision, hearing, coordination, reaction time, and mobility to safely perform assigned driving and equipment-operation duties.

• Perform work on uneven terrain and around open excavations, moving equipment, traffic, noise, dust, mud, and vibration.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Work is performed in commercial vehicles, construction equipment, company yards, and outdoor job sites. The employee may be exposed to heat, cold, rain, wind, dust, mud, noise, vibration, traffic, moving machinery, and other construction-related conditions. Travel within the company's service area and occasional overnight travel may be required.

Role Summary

The Machine Operator / Laborer (CDL Class A) drives field operational success by combining skilled heavy equipment operation, general ground labor, and responsible commercial transport. Through consistent safety compliance and reliable execution, this role ensures underground utility and telecommunications projects are completed efficiently and according to company standards.