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Heavy Equipment Operator - Earn $41 per hour - Full Time Position with Benefits - Manchester, NH at Skillit.

Skillit. Fitchburg, MA $41+/hour

Job Description

We're seeking skilled Heavy Equipment Operators for a long-term civil tunnel project in New England area. We prioritize your safety and value your expertise.

We offer flexible interview times and an easy-to-follow application process. Apply now to jumpstart your skilled craft career!

Markets Hiring: Manchester, NH and surrounding areas

Salary Range: $41 per hour

Benefits:

  • Medical PPO Plan
  • Dental DPO Plan
  • Vision Insurance
  • Employee Life Insurance & Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
  • Disability Insurance
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) Plan Matching


Here's what Skillit needs from you:

  • Minimum 3+ years of heavy equipment operation experience, preferably in tunnel or underground projects.
  • Knowledge of rigging techniques and safety standards.
  • Ability to read and interpret grade plans and follow instructions.
  • Strong commitment to safety and teamwork.
  • Physical ability to perform labor tasks when necessary.
  • OSHA 10 or 30 trained preferred
  • Strong understanding of safety procedures and protocols.
  • Excellent communication skills to collaborate with a team.
  • Physical fitness and ability to work in confined or underground spaces.
  • Comfortable working shifts, including nights and weekends.
  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Problem-solving: Ability to think quickly and problem-solve in an ever-changing environment.
  • Mechanical aptitude: A mechanically inclined mindset is beneficial for equipment maintenance and issue identification. This is your equipment, if it doesn't work, you don't
  • Communication: The ability to communicate effectively with other crew members, often using hand signals or radios.


Here's what you'll be doing:

  • Equipment operation: Operate common heavy equipment such as a crane (as CCO crane operator), loader, backhoe, forklift, skid steer, and drill rig in a safe and professional manner. Operate specialized underground/tunnel equipment such as Locomotive, Pressurized face Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), Slurry & Water Treatment Plant in a safe and professional manner.
  • Safety and compliance: Following all safety regulations, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), and monitoring the tunnel for hazards.
  • Equipment maintenance: Performing regular inspections and minor maintenance on machinery to ensure it is functioning correctly and to prevent breakdowns.
  • Performance monitoring: Perform daily equipment upkeep tasks and basic maintenance.
  • Team collaboration: Communicating with supervisors, engineers, and other construction workers to ensure project goals are met.
  • Record keeping: Maintaining accurate logs of work performed, equipment status, and any incidents.
  • Key responsibilities involve adhering strictly to safety protocols, monitoring equipment performance, communicating with the project team, and sometimes managing tunnel control systems for ventilation and traffic.
  • Attend and actively participate in daily activity plans and safety meetings.

$85k beats the market for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators nationally

National salary averages
$85k
↑ 45% vs typical mid-level
Entry
Mid
Senior
This job
$40k Market range (10th-90th percentile) $101k

This is a strong offer—weigh total comp and growth potential.

Slight candidate advantage

Strong hiring activity gives you options. Use competing offers strategically.

Hiring leverage
Lean candidate
Wage leverage
Balanced
Mobility
Good mobility

Who this leverage applies to

Stronger for: Senior candidates with options

Where to negotiate

Base salary
Sign-on bonus
Title / level
Remote flexibility
Scope & responsibility
Start date / PTO

Likely Possible Unlikely

Use competing offers and timing to your advantage.

Does this path compound?

Job Growth →
High churn
Growth, flat pay
🚀 Compound
Growth + pay upside
⚠️ Plateau
Limited growth
Specialize
Experts earn more
Pay Upside →
Expertise pays off

Limited new roles, but specialists earn significantly more.

+4%
10yr growth
Typical: High school diploma or equivalent

Openings come from turnover, not new growth. Differentiate to advance.

Labor data: BLS 2024