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VCI Construction is seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Equipment Operator  to join our dynamic team. This position is responsible for operating specialized heavy equipment to excavate shallow and narrow trenches for the installation of fiber optic cables and other utilities. The ideal candidate will have expertise in operating rock wheels and micro trenchers, a strong understanding of utility construction, and a commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards.

Connecting you to great benefits

• Weekly Paychecks
• Paid Time Off, Parental Leave, and Holidays
• Insurance (including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, disability, life insurance)
• 401(k) w/ Company Match
• Stock Purchase Plan
• Education Reimbursement
• Legal Insurance

What you’ll do

• Equipment Operation: Safely and efficiently operate rock wheel trenchers, micro trenchers, and other heavy equipment to cut and excavate trenches in various terrain, including concrete and asphalt.
• Site Preparation: Perform pre-operational inspections and conduct basic maintenance on equipment, including cleaning, lubricating and monitoring fluid levels.
• Utility Avoidance: Work with utility locate markings and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to navigate around existing underground utilities, ensuring no damage occurs.
• Team Collaboration: Coordinate machine actions with crew members using hand signals or audio communication to ensure seamless and safe project execution.
• Site Restoration: Assist with site cleanup and restoration, including backfilling trenches and patching asphalt or concrete to restore the surface.
• Safety Compliance: Adhere to all company safety protocols, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), following traffic control procedures, and complying with OSHA standards.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate records of trenching footage, materials used, ground conditions, and equipment maintenance logs.

What you’ll need

• To be 18 years of age or older
• Authorization to work in the United States for this company
• High School Diploma, GED equivalent, or relevant work experience
• Valid State driver's license (cannot be Provisional), including an acceptable driving record 
• Experience with drill set up and design processes, is preferred
• Proven experience operating equipment, with specific experience in rock wheel and micro trenching operations preferred. Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of machinery.
• Excellent hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and the ability to operate equipment with precision.
• Physical stamina to withstand the demands of the job, including working in various weather conditions and lifting heavy materials.
• Valid driver's license; Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is a plus.
• Experience in towing heavy trailers is preferred.
• A strong commitment to workplace safety and a history of following safety regulations.
• Basic computer skills for record-keeping and communication.
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Physical abilities & exposures 

• Routinely: work alone in remote locations with arms above shoulder level, operate vehicle and heavy machinery, squeeze, fine hand motions, bend, stoop, stand, walk, climb stairs and lift greater than 55 pounds
• Occasionally: work in confined spaces, use ladder, keyboard and mouse