Heavy Equipment Operator

Tunista Operations Support Services LLC

Regular

Primary Function

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for operating, maintaining, and safely handling a variety of heavy and specialized equipment used in grounds maintenance, landscape construction, land clearing, and facility support. This position supports the Grounds Department in ensuring outdoor areas, athletic fields, landscapes, and infrastructure remain well-maintained, safe, and functional.

Essential Duties

• Operate heavy equipment such as backhoes, loaders, skid steers, tractors, excavators, dump trucks, and other specialized machinery for grounds and landscaping projects.
• Perform land grading, excavation, trenching, hauling, debris removal, and site preparation for grounds improvement projects.
• Assist with installation and maintenance of irrigation systems, drainage systems, hardscape features, and athletic field surfaces.
• Conduct routine pre- and post-operation inspections; perform basic equipment maintenance including lubrication, fueling, and safety checks.
• Report mechanical issues and coordinate with the Grounds Equipment Technician or Fleet Services for repairs.
• Follow safety protocols, equipment operating procedures, and departmental standards at all times.
• Support seasonal grounds tasks such as snow removal, leaf collection, storm cleanup, and special event preparation.
• Work collaboratively with groundskeepers, maintenance staff, and supervisors to complete projects efficiently.
• Maintain accurate logs of equipment use, project assignments, and material quantities.
• Uphold the department's commitment to customer service, professionalism, and campus/facility appearance.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• N/A

Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience operating heavy equipment in grounds, construction, agriculture, or related environments.
• Valid driver's license; ability to obtain a CDL if required by the department.
• Knowledge of safe operating practices and OSHA/industry safety standards.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, site plans, and verbal instructions.
• Physical ability to perform manual labor, lift 50+ lbs, and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Experience with ROBOTIC paint equipment desired

Required Qualifications

• Experience in athletic field layout or grounds maintenance preferred; training available for the right candidate.
• Knowledge of field measurements and sport-specific field marking standards is a plus.
• Ability to operate painting and grounds equipment safely and efficiently.
• Strong attention to detail and spatial accuracy.
• Ability to perform physical work in outdoor environments, including lifting up to 50 lbs, walking long distances, and working in various weather conditions.
• Basic math skills for measuring and layout work.
• Valid driver's license preferred (facility-dependent).
• Strong equipment operation skills and mechanical aptitude
• Attention to safety and detail
• Ability to work independently and with a team
• Time-management and task-prioritization skills
• Effective communication with supervisors and coworkers

Working Environment

• A fast-paced multi-tasking customer service-oriented environment requiring a high degree of efficient and effective performance.
• Adaptability regarding schedule and task changes is necessary to accommodate changing priorities.
• Work performed in all weather conditions

PREFERENCE STATEMENT
Preference will be given to Calista shareholders and their descendants and to spouses of Calista shareholders, and to shareholders of other corporations created pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, in accordance with Title 43 U.S. Code 1626(g).

EEO STATEMENT
Additionally, it is our policy to select, place, train and promote the most qualified individuals based upon relevant factors such as work quality, attitude and experience, so as to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees in compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws and without regard to non-work related factors such as race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, genetic information, or other protected status. When applicable, our policy of non-discrimination applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, placement, layoff, compensation, termination, reduction in force and benefits.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
It is Calista and Subsidiaries' business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.

The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements.

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.