ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Operator Soil Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

BELFOR Holdings

Heavy Equipment Operator

Arvada, CO · On-site

... soil excavation, backfilling, waste bulking, and/or demolition services, in accordance with established company policies. Equipment Operators will work on-site at project locations which typically ...

BELFOR Holdings

Heavy Equipment Operator

Arvada, CO · On-site

... soil excavation, backfilling, waste bulking, and/or demolition services, in accordance with established company policies. Equipment Operators will work on-site at project locations which typically ...

SiteOne Landscape Supply

Equipment Operator

Monument, CO · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

... soil amendments, and raw materials. The Equipment Operator performs assigned tasks while maintaining situational awareness and a level of proficiency that minimizes the risk of personal injury or ...

Spriggs

In-Town Heavy Equipment Operator

Durango, CO

$27 - $34/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator Location: Durango, CO Salary Range: $27.00-$34.00 DOE At Spriggs ... Adapt to changing environment including traffic, soil conditions and weather. * Utilize GPS systems ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsOperator Soil JobsOperator Soil Jobs in Colorado

Operator Soil information

What does an operator soil do?

An Operator Soil is responsible for operating and maintaining machinery used in soil preparation, such as tractors, graders, compactors, and other earth-moving equipment. They work on construction sites, farms, or landscaping projects to ensure the soil is properly graded, compacted, or tilled for building foundations, planting, or other purposes. Their duties also include inspecting equipment, following safety protocols, and sometimes performing minor repairs to keep machines in good working order.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operator soil, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operator Soil, you need practical knowledge of soil mechanics, equipment operation, and safety procedures, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant on-the-job training. Familiarity with heavy machinery such as excavators, loaders, and soil testing instruments, as well as certifications like OSHA safety training, is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure accurate soil handling, maintain site safety, and contribute to the efficiency and success of construction or agricultural projects.

What are some common challenges faced by an operator soil, and how can they be effectively managed on the job?

Operator Soil professionals often encounter challenges such as varying soil conditions, weather-related delays, and the need to maintain and troubleshoot heavy equipment. Adapting to different types of soil requires strong technical knowledge and attention to detail to ensure safety and quality. Effective communication with team members, ongoing equipment training, and proactive maintenance can help manage these challenges. Building strong collaboration with site supervisors and staying updated on best practices are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Operator Soil vs Equipment Operator?

AspectOperator SoilEquipment Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, possibly soil-specific certificationsOSHA safety training, equipment-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, excavation areas, soil testing sitesConstruction sites, factories, outdoor work involving machinery
Job DutiesExcavating, soil testing, site preparationOperating machinery like bulldozers, loaders, excavators
Industry UsageConstruction, landscaping, environmental testingConstruction, mining, agriculture

Operator Soil and Equipment Operator roles often overlap in construction environments. While Operator Soil focuses on soil-related tasks such as testing and site prep, Equipment Operators handle machinery operation. Both require safety certifications and work outdoors, but their specific duties differ based on the job focus.

What are popular job titles related to Operator Soil jobs in Colorado?

For Operator Soil jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operator Soil jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Operator Soil jobs in Colorado are:

Operator Soil jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operator Soil job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Heavy Equipment Operator - Dirt

Martin Marietta

Fort Collins, CO • On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Martin Marietta Materials rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

394th of 545 rated manufacturers

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Dirt Equipment Operator is a skilled role responsible for the operation of medium-to-heavy earthmoving and soil-conditioning equipment specifically for the preparation of roadbeds, parking lots, and other surfaces prior to asphalt or concrete application.

The Dirt Operator is expected to operate equipment with a high degree of precision, particularly in finish grading and sub-grade preparation. This individual ensures that the 'dirt' phase of the paving project meets exact specifications for slope, elevation, and compaction, directly impacting the quality and longevity of the final paved surface.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Operate a variety of heavy equipment including, but not limited to, Motor Graders (finish grade), Dozers (with GPS/LPS integration), Backhoes, Skid Steers, and Pad-foot/Smooth Drum Rollers.
  • Execute fine grading of sub-grade and base materials to within strict tolerances (typically within 0.1 foot) to prepare for asphalt or concrete paving.
  • Efficiently spread, level, and smooth dirt, gravel, or stone to the required depth and slope.
  • Operate tamping and rolling equipment to ensure soil density meets engineering requirements, preventing future settling or pavement failure.
  • Read and interpret construction stakes, grade markers, and blueprints to determine cut-and-fill requirements without constant supervision.
  • Utilize and troubleshoot onboard grade-control technologies to maintain automated precision during the grading process.
  • Identify and avoid underground and overhead utilities (water, gas, electric) through the study of 'One-Call' markings and site maps.
  • Conduct thorough 'Walk-Around' inspections daily. Document and report any mechanical deficiencies, fluid leaks, or safety hazards to the maintenance department immediately.
  • Perform basic field maintenance, including greasing joints, cleaning tracks/undercarriages, checking oil/coolant levels, and ensuring cabs are kept in a professional, clean condition.
  • Assist in the loading and unloading of equipment onto lowboy trailers and secure loads according to DOT and company standards.
  • Adhere strictly to Martin Marietta’s 'Guardian Angel' safety culture. Ensure all tasks are performed in compliance with OSHA regulations.
  • Actively participate in daily safety meetings. Identify potential hazards such as unstable slopes, blind spots, or ground crew proximity.
  • Assist in the setting up of work zone traffic control (cones, signs, flagging) to ensure a safe buffer between heavy machinery and public or site traffic.
  • Assist in the training of Operators and Laborers on safe machine operation and basic grading techniques.
  • Communicate effectively with dump truck drivers, laborers, and paving crews via hand signals or two-way radio to maintain a continuous, efficient workflow.

Education

High school diploma, GED, or relevant experience

Work Experience

3–5 years of heavy equipment operation specifically in a dirt/grading or paving environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

OSHA compliance and regulations

Mechanical aptitude

Technical aptitude

Detail oriented

Time management

Effective communication (written and spoken)

Leadership

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Physical Requirements

You must be able to lift up to 50–75 lbs consistently. This is often required when changing equipment attachments, handling heavy tools, or moving materials by hand.

You must be able to climb on and off heavy machinery (graders, rollers, loaders) multiple times a day. Some sites may require climbing stairs/ladders up to 100 feet at plant locations.

Expect to sit and operate equipment for long hours.

Constant bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching around equipment to perform pre-shift inspections and grease moving parts.

Travel

On-site

Working Conditions

All duties require outside assignments and require periods of work in all weather conditions, cold, wet, dry and dusty. Must be able to work in areas where noise levels are up to 85 dbs.

The hiring range for this position is $25 -$35 exclusive of benefits or bonuses (discretionary and non-discretionary). The offered base compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, business need, market conditions, proficiencies, skills, education, and experience. Additionally, at Martin Marietta we place a high value on internal pay equity and will consider the compensation for those in similarly situated roles and direct team members. The hiring range for this role represents the base compensation we expect to pay for the position at time of hire and does not represent the total possible base pay of the position.
 
In addition to our base compensation, we also offer a competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including medical, dental and vision coverage; prescription drug coverage; health savings accounts; flexible spending accounts; life, AD&D and disability insurance; 401(k) with a company match and an employer-funded defined benefit pension plan. Other benefits include paid time off, paid holidays, education/tuition assistance, an employee discount program, adoption assistance, wellness programs and more.
 
Part time employees are eligible to participate in the 401k plan and receive a company match. In addition, they are eligible to start accruing service for the pension plan.

What Martin Marietta Materials employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Martin Marietta logo

About Martin Marietta

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Martin Marietta is an American-based company and a leading supplier of building materials - including aggregates, cement, ready mixed concrete and asphalt.

Industry

Coal, metals and minerals mining

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1994

View All Martin Marietta Jobs