Heavy Equipment Operator

Anderson Environmental Contracting, LLC (AEC) is seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to join our Fuel Construction Service Line.

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for safely operating and maintaining heavy construction equipment used during fuel-system installation, maintenance, repair, and decommissioning projects. This is a hands-on field position that also assists with general construction activities when equipment operation is not required.

This position works under the direction of the Fuel Site Superintendent. AEC is based in Southwest Washington, with projects located throughout the Pacific Northwest. Out-of-area and overnight travel is required approximately 70% of the year, with employees generally returning home on weekends.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on experience, qualifications, and certifications


• Employer-paid medical insurance, with dental and vision coverage available


• Supplemental insurance options through Aflac


• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and/or Health Savings Account (HSA)


• Generous paid time off


• 401(k) plan with company match


• Cell phone allowance


• Opportunities to obtain industry training and certifications


• Opportunities for professional development and advancement

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Safely operate excavators, bulldozers, loaders, dump trucks, compactors, and other heavy construction equipment.


• Perform excavation, trenching, grading, backfilling, compaction, loading, and material-handling activities.


• Support the installation, maintenance, repair, and decommissioning of underground and aboveground fuel systems.


• Perform excavation activities around tanks, piping, utilities, structures, and other sensitive infrastructure.


• Follow project plans, grade requirements, equipment limitations, and instructions provided by the Fuel Site Superintendent and Project Manager.


• Meet established project schedules, production goals, and quality requirements.


• Complete daily equipment inspections and required safety documentation.


• Perform routine cleaning, lubrication, and basic preventive maintenance.


• Identify and promptly report equipment damage, malfunctions, leaks, or maintenance concerns.


• Understand and follow ground-disturbance, excavation, trenching, and underground-utility safety requirements.


• Establish and maintain safe operating zones around equipment.


• Communicate effectively with spotters, laborers, supervisors, subcontractors, and other site personnel.


• Load, unload, secure, and mobilize equipment when qualified and authorized.


• Assist with general construction and field-labor activities when equipment operation is not required.


• Participate in daily tailgate meetings, job safety analyses, inspections, and other required safety activities.


• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe worksite.


• Perform other duties and project assignments as needed.

Required Qualifications

• At least five years of heavy-equipment operating experience.


• Demonstrated competency operating excavators, bulldozers, loaders, or comparable heavy equipment.


• Knowledge of basic equipment maintenance and inspection procedures.


• Familiarity with computerized equipment controls and electronic operating systems.


• Working knowledge of construction and heavy-equipment safety practices.


• Ability to understand and follow project plans, grade requirements, operating instructions, and supervisor direction.


• Ability to perform precise excavation around underground utilities and existing infrastructure.


• Ability to work safely and effectively as part of a field crew.


• Valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.


• Willingness to perform general construction duties when equipment operation is not required.


• Willingness and ability to travel throughout the Pacific Northwest, including overnight and extended out-of-area assignments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting fuel-system installation, maintenance, repair, or decommissioning projects.


• Experience excavating around underground storage tanks, fuel piping, utilities, or other sensitive infrastructure.


• Experience with trenching, shoring, backfilling, compaction, and site restoration.


• Experience transporting or mobilizing heavy equipment.


• Mechanical aptitude and experience troubleshooting equipment issues.


• Current industry-related licenses, certifications, or training.

Preferred Certifications and Training

AEC will provide position-specific training as needed after hire. Preference may be given to candidates who currently hold one or more of the following:

• 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification and current 8-Hour HAZWOPER Refresher


• First Aid, CPR, and AED certification


• OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour Construction Outreach training


• Excavation and trenching competent-person training


• Current respirator medical clearance and fit testing


• Forklift or aerial-lift certification


• Class A Commercial Driver’s License

Candidates will be required to demonstrate competency before independently operating company equipment.

Physical and Work Requirements

With or without reasonable accommodation, the employee must be able to:

• Frequently sit, stand, walk, reach, bend, and perform repetitive equipment controls.


• Occasionally climb, kneel, crouch, or crawl.


• Frequently lift or move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.


• Participate in team lifts of heavier materials weighing up to 100 pounds.


• Safely enter, exit, and work on or around heavy construction equipment.


• Wear required personal protective equipment, including respiratory protection when applicable.


• Work outdoors in varying weather, terrain, and site conditions.


• Work near moving vehicles, mechanical equipment, noise, dust, vibration, mud, heat, cold, and other construction-site conditions.


• Work early mornings, extended shifts, or varying schedules when required by project conditions.

Join the AEC Team

At AEC, we recognize that candidates bring different combinations of experience, training, and practical knowledge to their work. If this position interests you but your background does not align with every preferred qualification, we still encourage you to apply.

If you are experienced, dependable, safety-conscious, and ready to contribute to an exceptional field team, we want to hear from you.

Anderson Environmental Contracting, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of applicable pre-employment screening requirements. AEC participates in E-Verify for all new hires.