Heavy Equipment Operator

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

Pay: $26.00 - $33.00 per hour

Ruston Paving is a commercial and industrial paving construction contractor with offices in New York, Virginia, and North Carolina. Established in 1943, the company is family‑oriented and in its third generation of business. We handle all types of asphalt paving projects from minor repairs to new construction, including asphalt reclamation and recycling.

Teamwork is essential. The operator safely operates various motorized equipment used in site work and paving projects, performing skilled and semi‑skilled tasks per the role’s essential functions.

• Operate construction or power equipment, including an excavator, grader, bulldozer, backhoe, front‑end loader, skid steer, asphalt paver, dirt/asphalt roller, asphalt reclaimer, soil stabilizer, and asphalt milling machine.
• Assist grading or paving crews in removing or installing stone, dirt, asphalt pavement or storm‑water systems with or without heavy equipment. May also assist with hand tools as needed.
• Occasionally operate jackhammers, saws, and other small equipment and tools.
• Perform routine maintenance and emergency repairs, report complex mechanical problems, and clean equipment as needed.
• Securely store heavy equipment.
• Assist in installation and maintenance of traffic‑control devices.
• Conform to safety and security standards per law, jobsite requirements, and company policies.
• Conduct pre‑ and post‑trip inspections of vehicles, equipment, and trailers, noting defects verbally and in writing.
• Follow proper safety and incident reporting procedures.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Excitement and motivation for the workday.
• Professionalism and willingness to receive direction and constructive criticism.
• Prioritizes safety for all jobsite personnel.
• Shows genuine interest in coworkers and customer needs.
• Knowledge of proper equipment use, materials, and supplies.
• Knowledge of heavy‑site construction equipment operation, maintenance, and capability.
• General first‑aid knowledge and safety precautions.
• Proper and safe use of equipment and tools.
• Independent work capability to meet schedules.
• Effective oral and written communication.
• Ability to read, understand, and transmit written/instructional materials.
• Good common‑sense judgment and problem‑solving.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.

• Any combination of education and work experience that demonstrates the knowledge and ability to perform the job.
• Minimum of 2 years of heavy equipment operator experience.
• Site excavation and/or paving experience required.
• Valid in‑state driver’s license (or ability to obtain one) preferred.

• Employee shifts start and end at the local division office/shop; transportation to and from the job site is provided.
• Laundered uniforms and PPE are provided and must be worn in accordance with company policy.
• Projects may require overnight stays; per diem pay is offered when applicable.
• Double‑time pay for weekend work.
• Employees may be assigned to other locations or operations as required.

• Regularly sit; use hands; reach; talk and hear. Noise level generally loud.
• Occasionally stand, walk, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 lbs.
• Require close, distance, peripheral, depth vision and ability to adjust focus.
• Must move arms and legs quickly.
• Excellent stamina required.
• Work independently, maintaining schedule; stress may increase with time constraints.

All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a negative pre‑employment drug screen and background checks, including criminal history checks, employment verification, education verification, DMV checks, and fingerprinting where permitted by law.

This description is not meant to cover every aspect of the position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities are subject to change at any time with or without notice.

Ruston Paving provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Signing bonus, if offered, applies to direct applicants only; not available to candidates submitted by recruiters. Details, if applicable, will be in the offer letter.

On the go? You can text OPERATOR1 to 315‑918‑PAVE (7283) to apply.