Heavy Equipment Operator

Overview

Fortress Improvement, the in-house construction and renovation division of Shield Management, is looking for a skilled Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team. In this role, you'll operate excavators and other heavy machinery to support site preparation, grading, and excavation work across our active construction and renovation projects. Your expertise will directly accelerate project timelines and help us deliver quality work safely and efficiently. We're committed to providing a supportive environment where safety, skill development, and teamwork thrive.

Duties

• Operate heavy machinery, primarily excavators, along with loaders, backhoes, and dump trucks, to perform earthmoving, grading, and material transport tasks.
• Perform site preparation work including clearing debris, leveling ground, digging for utility and septic installation, and setting up construction zones.
• Conduct routine inspections and basic maintenance on equipment to ensure optimal performance and safety compliance.
• Follow all safety procedures and occupational safety regulations while operating machinery and handling materials.
• Maintain accurate logs of equipment usage, inspections, and safety checks.
• Collaborate with the Fortress Improvement team and project managers to coordinate tasks efficiently and keep projects on schedule.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating an excavator; experience with loaders, backhoes, and dump trucks is a plus.
• Strong understanding of hydraulics, mechanical systems, and basic equipment maintenance.
• Knowledge of construction site safety protocols, including PPE use and hazard awareness.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot minor equipment issues.
• Prior construction site experience preferred.
• Valid driver's license required; CDL a plus but not required.

Join Fortress Improvement and put your skills to work on projects that make a real impact — helping us build efficiently, safely, and with precision.

Pay: $60,000.00 - $68,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person