Heavy Equipment Operator (Environmental Remediation)

Description

Heavy Equipment Operator Long Reach Excavator (Environmental Remediation)

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator with specialized expertise operating long-reach excavators and low ground pressure dozers with GPS to support coal ash impoundment/landfill closure and environmental remediation projects. The operator will be responsible for safe, precise, and efficient operation of heavy equipment in environmentally sensitive conditions, including work around water, soft soils, and regulated waste materials. This position plays a critical role in earthwork, material handling, grading, and remediation activities in compliance with project plans, safety requirements, and environmental regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate specialty long reach excavators and low ground pressure (LGP) dozers and excavators for coal combustion residual (CCR) impoundment/landfill closure activities, including unwatering, dewatering ash excavation, moisture conditioning support trenching, sumping, grading, and material relocation.

• Operate additional heavy equipment as required, including dozers, standard excavators, loaders, articulated haul trucks, and support equipment.

• Perform work in environmentally sensitive and regulated areas, including ash ponds, landfills, wetlands, and remediation sites.

• Maintain safe working distances and stable operating conditions when working on slopes, soft ground, near water bodies, or over containment systems.

• Follow approved project plans, specifications, erosion and sediment control measures, and health & safety plans.

• Conduct daily equipment inspections, basic maintenance, and report mechanical issues promptly.

• Work closely with site supervision, environmental staff, subcontractors, other crew members, and survey crews to achieve grading tolerances and project objectives.

• Support installation of environmental controls such as liners, caps, geosynthetics, drainage features, and soil cover systems.

• Comply with all site-specific safety requirements, including OSHA regulations and environmental compliance protocols.

• Maintain accurate daily production and equipment operation logs as required.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Minimum

57 years of experience operating heavy equipment on environmental remediation or earthwork projects.

• Demonstrated experience operating long reach and low ground pressure excavators, preferably on coal ash pond closure, dredging, or similar projects.

• Proficiency with GPS-guided equipment use, installation and set-up of the systems

• Strong understanding of working in soft soils, saturated conditions, and around water.

• Familiarity with extraction of mired equipment and working atop construction cribbing.

• Knowledge of environmental remediation practices, including CCR material handling, contaminated soil management, and erosion control.

• Ability to read and interpret site plans, grades, and staking.

• Commitment to safe equipment operation and environmental protection.

• Valid drivers license and reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience on coal ash impoundment closure or CCR Ruleregulated projects.

• Experience working on landfill closures, sediment removal, dredging, or large-scale remediation projects.

• OSHA 10-hour or 30-hour Construction Safety certification.

• HAZWOPER 40 Certification, and 8-hour refresher.

• MSHA 40-hour training.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

• Ability to sit for extended periods while operating equipment and climb in/out of machinery.

• Willingness to work extended hours, weekends, or travel to project sites as needed.

Safety Commitment

This position requires strict adherence to safety and environmental compliance standards. Operators must demonstrate situational awareness, respect exclusion zones, and maintain a proactive safety mindset at all times.

Burns & McDonnell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Burns & McDonnell does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religions, sex, national origin, age, disability or any other characteristic protected by application state or federal civil rights law.

This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Job Craft

Primary Location US-TX-Houston

Schedule: Full-time

Travel: Yes, 100 % of the Time

Req ID: 262180

Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-DNI #CSP N/A