Equipment Operator

Position Summary
The Equipment Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of construction equipment used in roadway electrical infrastructure, traffic signal installations, lighting systems, and underground utility projects. This role supports excavation, material handling, site preparation, and installation activities across a variety of project types and sizes.
The Equipment Operator works under the direction of Foremen and Superintendents and plays a critical role in executing production goals while maintaining safety, quality, and compliance with project specifications and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) standards when applicable.
Essential Job Responsibilities
Operate heavy equipment including, but not limited to:
Excavators
Backhoes
Skid steers
Loaders
Trencher equipment
Articulating and straight-frame machines
Perform excavation for pole foundations, trenching for conduit, and site grading.
Assist with installation of underground conduit, duct banks, pull boxes, and handholes.
Handle and place materials such as gravel, stone, backfill, and structural components.
Read and interpret basic construction plans, grade stakes, and layout markings.
Coordinate with Foremen, Electricians, and crew members to complete assigned tasks.
Perform equipment inspections, including pre-trip and post-trip checks.
Identify underground utilities and maintain safe excavation practices.
Assist in loading, unloading, and staging materials and equipment.
Maintain awareness of site conditions, slopes, grades, and surrounding hazards.
Support site preparation and restoration activities as required.
Communicate equipment needs, issues, or hazards to supervision promptly.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
High school diploma or GED preferred.
2–5 years of experience operating heavy equipment in construction environments preferred.
Experience in roadway, utility, or electrical construction is a plus.
Basic understanding of construction practices, excavation methods, and site grading.
Ability to read basic plans, grade stakes, or layout instructions.
Additional Requirements, Skills, Abilities
Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record (CDL preferred depending on equipment and hauling responsibilities).
Ability to travel to job sites across the region.
Willingness to work nights, weekends, and overtime as required.
Ability to pass drug and alcohol screenings if required.
Ability to obtain additional certifications (e.g., equipment operation certifications, safety training).
Equipment Proficiency
:
Skilled in operating multiple types of heavy equipment safely and efficiently.
Spatial Awareness
:
Ability to judge distances, depths, and alignments accurately.
Technical Understanding
:
Basic knowledge of excavation, grading, and underground utility installation.
Communication
:
Works effectively with Foremen and crew members.
Problem-Solving
:
Adjusts operations based on soil conditions, site constraints, and project needs.
Attention to Detail
:
Ensures precision in excavation and material placement.
Mechanical Aptitude
:
Ability to identify equipment issues and perform minor maintenance.
Time Management
:
Ability to meet production targets and maintain schedule expectations.
WHAT WE OFFER
Competitive Wages
Health Insurance: 3 plans to choose from through United Health Care (Effective Date of Hire)
Dental and Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Short-Term Disability (Company Provided)
Long-Term Disability (Company Provided)
Employee Paid Policies Available: Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and Accident Policies
401(k) with Company Matching: (Effective Date of Hire)
Paid Holidays (Eligibility Starts Immediately)
Paid Time Off (Eligibility Starts Immediately)
Paid Bereavement Leave
Paid Jury Duty Leave
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employee Referral Bonus Program
Performance Evaluations Program
Arrow SWAG Store (Company-Logo Clothing and Merchandise)
Power Tool Incentive Program
Safety, Skills, and Leadership Development/Training
Electrical License Continuing Education and Renewals Paid
One Team! One Arrow!

Come Energize your Career with Arrow Electric!
We are growing and looking for talent to grow with us.
Since 1957, Arrow Electric has provided trustworthy, dependable, and cost-effective Electrical, Installations, and Services with the highest quality workmanship. We embrace expanding technologies and maintain a highly trained workforce to keep us at the forefront of our industry.
Arrow Electric highly values our Team Members, striving to put employees first and continually working for better ways to improve the Employee Experience. As a company, Arrow Electric is large enough to offer a truly diverse set of work environments ranging in size and scope but still provide individual career attention that focuses on your personal growth towards success.
When you join the Arrow Team, you are joining a company that lives and breathes its Core Values and one driven each day by our Core Purpose: “Empowering Our People To Power Our Partners and Communities.”
We will set goals and expectations. We will challenge you to achieve personal excellence.
That is the One Arrow Way to Career Success that comes with Arrow Opportunity!