Heavy Equipment Operator

Hoy Excavating is a leading firm in the heavy civil construction industry, with a proud history of delivering complex infrastructure projects across the Kansas City region. Our portfolio spans site development and grading, paving, infrastructure, and disaster relief efforts, underscoring our commitment to excellence and innovation.

Hoy Excavating offers a supportive and dynamic work environment where innovation and hard work are recognized and rewarded. We believe in investing in our employees through professional development and advancement opportunities. Join us and be a part of a team that shapes the infrastructure in and around one of America's most vibrant cities.

Summary

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining a Peterson 5710-series horizontal grinder and supporting excavator in land clearing, wood waste recycling, and heavy civil construction operations. This role plays a critical part in maintaining production efficiency, equipment uptime, and finished product quality.

The ideal candidate is an experienced operator with strong mechanical aptitude, a safety-first mindset, and the ability to work independently in demanding outdoor jobsite environments.

Essential Responsibilities

Equipment Operation

• Safely and efficiently operate a Peterson 5710-series horizontal grinder to process logs, brush, stumps, and wood waste into specified finished materials.
• Operate excavators and other support equipment to feed grinders and manage material flow safely and efficiently.
• Maintain steady production rates while minimizing downtime and unnecessary wear on equipment.
• Monitor grinder performance and adjust feed rates, screens, and operating settings to achieve target product sizing and quality standards.

Material Management

• Inspect incoming material for contamination, including rocks, metal, concrete, wire, or excessive dirt that may damage equipment or reduce product quality.
• Coordinate material staging and pile management to maximize production efficiency and maintain safe site conditions.
• Assist with loading trucks and managing processed material stockpiles when needed.

Equipment Maintenance & Inspections

• Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections on grinders, excavators, and support equipment.
• Conduct routine preventative maintenance including greasing, fluid checks, screen changes, tooth/bit replacement, and debris removal.
• Identify abnormal equipment conditions, excessive wear, vibration, or mechanical concerns early to prevent major failures.
• Assist mechanics and maintenance personnel with field repairs as needed.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all company safety policies, site-specific procedures, and equipment operating standards.
• Maintain awareness of grinder hazards including pinch points, flying debris, fire risks, lockout/tagout procedures, and exclusion zones.
• Keep work areas clean, organized, and free of hazards.
• Work safely around ground personnel, haul trucks, subcontractors, and other heavy equipment operations.

Teamwork & Communication

• Communicate effectively with supervisors, mechanics, truck drivers, and crew members regarding production goals, maintenance concerns, and jobsite conditions.
• Support overall land clearing and recycling operations as needed on active project sites.

Qualifications

Required

• Proven experience operating horizontal grinders, tub grinders, or similar large-scale grinding equipment.
• Experience operating excavators in production environments.
• Strong understanding of heavy equipment operations, production flow, and jobsite safety.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot and perform routine field maintenance.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred

• Experience operating Peterson horizontal grinders or similar high-capacity grinding equipment.
• CDL Class A or ability to obtain one.
• Experience in heavy civil construction, land clearing, forestry, recycling, or excavation operations.
• Experience operating additional support equipment such as loaders, dozers, skid steers, or screen plants.
• Welding or fabrication experience is a plus.

Hoy Excavating is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, sex, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law, ordinance or regulation.