Equipment Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary:

Equipment Operators are responsible for operating specialized construction equipment used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of utilities.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Key Responsibilities:

• Equipment Operation

• Operate various types of heavy equipment such as excavators, plows, dozers, trenchers, skid steers, and hydro-vacs.

• Ensure equipment is operated safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company and industry standards.

• Load and unload equipment from trailers safely.

• Utility Installation Support

• Perform digging, trenching, grading, and backfilling for utility installation.

• Use utility locating tools to identify and avoid existing underground utilities.

• Hand dig around existing utilities when necessary.

• Safety & Compliance

• Follow all OSHA, DOT, and company safety guidelines.

• Use proper PPE and ensure crew adherence to safety protocols.

• Participate in job site safety meetings and job hazard assessments prior to each task.

• Documentation & Communication

• Complete daily equipment logs and job reports accurately.

• Read and interpret construction plans and layouts.

• Communicate effectively with crew members, foreman, and supervisors.

• Report issues, incidents, and near-misses to supervisors promptly.

• Training & Mentorship

• Assist in training and mentoring laborers.

• Participate in ongoing training and certifications as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Education & Certification:

• Valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record.

• Experience:

• Minimum 1 year of experience operating heavy equipment in utility construction or a related field.

• Skills & Competencies:

• Ability to read and understand utility maps, blueprints, and job plans.

• Possess good verbal communication skills.

• Ability to operate at least one piece of equipment we utilize on the job.

• Ability to pass background check and drug screening.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Class A Driver’s License

• High School Diploma or GED

• Vocational school training or apprenticeship

• OSHA 10

Work Environment:

• Work outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, or snow.

• Exposure to dust, mud, insects, and loud equipment.

• Regularly exposed to construction hazards such as open trenches, moving equipment, and vehicular traffic.

• May require overtime or weekend work depending on project needs.

Physical Requirements:

• Skills & Competencies:

• Must have physical strength, balance, hand-eye coordination, and stamina necessary to endure the daily activity involved on the job site.

• Perform continuous physical labor for extended periods (8–12 hours per day).

• Frequently lift, carry, push, or pull objects weighing up to 80 pounds unassisted.

• Occasionally lift items over 80 pounds with assistance.

• Mobility and Flexibility

• Stand, walk, and move over uneven terrain, construction sites, and confined areas for the majority of the workday.

• Bend, squat, kneel, climb, reach, twist, and crawl into trenches, under structures, or within tight enclosures.

• Climb ladders, steps, or equipment to access elevated or underground work zones.

• Ability to drive or ride in a vehicle for up to 11 hours to travel to and from job sites.

• Manual Dexterity and Coordination

• Use hand tools and power tools with precision and control.

• Repetitive motion tasks such as digging, raking, or using wrenches and pliers.

• Ability to work with small components such as fiber cable and splicing equipment.

• Visual and Auditory Requirements

• Visual acuity sufficient to read labels, identify cables, and operate tools and vehicles.

• Color vision to distinguish wire or cable types.

• Hearing sufficient to recognize warning signals, equipment alarms, or instructions.

Company DescriptionRobert “Bob” Sellenriek started his telephone construction company in 1979 with a vision, a used backhoe, a truck, a trencher, and 2 men. Today, Sellenriek Construction, Inc. operates from five locations and employs almost 150 people. Sellenriek Construction was founded on March 12th, 1979 by Robert “Bob” Sellenriek and his wife, Dixie. Prior to this, Bob had worked for L,P&H and Burnup & Sims for ten years. At its beginning, Sellenriek Constructions areas of service were primarily in east-central Missouri.

During the first decade in operation, there were many changes within the company. In 1981 the company placed its first fiber optic cable. On November 17th, 1986 Sellenriek Construction was incorporated under the laws of the State of Missouri. Sellenriek Construction work areas had expanded and employment grew to roughly twenty-five employees. In addition to the growth of service areas and employees, Bob and Dixie now had three children, Steve, Heath and Joy.

Services Sellenriek Construction could provide grew in 1991 when it purchased its first horizontal directional boring machine. In January 1998 the corporation purchased Cable Plow, Inc. located in Lewistown, Missouri allowing Sellenriek Construction Inc. to better serve its growing list of clients. Also, in 1998 and 1999 respectively, Bob & Dixie’s sons Steve and Heath started working for the company.

​In 2002 Sellenriek Construction opened its third office located in Columbia, Missouri. Sellenriek Construction Inc. service’s expanded yet again to include electrical distribution and directional boring of large diameter pipe. In 2003 Joys future husband, Joe Oden, started working for the company and was followed by Joy in 2004.

During 2009, being Sellenriek Constructions 30th year in business, major changes took place. A construction yard was opened in Warrensburg as well as a fifth location in Jefferson City. Currently Sellenriek Construction has almost 150 dedicated employees throughout the state of Missouri. Sellenriek Construction, Inc. remains a family owned and operated company. Bob is President of the corporation and is still very active in the company. Besides being officers, Steve, Heath, and Joy are actively involved in the day to day operations of the company.

From its humble beginning through today, Sellenriek Construction Inc. has done business with a simple motto – Do what is right for the customer. Proof of this is the fact that Sellenriek Construction Inc. has had many of the same clients for over 30 years and plans to work these same clients and more for the next 30.

​“Nothing the company has accomplished would have been possible if it weren’t for the many dedicated employees who work for Sellenriek Construction. It is their hard work and dedication that has allowed the company to grow and diversify to where we are today” – Bob Sellenriek

Company Description

Robert “Bob” Sellenriek started his telephone construction company in 1979 with a vision, a used backhoe, a truck, a trencher, and 2 men. Today, Sellenriek Construction, Inc. operates from five locations and employs almost 150 people. Sellenriek Construction was founded on March 12th, 1979 by Robert “Bob” Sellenriek and his wife, Dixie. Prior to this, Bob had worked for L,P&H and Burnup & Sims for ten years. At its beginning, Sellenriek Constructions areas of service were primarily in east-central Missouri.\r\n\r\nDuring the first decade in operation, there were many changes within the company. In 1981 the company placed its first fiber optic cable. On November 17th, 1986 Sellenriek Construction was incorporated under the laws of the State of Missouri. Sellenriek Construction work areas had expanded and employment grew to roughly twenty-five employees. In addition to the growth of service areas and employees, Bob and Dixie now had three children, Steve, Heath and Joy.\r\n\r\nServices Sellenriek Construction could provide grew in 1991 when it purchased its first horizontal directional boring machine. In January 1998 the corporation purchased Cable Plow, Inc. located in Lewistown, Missouri allowing Sellenriek Construction Inc. to better serve its growing list of clients. Also, in 1998 and 1999 respectively, Bob & Dixie’s sons Steve and Heath started working for the company.\r\n\r\n​In 2002 Sellenriek Construction opened its third office located in Columbia, Missouri. Sellenriek Construction Inc. service’s expanded yet again to include electrical distribution and directional boring of large diameter pipe. In 2003 Joys future husband, Joe Oden, started working for the company and was followed by Joy in 2004.\r\n\r\nDuring 2009, being Sellenriek Constructions 30th year in business, major changes took place. A construction yard was opened in Warrensburg as well as a fifth location in Jefferson City. Currently Sellenriek Construction has almost 150 dedicated employees throughout the state of Missouri. Sellenriek Construction, Inc. remains a family owned and operated company. Bob is President of the corporation and is still very active in the company. Besides being officers, Steve, Heath, and Joy are actively involved in the day to day operations of the company.\r\n\r\nFrom its humble beginning through today, Sellenriek Construction Inc. has done business with a simple motto – Do what is right for the customer. Proof of this is the fact that Sellenriek Construction Inc. has had many of the same clients for over 30 years and plans to work these same clients and more for the next 30.\r\n\r\n​“Nothing the company has accomplished would have been possible if it weren’t for the many dedicated employees who work for Sellenriek Construction. It is their hard work and dedication that has allowed the company to grow and diversify to where we are today” – Bob Sellenriek