Heavy Equipment Operator (Tucson & Santa Fe)

Heavy Equipment Operator (Tucson & Santa Fe)

🚜 HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (8/14/25)

Experienced in Earthwork and Civil Construction Projects
Locations: Tucson, AZ and Santa Fe, NM
Pay: $21.00–$31.00/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 and New Mexico. 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 and Santa Fe. 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:

  • 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
Skip to content