Light Equipment Operator

About the role

The Light Equipment Operator works on construction or plant sites, operating a variety of hand‑held and heavy‑duty machines to move materials, assist tradespeople, and keep equipment running safely. The role requires a solid understanding of safety hazards and the ability to perform routine inspections and minor maintenance.

Key responsibilities

• Read and interpret load charts and hand signals to position materials accurately.
• Operate equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, front‑end loaders, backhoes, forklifts, graders, drills, generators, saws and pumps.
• Perform daily equipment inspections, check fluids, refuel, add lubricants and assess wear.
• Carry out minor maintenance and cleaning of tools and machinery.
• Report any malfunctioning equipment to supervisors promptly.
• Load, transport, and unload materials, tools, equipment and supplies.
• Assist other craft workers as needed on the jobsite.

Required profile

• Physical ability to lift or carry up to 50 lb (occasionally up to 100 lb) and perform repetitive hand/arm motions.
• Capability to work on uneven, muddy, or rocky surfaces and in adverse weather conditions.
• Comfort with sedentary to heavy work, including climbing ladders, scaffolds, and confined spaces.
• Good hand‑eye coordination, depth perception and balance.
• Effective communication skills for hearing, understanding and speaking safety instructions.
• Ability to concentrate amid distractions and make sound decisions.

Required skills

• Bulldozer operation
• Excavator operation
• Front‑end loader operation
• Backhoe operation
• Forklift operation
• Grader operation
• Drill operation
• Generator operation
• Saw operation
• Pump operation
• Load chart interpretation
• Hand‑signal communication