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Operator Soil Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Heavy Equip Operator - Craig, CO

Craig, CO · On-site

$40.49 - $43.51/hr

Operate heavy equipment and machinery as needed to clear, dig, grade, and handle earth, rocks, soil ... Previous experience operating heavy machinery in the mining or heavy civil construction industries.

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Operator Soil information

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 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 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.
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.

Loader Operator - Dirt

Martin Marietta

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Martin Marietta Materials rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

351st of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

Description
JOB SUMMARY
The Dirt Equipment Operator II 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 II 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.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
High school diploma, GED, or relevant experience
Work Experience
1+ years of Heavy Equipment Operation experience, 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 communicator (written and spoken)
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Physical Requirements
Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. for plant maintenance and equipment servicing.
Required to bend, stoop, climb, and reach. You must be able to maintain three points of contact when climbing on/off machinery or on ladders.
Strong hand-eye-foot coordination is essential for operating hand/foot controls. You must have good depth perception with or without seeing aid for distances up to 150 feet.
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 $27 -$36 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.
A member of the S&P 500 Index, Martin Marietta is an American-based company and a leading supplier of heavy building materials - including aggregates, cement, ready-mixed concrete and asphalt. Through a network of operations spanning 28 states, Canada and the Bahamas, dedicated Martin Marietta teams supply the foundational resources upon which our communities thrive. Martin Marietta's Magnesia Specialties business produces high-purity magnesia and dolomitic lime products used worldwide in environmental, industrial, agricultural and specialty applications.
At Martin Marietta, we strive to work with the best and the brightest - those who have the potential to become our company's future leaders. Each of our roughly 9,500 people shares a common purpose regardless of their professional role or work environment. Together, we utilize our diverse skills and experiences to drive our company and its extraordinary culture forward. Our aim is to build on our foundation of success and help values-driven and hardworking people realize their full potential. When you decide to invest your career in Martin Marietta, you'll know what it's like to be respected, challenged and rewarded.
In return, we offer a highly competitive benefits package, including:
  • Medical
  • Prescription Drug
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Health Care Reimbursement Account
  • Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
  • Wellness Programs
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • Paid Holidays and Vacation
  • 401(k) with Company matching
  • Pension
  • Salary Continuation - Short-Term Disability
  • Long-Term Disability Options
  • Employee Life Insurance
  • Spouse & Dependent Life Insurance
  • Business Travel Accident Insurance
  • Direct Deposit Payroll
  • Educational/Tuition Assistance Plan
  • College Scholarship Program - for dependent children
  • Matching Gift Program
  • New Auto Purchase Discount Plans

At Martin Marietta, we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all qualified applicants and teammates. We celebrate diversity and commit that qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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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