Heavy Equipment Operator I

The Heavy Equipment Operator I perform a variety of skilled tasks in the maintenance of all LU grounds on and off campus locations. Working independently and exercising good judgment and discretion is essential to this job. Duties will occur mainly from Spring through Autumn. The Heavy Equipment Operator I, will be assigned other necessary construction duties and projects throughout the calendar year.

Examples include but are not limited to:

• Excavation
• Grading
• Operating Earth Moving and Excavating Equipment
• Operating Skid-Steer Loaders
• Operating Utility Tractors & attachments
• Operating Compact Tractors & attachments

General duties include grading and excavation for construction and installation, as well as maintenance projects on and off campus. Basic knowledge and understanding of landscape grading, civil grading, rough grading, finish grading and final grading is important for this role.

Knowledge and ability to operate light and heavy-duty equipment, mini-excavators, skid-steers, compact tractors, rakes, shovels, blowers, hand tools, and any other equipment associated with general construction are preferred.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

• As essential personnel: you are expected to be available in the event of school closings, delays, shutdowns, and any emergencies including clean-up required because of severe weather incidents. Performs snow removal activities as assigned, such as shoveling, salting, etc. Facilities Management Division employees are essential to the overall success of Liberty University and its day-to-day functions. Especially during ongoing campus events such as Winter Fest, Orientation and Move-in (August), Convocation, Commencement (May), CFAW, and summer camps amongst other planned and unplanned events throughout the year. Must be available to work scheduled and unscheduled hours as emergency needs arise.
• Reports to work at the designated location, on time each day. Must be punctual & dependable.
• Performs duties and follows directions as assigned by the Projects Manager and/ or Assistant Director of the Grounds dept.
• Responsible for wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while performing the job duties and responsibilities of a heavy equipment operator. The following types of PPE may be required but are not limited to, protective eyewear, ear protection, hard hat, gloves, steel-toed shoes/boots, respirators/ masks, reflective safety vests, and sunscreen. Ensures that all equipment safety and maintenance procedures are followed.
• Responsible for wearing a harness with a lanyard and other PPE if operating aerial lifts to perform & complete assigned jobs.
• Knowledge of tools, equipment, materials, techniques, skills, and methods of excavation, and grading.
• Knowledge and experience in using and maintaining heavy equipment.
• Operates various equipment in general site preparation, landscaping, snow removal, and related assignments.
• Ability to read blueprints, schematics, and drawings.
• Ensures that all excavation/grading work is performed following industry and university standards.
• Direct activities on the job site, including but not limited to coordinating workflow, hands-on work, and operating a variety of machinery.
• Operate machinery with various attachments; and other construction equipment as needed, as well as any other equipment associated with general construction.
• Proficient in light and heavy-duty equipment, vehicles, backhoes, rakes, shovels, blowers, small tools, front-end loaders, mini-excavators, and skid steer.
• Maintain and perform preventative maintenance on assigned equipment and notify the Project Manager/Assistant Director of the Grounds Department of any necessary repairs.
• Able to maintain a clean and safe job site. Hand-finish grade, and apply seed, straw, or sod, if necessary, when the job is complete.
• When all projects are complete fully inspect the job site. Make sure that all equipment, tools, and materials have been stored and secured. All blockades, ropes, and tape have been removed.
• Remains abreast of existing and emerging technologies, processes, products, services, and leading industry performance benchmarks.
• Works on special projects as assigned performs related duties as required, and all other duties as assigned.
• Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU's mission.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS
Education and Experie
nce

This position requires a high school degree or GED. 3+ years of professional construction experience.

Must be able to understand and follow instructions, and work under limited supervision. Must be able to work well with the public and co-workers, presenting a positive work ethic and attitude. Exceptional self-management. Desire to work with the team to accomplish goals.

Basic knowledge and use of Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint). Knowledge and use of Heavy Equipment Operation, such as Backhoe, Skid-Steer Loader, Motor Grader, and Excavators. Clean and professional appearance. Must be courteous, and detail oriented. Self-motivated, diligent, and trustworthy, possess strong organizational and planning skills and well-developed communication skills.

Must be able to lift 50+ pounds and perform the duties of a Heavy Equipment Operator in a typical Virginia Climate.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB
Communication and Comprehension

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear and well-articulated information.
• Ability to understand, speak, and write English to convey messages and correspond articulately and professionally.
• Must have basic knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions.
• Possess public communication skills that allow the professional representation of Liberty University to a variety of business and community customers and associates.
• Strong organizational skills.

Problem-Solving

• Must be able to think logically and solve problems that arise with little guidance.
• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• Occasionally required to drive to on and off-campus locations.
• Regularly required to hear and speak, and to effectively communicate orally.
• Required to be able to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move around campus for extended periods.
• Must be able to lift 50+ pounds, perform heavy equipment operation, and other project duties outdoors in a typical Virginia climate.
• Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel, or stoop to conduct business.
• Must be able to work on weekends, holidays, and flexible daily hours as well as various evening hours when needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is an indoor/outdoor setting and is defined by the weather. It involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment. Work involves almost constant exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, and/or loud noises.

Driving Requirements

The use of vehicles (personal or LU vehicles) is required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position. Proof of a valid Virginia driver's license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required.

Target Hire Date
2025-12-08

Time Type
Full time

Location
Lynchburg - In Office

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University's hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the "religion" component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.

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