Heavy Equipment Operator

The Best Land Clearing, LLC is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to support efficient, high-quality land clearing operations in Keithville, LA.

Position Summary

As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you will operate and maintain heavy machinery used for land clearing and site preparation, helping ensure projects are completed safely, accurately, and on schedule. You’ll work closely with a crew to follow job plans, coordinate daily activities, and deliver consistent results in an active outdoor work environment.

This role is full-time and Hybrid, supporting both field-based production work and coordination as needed for project success. This position also supports tree-removal operations when needed, that may or may not include heavy equipment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate compact track loaders, excavators, bull dozers, forestry mulchers, loaders, other as-assigned equipment with demonstrated ability and company authorization.

• Perform land clearing, grubbing, brush removal, forestry mulching, debris handling, rough grading, finish grading, excavation, trenching, backfilling and site cleanup.

• Complete dirt-work assignments by reading site conditions, establishing safe travel paths, managing material, maintaining grade, and producing a clean finished result.

• Assist with drainage work, including understanding intended water flow and slope; excavating and preparing trenches; installing pipe, culverts, catch basins, inlets, bedding and related materials; backfilling, compacting and finish grading.

• Recognize drainage problems, unsuitable soils, utility conflicts, changing grades, erosion risks, and other conditions that may affect job quality or safety, and promptly report them.

• Assist with tree-removal services as assigned, including establishing work zones, ground support, operating equipment for debris handling, moving brush and logs, chipping support, cleanup, and loading material—only within training and direction received.

• Complete pre-use and post-use inspections; grease equipment; check fluids, tracks, tires, cutting tools, attachments, guards, and safety devices; and report damage, leaks, warning lights, or service needs immediately.

• Load, secure, unload, and prepare equipment and attachments for transport when trained and authorized; follow applicable weight, tie-down, and driving requirements.

• Follow utility-locate markings, exclusion zones, spotter directions, hand signals, traffic-control measures, and all company/jobsite safety procedures.

• Protect customer property, structures, fences, roads, utilities, landscaping, and neighboring property. Stop work and ask for direction when conditions are uncertain.

• Maintain a clean, orderly jobsite and help laborers, drivers, tree crews, and other operators as workload requires.

• Accurately communicate production, delays, equipment hours, fuel needs, incidents, damage, and jobsite conditions to the supervisor.

Cross-Training and Team Expectations

• Accept cross-training on different equipment, attachments, job tasks, and support roles as business needs change.

• Do not operate unfamiliar equipment independently until trained, evaluated, and authorized.

• Work respectfully with owners, supervisors, coworkers, customers, subcontractors, and vendors.

• Take direction, receive coaching, ask questions early, and help solve problems without creating unnecessary conflict.

• Perform other related duties that are safe, lawful, and reasonably assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Documented or demonstrable experience operating heavy equipment relevant to the company’s work.

• Ability to demonstrate safe, controlled operation during a supervised skills evaluation.

• Working understanding of equipment limits, ground conditions, slopes, overhead hazards, blind spots, utilities, and safe distances.

• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and communicate clearly by phone, radio, hand signal, or in person.

• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving eligibility when driving company vehicles or hauling equipment is assigned.

• Reliable transportation to the required reporting location and dependable attendance.

• Ability to work outdoors in heat, cold, dust, mud, rain, noise, and changing terrain.

• Willingness to comply with lawful job-related drug/alcohol testing and other company safety requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with land clearing practices and common site preparation requirements.

• Proficiency with skid-steer/compact track loaders, forestry mulching, bulldozers, excavators, dirt work, and finish grading.

• Experience reading grade stakes, using a laser level or other grade-control tools, and completing drainage installations.

• Experience with tree-removal ground operations, chainsaw safety, debris handling, or rigging support.

• CDL, OSHA training, First Aid/CPR, NCCER, equipment-manufacturer training, or other relevant credentials.

• Experience loading, chaining, hauling, and unloading equipment.

• Experience working as part of a crew in active construction or land services environments.

• Safety training or certifications related to equipment operation and/or site safety.

• Ability to read and follow simple plans, instructions, or job specifications as provided by supervision.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

With or without reasonable accommodation, the employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, which may include:

• Frequently sitting for extended periods while operating equipment; using hands and feet to control machinery; turning, reaching, climbing, balancing, and maintaining situational awareness.

• Regularly entering and exiting equipment using three points of contact; walking on uneven, muddy, sloped, or debris-covered ground; and working near moving equipment.

• Occasionally lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling tools, chains, hoses, attachments, debris, and materials. Team lifting or mechanical assistance must be used when appropriate.

• Working around noise, vibration, dust, exhaust, vegetation, insects, sharp debris, traffic, and weather extremes while using required personal protective equipment.

• Working variable start times, extended days, occasional weekends, travel, and weather-dependent schedules when required.

Safety and Performance Standards

Safety - Stops work when conditions are unsafe or unclear; follows PPE, utility, spotter, transport, and exclusion-zone requirements.

Quality - Completes work to the required grade, drainage function, limits, and cleanup standard without avoidable rework.

Equipment Care - Performs inspections and routine care; avoids abuse; reports problems and damage promptly.

Productivity - Works steadily, plans movements, minimizes idle time, and communicates obstacles before they become delays.

Reliability - Arrives prepared and on time, follows through on assignments, and communicates absences or delays promptly.

Teamwork - Supports cross-training, assists other crews, receives feedback professionally, and represents the family business well.

Employment Statement

This job description summarizes the primary duties and requirements of the position. It is not an exhaustive list and may be updated as business needs change. It does not create an employment contract. Employment is at will to the extent permitted by applicable law. The Best Land Clearing, LLC provides equal employment opportunity and reasonable accommodation as required by law.

Compensation

Hourly rate: $18.00 - $30.00