Traveling Heavy Equipment Operator, PSG

Clean Harbors
Houston, TX
Career-pivot friendly

Who this role is best for

Geared toward experienced construction professionals comfortable with operating heavy machinery and long-term travel schedules.

Best fit for

  • Experienced heavy equipment operators with a track record in construction and a preference for high-travel roles
    — “Equipment Operator (95-100% Travel). The typical travel rotation for this group is 6 weeks out on a project (not coming home on weekends) and then 1 week off.”
  • Candidates who thrive in physically demanding environments and can manage extended periods away from home
    — “This position is physically demanding, and candidates must be able to navigate varying site conditions where steep slopes and rugged terrain may be present.”
  • Individuals with a minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in operating construction equipment
    — “Minimum of 3+ years of experience operating this type of equipment”

Things to consider

  • This role requires significant travel, with no weekends off during project cycles
    — “not coming home on weekends”
  • Candidates must be prepared to work all shifts, including graveyard shifts, while traveling
    — “All shifts may be required while traveling including day, second and graveyard shifts.”
  • The role demands physical stamina and the ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted
    — “Candidates must be able to lift 50 pounds unassisted”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with specific equipment like excavators and bulldozers in your resume and interviews
    — “Previous experience operating Bull Dozers, and Excavators required”
  • Emphasize your ability to work in varied and challenging terrain
    — “navigate varying site conditions where steep slopes and rugged terrain may be present”
  • Showcase adaptability and willingness to work long-term assignments in different locations
    — “Flying is required to get to project locations unless it is a local job”
  • Demonstrate your ability to follow strict safety and personal appearance protocols
    — “Maintains a clean and organized work environment, and a clean personal appearance. Facial hair must always comply with the company’s respiratory protection facial hair policy.”
  • Include any relevant manual labor experience to align with the role’s physical demands
    — “Candidates must also be willing and able to perform manual labor as required.”
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · LowAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Individual

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • efficient equipment operation
  • safe project execution
Typical background
3+ years of heavy equipment operation experience

Skills & requirements

Required

Heavy Equipment OperationManual LaborProject Site ManagementSafety Compliance

Preferred

Construction ExperienceArticulating Dump Truck Operation

Stack & domain

Excavator OperationFront End Loader OperationArticulating Dump Truck OperationBulldozer OperationMotor Grader OperationSoil Compactor OperationArticulating Water Truck OperationCompact Loader OperationCompact Excavator OperationManual LaborHealth And SafetyTraveling

About the role

Original posting from Clean Harbors

Clean Harbors’ Project Services Group is seeking to add several Traveling Heavy Equipment Operators to their team. The Heavy Equipment Operator will operate a variety of equipment, such as, backhoes, bulldozers, loader, screeners, excavators as well as other equipment. Candidates must also be willing and able to perform manual labor as required. 

Travel Requirements: Equipment Operator (95-100% Travel). The typical travel rotation for this group is 6 weeks out on a project (not coming home on weekends) and then 1 week off. Flying is required to get to project locations unless it is a local job.

Location: United States. All locations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Pay Info: $26-32 DOE

Per Diem available while traveling, individual accommodations provided- single occupancy room with kitchenette- typically a long-term type of hotel property. Prevailing wage and overtime available depending on the job site.

**Year-round consistent work with time off every 6 weeks to recharge. 

Position Overview:

The Heavy Equipment Operator (Traveling) operates heavy equipment such as bulldozers, compactors, excavators, etc.This individual will work either at a Clean Harbors facility or at a customer location. This position will require 95% travel in all 48 contiguous states (all travel expenses are covered).  

Why work for Clean Harbors?

Health and Safety is our #1 priority and we live it 3-6-5;Competitive wages - Based on Experience;Comprehensive health benefits coverage after 30 days of full-time employment;Group 401K with company matching component;Generous paid time off, company paid training and tuition reimbursement;Positive and safe work environments;Opportunities for advancement.

Competent and proficient operation of the following: excavator (60K LB and up), front end loader (3CY and up), articulating dump truck (25CY and up), bulldozer (150HP and up), motor grader, soil compactor, articulating water truck, compact loader, compact excavator, and other construction equipment;Minimum of 3+ years of experience operating this type of equipment;Manual labor is required as needed to keep the projects moving forward;All shifts may be required while traveling including day, second and graveyard shifts. Weekends are also required as needed based on projects;Ensuring that Health and Safety is the number one priority by complying with all safe work practices, policies, and processes and acting in a safe manner at all times;Other duties as required.

What does it take to work for Clean Harbors?

3+ years of previous experience in operating heavy equipment is required;Previous experience operating Bull Dozers, and Excavators required;Previous construction experience (Earthworks) preferred;Must be able to travel 95-100% - Schedule 6 weeks traveling followed by 1-week home PAID;Current valid driver license with an acceptable driving record required. 

Physical Requirements

This position is physically demanding, and candidates must be able to navigate varying site conditions where steep slopes and rugged terrain may be present and walk several miles per day. Candidates must be able to lift 50 pounds unassisted and wear personal protective equipment that may restrict movement, when required.Requires walking and standing for extended periods of time, sitting in equipment that may vibrate or jostle, climbing and working at heights, pulling/pushing, carrying, grasping, reaching, crawling, stooping, crouching, and balance. Requires speaking, listening, understanding, and writing English; color determination, depth perception, clarity of vision, and 20/20 eyesight (corrected or uncorrected).Maintains a clean and organized work environment, and a clean personal appearance. Facial hair must always comply with the company’s respiratory protection facial hair policy. 

Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer.  

Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact ect@cleanharbors.com or 1-844-922-5547.  

Clean Harbors is a Military & Veteran friendly company.  

Please be advised that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to support certain stages of the recruitment process but are not used as a replacement for human decision making.  

Clean Harbors is committed to complying with applicable pay transparency laws and ensuring fair and equitable compensation. The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this role. Final compensation may vary based on factors such as location, experience, skills, and business needs. In addition to the base salary, some roles may be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.  

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Source: Clean Harbors careers

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