We are seeking a motivated and safety-focused Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice to join our team. This position provides structured, hands-on training for individuals interested in developing the skills necessary to become a qualified Heavy Equipment Operator.

Working under the direct supervision and guidance of an experienced mentor, the apprentice will learn to safely inspect, operate, and maintain heavy equipment while supporting material movement, excavation, utility-related work, vegetation management, and other field operations.

This is a time-based registered apprenticeship designed to combine on-the-job learning with related technical and safety instruction. Apprentices who successfully complete all required training and demonstrate proficiency in the required competencies will receive a Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship as a Heavy Equipment Operator.

The Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship includes:

• Approximately 4,500 hours of structured on-the-job training

• Approximately 432 hours of related instruction

• 1:1 apprentice-to-mentor supervision

• Progressive development of equipment operation, utility safety, field safety, and job-specific competencies

• Opportunities to receive company, college, and/or vendor-provided training

• A pathway to becoming a fully qualified Heavy Equipment Operator upon successful completion of the program

Responsibilities

As a Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice, you will receive hands-on training and supervised experience in safe equipment operation, utility work, and field safety. Training will include:

• Learn proper equipment startup, setup, inspection, shutdown, and safe operating procedures.

• Monitor equipment gauges, indicators, and operating ranges.

• Safely enter and exit equipment using three-point contact.

• Follow written and verbal instructions for material movement, excavation, and other field operations.

• Learn proper equipment winching, backing, and hand-signal procedures.

• Train on specialized equipment, including feller bunchers and stump grinders, and develop proper heavy-equipment felling techniques.

• Follow all company safety procedures and correctly use required PPE.

• Learn Minimum Approach Distances, voltage classifications, grounding procedures, and safe working distances around utility lines, hardware, and conductors.

• Understand step potential, storm-work expectations, and hazards associated with utility operations.

• Identify jobsite hazards and apply appropriate safety and mitigation techniques.

• Learn to work safely on slopes, rocky terrain, swamps, bogs, and other changing field conditions.

• Follow proper spill response and cleanup procedures.

• Develop basic knowledge of tree anatomy as it relates to equipment and vegetation operations.

• Maintain continuous awareness of coworkers, equipment, utilities, terrain, and surrounding hazards while performing assigned work.

Skills

• Interest in developing a career as a Heavy Equipment Operator.

• Ability and willingness to complete the full apprenticeship training program.

• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.

• Commitment to following company safety policies and procedures.

• Willingness to learn from and work under the supervision of an assigned mentor.

• Ability to work safely around heavy equipment, vehicles, utilities, vegetation, and active jobsites.

• Ability to wear and properly use required PPE.

• Dependable attendance and willingness to participate in classroom and hands-on training.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a field-based team.

Qualifications

Preferred

• Previous experience working in construction, utilities, vegetation management, forestry, landscaping, excavation, or another outdoor/field environment.

• Previous exposure to heavy equipment or commercial vehicles.

• Basic mechanical aptitude.

• Familiarity with workplace and jobsite safety practices.

Previous professional heavy equipment operating experience is not required. This position is designed to train and develop qualified Heavy Equipment Operators.