Experienced Civil Equipment Operator for Infrastructure Projects
Location: Santa Fe, NM
Pay: Based on Experience
Type: Full-time | Hourly | Field-Based
Benefits: 401(k) match, health/dental/vision, life insurance, referral program, STD, EAP, paid holidays
Meridian Contracting is actively hiring experienced Heavy Equipment Operators to support key infrastructure and earthwork projects in Santa Fe, NM. This role is ideal for skilled operators with a strong safety record and experience running a variety of machines—including dozers, blades, excavators, backhoes, and more. You’ll be joining a safety-first, team-oriented company building roads, flood control systems, and mining support infrastructure that impacts the Southwest in a meaningful way.
Safely operate multiple types of heavy construction equipment on active job sites
Complete grading, excavation, backfill, trenching, and material transport per plans
Adjust operation based on terrain and jobsite conditions while meeting production goals
Conduct daily inspections and minor maintenance of equipment
Follow safety protocols, including lockout/tagout, spotter coordination, and PPE use
Report equipment issues and participate in toolbox talks and site meetings
Collaborate closely with foremen, grade checkers, and other operators
Represent Meridian with professionalism on-site and in the field
Start the day with a safety briefing and jobsite layout review
Conduct pre-op checks and fuel up assigned equipment
Execute a range of civil tasks using different equipment types throughout the day
Adjust machine operation based on terrain, utility locations, and weather
Support fellow crew members with coordination and communication
Wrap up with cleaning, greasing, or refueling as needed; log hours and maintenance notes
Consistently safe operation across all assigned equipment
Quality of work matches plans and grade tolerances
Flexibility to support multiple phases of the project (demo, prep, finish work)
Minimal downtime or mechanical issues
Positive collaboration and responsiveness on the jobsite
Minimum 5 years of experience operating heavy equipment (dozer, blade, excavator, etc.)
Valid driver’s license with clean MVR
OSHA 10, MSHA, or other safety certifications preferred
Proven track record of safe operations and reliability
Ability to read grade stakes, site plans, and follow foreman instructions
Strong work ethic, team mindset, and problem-solving skills
Ability to work 10-hour shifts in varying weather and terrain conditions
Must be able to pass a drug screen and background check
